From Frozen Shoulder To Frozen Slopes
How Dry Needling helped Ally get back to Loving Her Life!
For individuals diagnosed with frozen shoulder, the possibility of needing surgery may feel daunting. However, the truth is that in many cases, surgical intervention is not necessary; physical therapy alone can often be enough to help patients regain their normal lives. Ally's journey to recovery serves as a testament to overcoming a debilitating injury and reclaiming one's passion. She faced the challenges of pain and limited mobility caused by a frozen shoulder head-on, taking courageous steps towards not one, but two surgeries and then finally finding relief thanks to a personalized plan of orthopedic therapy. This article dives into Ally's story, highlighting her resilience and the transformative power of physical therapy in her recovery process.
Ally's Journey to Recovering From Frozen Shoulder
One cold afternoon in the Spring of 2022, Ally was enjoying a gorgeous day of fresh powdery snow and clear skies - any snowboarder’s dream day. She had been training fairly hard, making her way down the slopes when her day was abruptly cut short; as she was making it towards the bottom of her run, she lost her balance and fell hard, rolling over a few times in the snow. Pain shot through her shoulder as she made her way to the hospital. When she arrived, the doctor quickly determined she would need surgery. Given the severity of her injury, Ally agreed to move forward with having the operation. Little did she know that this series of events would unfortunately leave her shoulder almost completely out of commission for a time.
Ally started to notice that after her surgery, something just started to feel off with her shoulder. She was unable to move it without pain like she used to, and her general ability to stretch for things or lift objects over her head was essentially gone. As it turns out, she was developing a frozen shoulder and found herself needing to find additional help if she wanted to heal properly. This injury not only robbed her of her physical well-being but also left her without the ability to enjoy her passion, snowboarding.
For snowboarders, a frozen shoulder can be an especially debilitating condition. Not only does it cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint which affects the athlete's ability to perform core movements, but it also limits their range of motion. This flexibility is essential for executing tricks, maintaining balance, and maneuvering safely over the slopes. Without enough mobility, snowboarders may not be able to perform their best or even snowboard at all due to the risk of sustaining another injury.
Hoping to find a way to restore the normal use of her shoulder, Ally started post-surgical orthopedic rehab at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Westminster Colorado. Her physical therapist, Nicole, worked with her to try and get to the bottom of her shoulder issues. After a few sessions, Nicole noticed that Ally was not seeing the progress she hoped for. Having witnessed her progress over some time and exploring what was in Ally’s best interest, Nicole advocated for Ally and encouraged her to move forward with the additional surgical attention she needed before continuing her orthopedic treatment. While having additional surgical work done on her shoulder was definitely not in Ally’s plans, she listened to the guidance Nicole was providing and agreed that it was her best next step.
Once Ally had finished her second surgery successfully, she returned to FYZICAL Westminster again where the team design a personalized plan of care to address Ally’s complications safely and effectively. To combat stiffness, Nicole employed passive range of motion exercises which involved gentle stretching and mobilization techniques. As Ally progressed, active-assistive range of motion exercises were introduced, encouraging her shoulder muscles to engage and actively participate in controlled movements.
Strengthening exercises targeting the shoulder muscles were gradually incorporated to improve endurance and stability. Functional training, which mimicked everyday activities and recreational tasks, allowed Ally to regain confidence.
As a cornerstone of her comprehensive physical therapy plan, Ally's recovery was greatly enhanced by the inclusion of dry needling. This specialized technique involved the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific trigger points or tight muscles to alleviate pain and improve muscle function. Even though Ally was skeptical at first, adding dry needling to her treatment plan proved to be an ideal complement to her rehabilitation. The precise and targeted nature of dry needling helped release tension and promote muscular relaxation, allowing for increased range of motion and improved mobility in her shoulder. This ultimately accelerated her recovery process and contributing to her successful recovery.
Throughout the rehabilitation process, Ally and Nicole closely monitored her progress, making adjustments as necessary. Their collaborative efforts resulted in Ally's success. Through her unwavering determination and dedication to her post-surgical physical therapy plan, Ally is on track to make a triumphant return to the slopes almost exactly one year after her accident – an incredible comeback story after having to take on two rounds of surgery.
An Overview of Frozen Shoulder and Its Treatment Options
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, can cause significant discomfort and restrict your shoulder's range of motion. If you're experiencing limited mobility or pain, it's important to seek medical help. Your healthcare provider may recommend treatments such as physical therapy, which can help with your symptoms and improve flexibility. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the injury. In either case, your healthcare provider can offer reassurance and explain what you can expect during recovery. Remember, frozen shoulder is a treatable condition; with the right care, you can restore your shoulder's mobility and regain your quality of life.
