You Need To Consider Doing This If Your Frozen Shoulder Is Not Improving With Pilates

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a frustrating and painful condition that causes stiffness and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. Whether caused by injury, inflammation, or simply lack of movement, frozen shoulder can severely limit your ability to move your arm, making even basic tasks, like reaching overhead, putting on clothes, or driving, difficult and painful.

The emotional toll of frozen shoulder is just as significant as the physical discomfort. The constant frustration of not being able to move your shoulder freely, along with the fear of the pain worsening, can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness. If Pilates has not provided lasting relief from your frozen shoulder, it might be time to explore other options that address the root cause and offer long-term solutions.

Pilates: A Common Approach to Treating Frozen Shoulder

Pilates is a low-impact exercise method that focuses on strengthening the core, improving flexibility, and promoting better posture. For frozen shoulder, Pilates can be beneficial by gently improving mobility and flexibility around the shoulder joint, while also strengthening the surrounding muscles to provide better support.

However, while Pilates may help some individuals improve shoulder mobility, it might not always provide long-lasting relief. If the frozen shoulder is caused by deeper underlying issues like inflammation, scar tissue, or advanced joint stiffness, Pilates exercises alone may not be enough to fully alleviate the condition. For some, the pain might return or persist, leaving you feeling discouraged and frustrated.

Why Getting a Clear Diagnosis Is Crucial

Frozen shoulder can result from a variety of causes, and understanding the root cause is essential for effective treatment. Here are five common causes of frozen shoulder:

1. Inflammation – Inflammation of the shoulder capsule can cause it to tighten, resulting in pain and limited movement.
2. Rotator Cuff Injury – Damage to the rotator cuff tendons can lead to stiffness and restricted shoulder movement.
3. Post-Surgical Stiffness – After surgery or injury, scar tissue can form, leading to a frozen shoulder.
4. Diabetes – People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing frozen shoulder due to changes in connective tissue.
5. Prolonged Immobilization – Keeping the shoulder immobile for long periods can cause the capsule to shrink and become stiff.

In addition to these common causes, there are two less common but potentially serious causes of frozen shoulder:

1. Infections – Infections in the shoulder joint can cause inflammation and stiffness.
2. Tumors – Rare tumors affecting the shoulder joint can lead to stiffness and pain, requiring immediate medical attention.

The Need for Imaging to Get a Precise Diagnosis

It’s important to understand that frozen shoulder cannot always be fully diagnosed based on symptoms alone. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds are necessary to assess the shoulder joint, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. These diagnostic tools help healthcare providers determine the precise cause of your pain and stiffness, enabling them to develop the most effective treatment plan.

The Pain Relief Clinic: Your Partner in Finding a Clear Diagnosis

At The Pain Relief Clinic, we understand how frozen shoulder can restrict your movement and impact your quality of life. We specialize in offering non-invasive diagnostic services to uncover the root cause of your condition. If Pilates hasn’t provided the relief you need, we can arrange for affordable scans, typically within one working day.

Medisave can often be used to help cover the cost of these scans, making them more accessible for you.

We also assist with insurance claims, including accident insurance, travel insurance, and company insurance, ensuring that you have access to the care you need without the added financial burden.

Once we have a precise diagnosis, we can provide targeted treatments, solutions, and non-invasive technology to help alleviate your frozen shoulder and restore your mobility.

Ready to take control of your frozen shoulder pain? Send us a message today to arrange an appointment and begin your journey toward lasting relief from frozen shoulder.