The treatment plan for your frozen shoulder will depend on the stage and severity of your condition. If you receive help while in the “freezing” stage you will generally be recommended conservative, home and alternative treatments which focus on reducing scar tissue formation and increasing pain-free range of motion.
If you receive help in the “frozen” stage, you may be prescribed some medications in addition to the above. The aim of your treatment will be to ease your pain and stiffness, improve your range of motion and keep your joints as mobile as possible.
The longer you have your symptoms, the longer it will take to recover from your frozen shoulder. If you don’t follow a treatment plan you can have this condition for up to 3 years. However, a commitment to rehabilitation has been known to speed the healing process to between 4 – 6 months (if you catch the condition in the early stages). It is very important not to re-injure your shoulder during this time to ensure normal function of shoulder when it heals. Surgery is often considered if after 3 – 12 months of home treatments and alternative therapies you see no improvement.