Frozen shoulder is simply the stiffening of the shoulder accompanied by pain. It might seem like a simple condition that can be treated by applying hot compress but in fact it is not. This condition can heal on its own though it may take several years to completely heal around 2 to 3 years. The treatment that is provided to this condition is focused on eliminating the pain and getting the shoulder back into motion.

The pain felt from having a frozen shoulder can be managed through anti-inflammatory prescriptions. It can be in the form of pills like ibuprofen or injection like corticosteroids. To be able to bring back movement on the shoulder, physical therapy is needed. The patient can be guided by a physical therapist or he can do it at the comfort of his home through a home program. Physical therapy exercises comprises of stretching or range-of-motion for the shoulder. To help alleviate the pain, hot compress can be applied. If physical therapy exercises are not able to help, nerve block is then applied to lessen the pain and require more aggressive therapy. It has been reported that 90% of patients suffering from frozen shoulder was treated with the use of this method. After several months of physical therapy, motion and pain improved though some patients are not able to achieve these results.

If after several months of physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications the pain and stiffness still did not heal then surgical intervention can be the solution. Though, the patient still has to consider other alternatives such as longer time doing physical therapy because surgeries always have its risks.