Dr Philip Allen Orthopaedic Gold Coast

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	Orthopedics is a medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. The specialty of Orthopaedic surgery is devoted to the care for all ages, from newborns with birth defects through to senior citizens with arthritis and fractures. Sports injuries are also an important part of Orthopaedic surgery. more

A Frozen shoulder literally means a stiff shoulder – from whatever cause. Limited motion is an early symptom of a frozen shoulder. This may prevent you from lifting your arm above your head, reaching across your body or behind your back,.

Causes of frozen shoulder

The cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, but it probably due to an underlying inflammatory process (from a number of causes). The capsule, or envelope, surrounding the shoulder joint thickens, contracts and becomes stiff. This leaves less space for the shoulder joint to move around. Usually only one shoulder is affected.

Diagnosis and treatment

Dr Allen will test the range of motion in your arm and may ask for an X-ray to rule out any underlying arthritic condition. Treatment is aimed at relieving the discomfort and restoring motion and function to the shoulder.

Nonoperative treatment includes:

Antiinflammatory medications to reduce the inflammation and relieve the pain.
Physiotherapy combined with home exercises, to stretch and help restore motion and function.
Heat or ice packs.
Corticosteroid injections.
Stretching exercises done several times a day.

Surgery is an option in severe cases and if there is no improvement after several months of non-operative management. Surgery can successfully release the shoulder, but must be followed by an exercise programme to maintain motion and restore function. This usually requires a stay in hospital for a few days of intensive physiotherapy, followed by intensive outpatient physiotherapy.

Home | About Your Condition

The information on these pages is presented as a rough guide to help you understand your condition better. The information is in no way intended to be a comprehensive coverage of the subject. As all patients and their conditions are different, the treatment may vary from time to time. All patients are encouraged to take steps to ensure that they are as well educated about their conditions as possible. Other sources of information inc

Philip Allen Orthopaedic
P PO Box 1089, Coolangatta, QLD, 4225, Australia
T +61 7 55980977 F +61 7 55980016 E allen@bonedoctor.com.au
www.bonedoctor.com.au