Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and debilitating condition that affects the shoulder joint, limiting its range of motion. It typically develops over time and can make daily activities such as reaching, lifting, or even dressing extremely difficult. In Kanpur, where the demand for expert orthopedic care is high, orthopedic doctors are utilizing advanced treatment methods to help patients regain mobility and relieve pain. This article explores how orthopedic surgeons and the best orthopedic doctor in Kanpur are treating frozen shoulder effectively, ensuring patients can return to their normal lives as quickly as possible.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is characterized by the thickening and tightening of the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint, leading to stiffness and restricted movement. This issue generally progresses through 3 stages:
- Freezing Stage: Gradually increases the pain and shoulder movement becomes limited.
- Frozen Stage: Pain may decrease, but stiffness and restricted mobility worsen.
- Thawing Stage: Gradual improvement in shoulder movement and reduction of stiffness.
The condition can develop due to various factors, such as:
- Prolonged immobility (following surgery or injury)
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases
- Thyroid disorders
- Shoulder injury or trauma
Regardless of the cause, the right orthopedic care is crucial for effective recovery.
How Orthopaedic Surgeons in Kanpur Diagnose Frozen Shoulder
Before treatment begins, a thorough diagnosis is essential. Orthopedic doctor in Kanpur typically follow a systematic approach to accurately diagnose frozen shoulders:
1. Physical Examination
The orthopedic doctor assesses the shoulder’s range of motion, examining both passive (when the doctor moves your arm) and active (when you move your arm) motion.
2. Medical History
Patients are asked about their symptoms, any previous injuries, surgeries, and existing medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems.
3. Imaging Tests
While physical examination is often sufficient for diagnosis, doctors may recommend imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to rule out other conditions, such as rotator cuff injuries or arthritis.
Once diagnosed, the best orthopedic doctor in Kanpur create a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s unique needs and severity of the condition.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Frozen Shoulder
Orthopedic doctor in Kanpur prioritize non-surgical approaches for treating frozen shoulder, as these methods have proven to be highly effective for most patients. Some of the non-invasive procedure used include:
1. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
One of the primary methods for treating frozen shoulder is physical therapy. Orthopedic doctors collaborate with physiotherapists to develop targeted exercise regimens aimed at gradually improving the shoulder’s range of motion. Stretching and mobility exercises help loosen the tight joint capsule and restore flexibility.
In Kanpur, several specialized orthopedic clinics offer advanced rehabilitation facilities, making it easier for patients to receive ongoing physical therapy sessions. Regular sessions, combined with home-based exercises, are key to improving mobility during the frozen shoulder’s thawing stage.
Key exercises may include:
- Pendulum stretches: Gentle swinging of the arm to maintain joint flexibility.
- Towel stretches: Using a towel to increase range of motion in the shoulder.
- Cross-body stretches: Stretching the affected arm across the body to promote flexibility.
Tip: It’s essential to work closely with a physiotherapist to ensure exercises are performed correctly and avoid further injury.
2. Pain Management with Medication
Frozen shoulder can cause significant discomfort, especially during the freezing stage. To manage pain, orthopedic doctor in Kanpur may recommend:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Corticosteroid injections: In cases of severe pain or inflammation, corticosteroid injections directly into the shoulder joint provide fast and effective relief, allowing patients to participate more actively in physical therapy.
3. Heat and Cold Therapy
Heat therapy (e.g., using a heating pad or warm compress) can relax the muscles and improve blood flow to the affected shoulder, making it easier to stretch and move the joint. Alternatively, cold therapy (e.g., applying ice packs) is beneficial for reducing inflammation and pain during flare-ups.
4. Joint Distension (Hydrodilatation)
Some orthopedic doctor in Kanpur offer joint distension or hydrodilatation as a treatment option for frozen shoulder. This involves injecting sterile water into the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule, allowing for increased movement and reduced stiffness. This procedure is often performed under local anesthesia and can provide significant relief for patients struggling with severe immobility.
Surgical Treatments for Frozen Shoulder
For patients who do not respond to non-surgical treatments or have severe, persistent symptoms, orthopedic surgeons in Kanpur may recommend surgical options. The two most common surgeries for frozen shoulder are:
1. Shoulder Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA)
In this procedure, the patient is placed under anesthesia, and the orthopedic surgeon moves the shoulder joint in specific ways to break up scar tissue and increase range of motion. This procedure can lead to significant improvement in shoulder mobility, but it is often followed by an intensive physical therapy regimen to maintain flexibility.
2. Arthroscopic Capsular Release
In severe cases where manipulation under anesthesia is not sufficient, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. This minimally invasive procedure involves making small incisions around the shoulder joint and using a tiny camera (arthroscope) to guide the removal of scar tissue and adhesions. This allows the shoulder to move more freely, and recovery time is generally quicker than with open surgery.
Post-surgical physical therapy is essential for maintaining and improving range of motion after either of these procedures.
Why Choose the Best Orthopedic Doctor in Kanpur?
Finding the best orthopedic doctor in Kanpur is key to effective treatment and recovery from frozen shoulder. The city is home to several highly experienced orthopedic specialists, who provide top-tier care using both traditional and innovative techniques.
Here’s why patients trust Kanpur’s leading orthopedic doctors for frozen shoulder treatment:
- Advanced Diagnostic Facilities: Equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, orthopedic clinics in Kanpur ensure accurate and early detection of frozen shoulder, allowing for timely intervention.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: The best orthopedic doctor in Kanpur create individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s condition, ensuring the most effective approach to recovery.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Leading clinics in Kanpur offer comprehensive care, with teams of orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, and pain management specialists working together to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Commitment to Patient Education: Patients receive thorough education on their condition, treatment options, and preventive strategies to ensure long-term recovery and avoid future recurrence of frozen shoulder.
Conclusion
Frozen shoulder can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, but with the right treatment and care, recovery is possible. The best orthopedic doctor in Kanpur are treating frozen shoulder using a combination of non-surgical therapies, advanced diagnostics, and minimally invasive surgeries when necessary. Their commitment to personalized care and state-of-the-art treatment methods ensures that patients can regain their shoulder mobility and return to their daily activities without pain.
If you or a loved one is suffering from frozen shoulder, consult with an orthopedic doctor in Kanpur to explore the best treatment options available and start your journey toward recovery.