Frozen shoulder can be caused by an injury or overuse of the shoulder joint, but it often occurs without any clear cause. The most common causes of frozen shoulder include prolonged immobilization after injury or surgery, diabetes-related conditions such as metabolic syndrome and hypothyroidism, and age-related changes in connective tissues. While anyone can develop frozen shoulder, people between the ages of 40 to 60 are more likely to experience this condition due to natural wear and tear on their bodies over time. Treatment for frozen shoulder typically involves physical therapy exercises designed to improve range of motion and reduce inflammation around the affected area.
Three Commonly Seen Stages of Frozen Shoulder
- Freezing stage: This is when the shoulder hurts a lot, and moving it becomes hard. Even simple movements can cause pain, and the shoulder's range of motion becomes limited. This stage can last from 2 to 9 months.
- Frozen stage: In this stage, the pain might not be as intense, but the shoulder becomes even stiffer. It becomes difficult to use the shoulder for everyday activities. This stage can last from 4 to 12 months.
- Thawing stage: During this stage, the shoulder starts to get better in terms of movement. The ability to use the shoulder improves, and the pain lessens. This stage can last from 5 to 24 months.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Frozen Shoulder Patients
Shoulder pain can be excruciating, especially for those experiencing a frozen shoulder. However, physical therapy is an excellent way to alleviate pain and promote overall healing. Patients can benefit greatly from physical therapy by experiencing improvements in range of motion, stiffness, and strength. Physical therapists work with patients to develop personalized exercise plans that help improve mobility and reduce pain. Through hands-on therapy and guided exercise, patients can slowly restore function, improve flexibility, and regain a better quality of life. While the road to recovery may be tough, physical therapy offers a safe and effective way to treat frozen shoulder.
Living with frozen shoulder can have a significant impact on your daily life. Simple tasks such as reaching something in the cupboard, brushing your hair, or even getting dressed can difficult and painful. Additionally, more strenuous physical activities like playing sports, lifting weights, and gardening can be impossible due to limited range of motion and stiffness caused by frozen shoulder. The good news is that orthopedic therapy is an effective way to address these issues.
Duration of Physical Therapy
The duration of physical therapy for a frozen shoulder varies depending on numerous factors such as the severity of the condition, the type of surgery involved, and the patient’s individual circumstances. Some patients may only need a few sessions while others may require several months of therapy. However, as a general rule, most patients require 6-12 weeks of consistent physical therapy to show significant improvement.
The Importance of A Dedicated Physical Therapist
A dedicated physical therapist can be an invaluable resource for those recovering from shoulder surgery as they can provide guidance and support while designing a personalized plan of care that is tailored to your individual needs. This is why finding the right physical therapist that you feel both comfortable and confident with can make a significant difference in your results and recovery time. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers Westminster, our therapists treat on a one-on-one basis for this very reason. We believe in you receiving both the best quality care as well as our therapists' undivided attention. This ultimately results in higher success for our patients, and a more sustainable journey towards recovery.
Finding Support and Staying Motivated Throughout the Process
Ally’s story of recovery serves as an inspiration to others facing a similar diagnosis. Frozen shoulder can be debilitating and overwhelming, but with the right combination of knowledge and support, recovery is possible. A physical therapist is an important ally in managing and understanding treatment options, regaining flexibility in the shoulder joints, and persevering through the journey of healing. If you need additional help on your path toward recovery from frozen shoulder we’re here for you every step of the way. Our orthopedic physical therapists are knowledgeable about a variety of treatments for helping patients recover their mobility and quality of life. With our experienced staff and focused attention, you can find relief from pain and regain your range-of-motion back again.
The road to achieving our health goals is often long and winding. It's easy to feel burnt out or discouraged when progress seems slow or setbacks occur. That's why finding support and staying motivated throughout the process is so crucial. Whether it's a trusted friend or family member, having a network of people who believe in us and our aspirations can make all the difference. This is why we strive every day to work with and motivate our patients toward a level of recovery that would allow them to get back to Loving Their Lives.
Click here to find out more about our orthopedic physical therapy services today!
Sources
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/frozen-shoulder
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frozen-shoulder/symptoms-causes/syc-20372684
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/how-to-release-a-frozen-shoulder