Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Sharjah

What is frozen shoulder treatment?

Frozen shoulder treatment manages adhesive capsulitis, a condition in which the lining of the shoulder joint, called the capsule, becomes inflamed, thickened and tight. The shoulder becomes painful and then stiff in every direction, whether you try to move it yourself or someone else moves it for you. That second point helps distinguish frozen shoulder from a rotator cuff problem, where the shoulder usually moves further when helped.

Frozen shoulder tends to pass through three overlapping stages: a painful stage, when pain is high and movement starts to reduce; a stiff stage, when pain eases but movement stays limited; and a recovery stage, when movement gradually returns. Treatment at each stage has a different goal, so the plan changes as the shoulder changes.

At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, frozen shoulder is treated by the hospital's own physical therapists together with the orthopedic surgeons, who confirm the diagnosis, arrange tests where needed and provide injections or other medical treatment.

Who needs it

Frozen shoulder treatment is for adults, most often in middle age, with:

• Shoulder pain that has built up gradually, often worse at night and when lying on that side
• Increasing difficulty reaching behind the back, fastening clothing, or reaching up to a shelf
• Loss of outward rotation, such as turning the forearm out while keeping the elbow at the side
• Stiffness after a period of keeping the arm still, for example after an injury or operation

Frozen shoulder is more common in people with diabetes and thyroid conditions. If you have either, managing it well is part of the plan, and the diabetes management service can support this. An orthopedic surgeon examines the shoulder first, and an X-ray may be used to look for arthritis or other causes of stiffness.

What happens

The first appointment includes an examination of how far the shoulder moves on its own and with help, which movements are most restricted, and how the neck and shoulder blade are working. The findings set the stage and the plan.

In the painful stage, treatment focuses on calming the joint:

• Pain relief as advised by the doctor, so you can sleep and move
• Gentle movement within comfort, such as pendulum swings with the arm hanging and supported arm raises
• Sleep positions, such as lying on the other side with the painful arm resting on a pillow
• An injection into the joint, which the orthopedic surgeon may offer to reduce inflammation and pain; the image-guided injection page describes how injections are placed accurately

In the stiff stage, the emphasis moves to regaining range:

• Stretching into the restricted directions, held gently and repeated through the day
• Manual therapy, including joint mobilisation to stretch the tight capsule
• Shoulder blade and rotator cuff strengthening, so the shoulder moves smoothly as range returns
• Task practice, such as reaching overhead, dressing and reaching behind the back

In the recovery stage, stretching and strengthening continue until reaching, lifting and daily tasks feel normal again. For a small number of people whose shoulder stays very stiff, the orthopedic surgeon may discuss a procedure; the shoulder surgery page describes the options.

Preparing for it

• Wear a vest or loose, sleeveless top so the therapist can see both shoulders and shoulder blades.
• Bring blood test results, particularly for diabetes and thyroid function, if you have them.
• Take pain relief as advised before sessions in the painful stage.
• List the tasks you find hardest, such as washing your hair, reaching a seatbelt or praying.
• Bring any X-ray or scan reports from previous doctors.

Afterwards

Mild aching after stretching is expected and usually settles within an hour or two. Stretching little and often through the day suits the shoulder better than a single forceful session.

Keep using the arm for light daily tasks within comfort. Desk workers can place the mouse and phone close to the body. Drivers can reach for the seatbelt with the other hand. People in manual or overhead work plan lighter duties with their employer during the painful stage. For prayer, raising the arms for the opening takbir may be limited for a while; the physical therapist includes that movement in the programme.

Contact the hospital if shoulder pain becomes severe and constant, or the shoulder becomes hot, red and swollen with a fever. **Go to the emergency department straight away if shoulder or arm pain comes with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating.**

Cost and insurance

Most UAE insurance plans cover frozen shoulder assessment and physiotherapy with pre-approval, often with a session cap per year or per condition. Injections and any imaging may need separate approval. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check your cover on 06 599 7777.