Physiotherapy | Exercises at a Frozen Shoulder

Physiotherapy

In addition to active exercises, other physiotherapy measures can also be used to treat frozen shoulders. However, passive therapeutic techniques should always be supplemented by an active exercise program, which the patient also carries out at home, in order to achieve optimal treatment results.

• Particularly targeted heat applications can be helpful in the acute phase, as they stimulate blood circulation in the tissue and relieve pain.
• Electrotherapy, i.e. the application of certain forms of current, can also help to improve the blood circulation in the tissue and thus to improve and heal the structures.
• Manual treatment of the joint is also possible.

  Here, the therapist can move the joint partners, i.e. the shoulder head against the glenoid cavity, by means of certain grip techniques. This improves the joint mechanics and can improve joint mobility.

• Soft tissue techniques such as massages and friction (punctual massages) or stretching can help to make the tissue more flexible and supple again. The joint function should thus be improved.

Exercises after surgery

Surgery may be necessary in cases of permanent therapy-resistant loss of movement. Subsequent physiotherapeutic follow-up treatment is essential to prevent the capsule from re-bonding. Exercises that are offered after the operation serve for gentle mobilization.

In addition to pendulum exercises (see above), the patient can also improve the mobility of his shoulder in other ways. 1) Pushing the cloth To eliminate gravity and thus make mobilization easier, the patient sits down in front of a table and puts a cloth (e.g. kitchen table) under his hands. Now the patient pushes the cloth forward by leaning the upper body forward, the arms stretch and slide gently over the table.

This mobilizes the shoulder joint. 2) Mobilization while standing A somewhat more difficult exercise is mobilization while standing. The palms of the hands are placed against a wall at a comfortable height, which is possible for the patient, just in front of the body.

The patient first stands in front of the wall, then, while the hands remain firmly on the wall, moves back step by step so that the upper body leans forward. The shoulder joint is mobilized. The exercises can be performed 15-20 times in 3-4 sets and should be only slightly strenuous. Pain should not occur under any circumstances.