Frozen Shoulder Treatment
Dr. Pamela Mehta MD
Shoulder Surgeon in San Jose
Dr. Pamela Mehta is an experienced shoulder surgeon renowned for her expertise in sports injuries and joint arthritis. She is the founder of Resilience Orthopedics.
With an impressive career and training under leading innovators, she has served as Chief of Orthopedics and National Orthopedic Director for a major orthopedic hospitalist group and advises several publicly traded companies.
Table of Contents
What is a Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a common condition which can cause pain and lack of mobility in your shoulder. It is also known as adhesive capsulitis. If you have shoulder pain with limited movement, you might have frozen shoulder.
The shoulder joint (glenohumeral or GH joint) is made up of:
- Bones
- Cartilage
- Muscles (including the rotator cuff)
- Ligaments
It is known as a “ball and socket” joint giving the shoulder excellent range of motion. This allows you to make such movements as swimming, throwing a baseball, or itching your back.
A frozen shoulder is exactly what it sounds like – your shoulder gets stiff and feels like it’s stuck! This happens when the soft tissue around your shoulder joint (the capsule) becomes thick and inflamed.
You are at increased risk of getting adhesive capsulitis if you are:
- Diabetic
- Suffering from thyroid disorders
- Aged 40-60, particularly women
- Recovering from surgery – particularly if you must wear a sling or hold your arm still
Book a Consultation with Dr. Pamela Mehta, MD
The Best Orthopedic Surgeon in San Jose
Dr. Mehta is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who can help you recover from your joint condition.
We can help if you:
- Are Suffering From Pain and Mobility Issues
- Need Orthopedic Assessment and Advice
- Want Treatment From a Top Orthopedic Doctor
Call On 408-559-3888
or Send a Message
Do I Have a Frozen Shoulder?
If your shoulder has been getting more stiff and difficult to move, it’s possible you have a frozen shoulder.
Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, making it sometimes difficult to diagnose. It’s important that you visit your shoulder doctor to get your joint evaluated.
Diagnosis requires a physical examination and further tests. Dr. Mehta may order an X-ray or MRI to make sure there isn’t another cause of your pain and stiffness.
You may have a frozen shoulder if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Pain in your arm when you try to move it
- Stiffness that’s getting worse over time (sometimes over months)
- Discomfort that gets worse at night or when sleeping with frozen shoulder
- Struggling to do everyday tasks such as dress yourself
When your shoulder starts to hurt, you end up trying to move it less to avoid the pain. This actually makes the stiffness worse!
An orthopedic surgeon can help get you the right diagnosis and start you on the path to recovery. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms you should book a consultation as soon as possible.
How is Frozen Shoulder Treated?
You might be asking yourself, “How do I cure frozen shoulder quickly?” A frozen shoulder can last years if it goes untreated – the quickest way is to seek the expertise from an orthopedic surgeon and start your treatment as soon as possible.
In the first stages your pain may start to ease up, but the stiffness will slowly worsen. Before you visit an orthopedic surgeon, you should continue to use your arm but avoid movements which worsen the pain. You can try taking pain relief and placing hot packs onto the affected shoulder.
After diagnosis your treatment plan might include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Home exercises
- Cortisone injection
- Shoulder Surgery (rarely)
If you don’t get the right treatment for your frozen shoulder, the pain and stiffness can last up to three years! Several frozen shoulder exercises might help, though it’s best to do these under supervision of a physical therapist or orthopedic surgeon.
With the right treatment plan, you can cut recovery time dramatically – though it can still be months before you regain full function.
The right treatment approach differs depending on your age, extent of injury, and what your goals are for your recovery. That is why it is vital to find an orthopedic surgeon who listens to you and creates a holistic treatment plan to suit your priorities. Dr. Pamela Mehta, an orthopedic surgeon based in San Jose, CA, can help you determine the best treatment option for your frozen shoulder.
Ready to Recover?
Take the first step in getting back to your normal self, and book an appointment with Dr. Mehta today.
We’re ready when you are!
Testimonials
What Shoulder Services Do We Offer?
Shoulder Pain Assessment
Shoulder Pain is frustrating and can impact both your sleep and your mental health. Dr. Mehta is a shoulder doctor and can diagnose your pain, offering various surgical and non-surgical treatments.
Shoulder Surgery
If your shoulder condition is severe, or nothing you have tried has helped, Dr. Mehta can advise you on the options for surgery. She is a shoulder specialist and can offer expert opinion and care.
Treatment of Shoulder Conditions
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder makes your shoulder stiff and can make movement painful.
Bicep Tendinitis
Bicep tendonitis causes pain in your upper arm and can lead to a bicep tendon tear.
Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement makes it difficult to raise your arms above your head.
Shoulder Separation
Shoulder separation is a sprain in the AC joint near your shoulder.
Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis gives you a tender shoulder and makes it difficult to sleep.
Rotator Cuff Tear
Rotator cuff tears can occur during sports and make overhead movements difficult.
Dislocated Shoulder
Shoulder dislocation causes a disformed and painful shoulder and can be recurrent.
Bone Spurs
Bone spurs can form over time and cause pain and impingement.
And Many More!
Dr. Mehta offers diagnosis and treatment of all shoulder conditions and can offer her specialist opinion as an expert shoulder doctor.
Call Us On 408-559-3888
or Send a Message
