Specialized Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Louisville, KY

Patients who choose Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic in Louisville, Kentucky, for shoulder treatment experience world-class care and unparalleled expertise. How? Our team includes Scott D. Kuiper, M.D.—a board-certified and nationally renowned orthopedic surgeon who subspecializes in the treatment of acute and chronic shoulder conditions, including frozen shoulder. If you require frozen shoulder treatment or would like simply like to speak with a reputable orthopedic physician about your symptoms, Dr. Kuiper and the team at Louisville Orthopaedic are here to provide the relief you need.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition that causes disruptive pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It usually develops slowly, worsens over time, then begins to improve. Frozen shoulder occurs when the ligament that supports the shoulder joint (shoulder capsule) begins to thicken and restrict movement, forming bands of tissue called adhesions.

What Are the Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is characterized by shoulder pain and stiffness. In general, frozen shoulder tends to progress in stages:

• Freezing stage – Pain is often at its worst in this stage and is accompanied by marked stiffness.
• Frozen stage – While pain may improve, stiffness may worsen and make it difficult to move the arm.
• Thawing stage – Pain and mobility begin to improve.

Anyone can develop frozen shoulder, but it most commonly occurs in adults between the ages of 40 and 60. Women and people with diabetes have an increased likelihood of developing frozen shoulder. Additionally, individuals who must keep their shoulder immobilized for an extended period of time following surgery or an injury are at a higher risk of experiencing this condition.

What Does Frozen Shoulder Treatment Involve?

While frozen shoulder typically improves without treatment, the healing process can take as long as three years. That’s a long time to deal with pain! If you’d prefer to find more timely relief from your symptoms, seeking frozen shoulder treatment from an orthopedic physician is a good idea. A few of the nonsurgical approaches that can help release the tightened shoulder capsule and improve range of motion include:

• Anti-inflammatory injections
• Physical therapy and strategic stretches
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Hydrodilation

Less commonly, surgery may be recommended to release the shoulder capsule and relieve severe pain that does not respond to conservative treatments.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic

Dr. Kuiper and the team at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic offer comprehensive nonsurgical and surgical treatment to patients with frozen shoulder and other painful shoulder conditions. In collaboration with in-house physical therapists, Dr. Kuipper provides personalized care to patients while utilizing the latest advancements in orthopedics, including minimally invasive procedures and muscle-sparing techniques that can help accelerate recovery.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kuiper, contact Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic today. Our professionals will be glad to answer any questions you may have about our frozen shoulder treatment services, orthopedic specialists, or accepted insurance plans.