Frozen Shoulder Specialists
Pain and stiffness in your shoulder that make it difficult to perform everyday tasks may be a sign of a frozen shoulder. The condition results from tightening and thickening of the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder. The skilled orthopedic team at Sports Medicine Oregon in Tigard and Wilsonville, Oregon, diagnoses and treats patients with frozen shoulder to restore full function and reduce discomfort. Call today and speak with a friendly staff member for an appointment or use the online tool to schedule.
Innovation in treating shoulder injuries
Sports Medicine: Specialized Care for Shoulder Injuries
Sports Medicine focuses on treating shoulder injuries that arise from maintaining an active lifestyle. Whether you're an amateur baseball player, a competitive golfer, or a professional tennis player, we are committed to helping you understand the severity of your injury and to support you in returning to peak performance. At Sports Medicine Oregon, we provide top-notch care for athletes at every level.
Personalized Approach to Recovery
As part of your care team, we will collaborate with you to identify your goals. We’ll discuss various treatment and recovery options, as well as the benefits and risks associated with each, to ultimately guide you in selecting the best path for your health and wellness. Our aim is to facilitate your safe return to optimal athletic performance.
Expertise in Shoulder Care
Our specialists concentrate on all facets of shoulder injuries and their treatment. With a profound understanding of shoulder mechanics and physiology, our research-informed treatment programs are tailored to your needs. Many of our clinical experts are athletes themselves, allowing them to grasp the unique demands of each sport and to seamlessly integrate those elements into your rehabilitation and return-to-play strategy.
Frozen Shoulder Q & A
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a common condition that causes serious limitations in its function. It affects the connective tissue of the ball-and-socket joint, limiting your range of motion and comfort. Symptoms develop over time and most often affect women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Frozen shoulder may also develop after a period of shoulder immobilization, such as post-fracture or surgery. That is why the team at Sports Medicine Oregon recommends physical therapy as a part of surgical and injury rehabilitation.
What are the symptoms of frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder usually develops in three phases.
Phase 1
During phase one, you’ll notice significant locking at the joint. Much of your mobility is lost. Your pain level also increases.
Phase 2
You may have less pain during phase 2, but your range of motion is still severely limited, and you have significant shoulder stiffness. Brushing your hair, removing a shirt, or putting away groceries can be a challenge.
Phase 3
This phase is the thawing stage. You may naturally regain normal movement six months to two years after first noticing symptoms.
How is frozen shoulder treated?
Most cases of frozen shoulder resolve on their own after 18-24 months. But many people need relief much sooner.
Frozen shoulder is most often resolved using physical therapy and injection therapy, including corticosteroids. The physical therapists at Sports Medicine Oregon can teach you range-of-motion exercises to help recover your mobility. You must commit to doing these exercises regularly, even when not at the office.
Corticosteroid injections reduce pain and inflammation, which can help with mobility — especially in the first phase of the condition. You may also benefit from shoulder manipulation, during which your doctor moves your shoulder joint in several directions while you’re safely and comfortably under a general anesthetic. That intervention may help loosen the tightened tissue.
In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue and adhesions to free the joint capsule so you can move without restriction.
If you are experiencing symptoms that suggest frozen shoulder, call Sports Medicine Oregon or use the online tool to schedule an appointment with one of the orthopedic experts today.