Your Specialist for Restoring Shoulder Motion
Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Southern Illinois
Losing the ability to move your shoulder can be a frustrating and painful experience. If you're struggling with severe stiffness and a progressive loss of motion, you may have a condition known as frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis. This debilitating condition can make everyday activities like dressing, reaching, or sleeping nearly impossible. While many cases resolve over time, persistent and severe symptoms often require intervention from a specialist. Finding an experienced frozen shoulder doctor near you is the key to unlocking the joint and reclaiming your life.
Dr. Srinath Kamineni is a leading frozen shoulder specialist in Mount Carmel, IL, offering expert diagnosis and treatment for this challenging condition. As a double fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopedic surgeon in both the USA and England, Dr. Kamineni has a deep understanding of the shoulder joint. He is committed to providing patients with the most effective and least invasive frozen shoulder treatment options available, helping them restore motion and eliminate pain.
If you are looking for effective frozen shoulder treatment near you, schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder capsule—the strong connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint—becomes thick, stiff, and inflamed. This tightening of the capsule severely restricts the shoulder's range of motion, causing it to feel "frozen." The condition typically progresses through three stages: a "freezing" stage with increasing pain and loss of motion, a "frozen" stage where pain may lessen but stiffness is at its worst, and a "thawing" stage where motion gradually improves. This entire process can last for one to three years without proper treatment.
What is the Best Frozen Shoulder Treatment?
The initial frozen shoulder treatment focuses on conservative, non-surgical methods aimed at controlling pain and restoring motion. The cornerstone of this approach is a dedicated physical therapy program with exercises designed to stretch the shoulder capsule and improve range of motion. Anti-inflammatory medications can help manage the pain associated with the "freezing" stage. A corticosteroid injection administered by a frozen shoulder specialist can also be highly effective at reducing inflammation and pain, making physical therapy more tolerable and productive.
When is a Frozen Shoulder Procedure Necessary?
A frozen shoulder procedure is considered when your symptoms are severe and have not improved after several months of dedicated non-surgical treatment. If you have completed a course of physical therapy and tried injections without significant relief, and the stiffness continues to impact your quality of life, it may be time to discuss more definitive options. Dr. Kamineni may recommend a procedure to manually release the tightened capsule and restore your shoulder's mobility.
What is a Manipulation Under Anesthesia?
A manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is a non-surgical frozen shoulder procedure. While you are comfortably asleep under anesthesia, Dr. Kamineni will carefully and gently move your shoulder through its full range of motion. This action forces the stiff shoulder capsule to stretch and tear, which immediately breaks up the scar tissue and adhesions that are restricting movement. An MUA can instantly restore a significant amount of motion and is often followed by an aggressive physical therapy program to maintain the gains achieved during the procedure.
When is Frozen Shoulder Surgery Recommended?
Frozen shoulder surgery is recommended when a patient's symptoms are particularly severe or have not responded to other treatments, including a manipulation under anesthesia. The most common surgical approach is an arthroscopic capsular release. This is a minimally invasive frozen shoulder surgery procedure that offers a direct and precise way to address the problem. As an expert frozen shoulder specialist near you, Dr. Kamineni will determine if this is the most appropriate path to your recovery.
What is an Arthroscopic Capsular Release?
An arthroscopic capsular release is the definitive frozen shoulder repair. During this minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Kamineni makes a few small incisions around your shoulder and inserts a tiny camera (arthroscope) to see inside the joint. Using specialized instruments, he will precisely cut and release the tightened shoulder capsule. This directly addresses the source of the stiffness. Often, he will perform a gentle manipulation after the release to ensure full motion is restored. This technique is highly effective and allows for a quicker recovery than traditional open surgery.
What causes frozen shoulder?
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood. However, it is more common in women than men, typically affects people between the ages of 40 and 60, and occurs more frequently in individuals with diabetes or thyroid disease. It can also develop after a period of immobilization following an injury or surgery.
What is the recovery like after frozen shoulder surgery?
Recovery after an arthroscopic capsular release focuses on maintaining the motion gained during surgery. You will begin physical therapy almost immediately, often the very next day. While you may have a sling for comfort, early and frequent movement is the most critical part of the rehabilitation process to prevent the capsule from tightening again.
Is a frozen shoulder procedure painful?
The procedures themselves are not painful as they are performed under anesthesia. After a manipulation or surgery, you will experience some soreness. Dr. Kamineni may use a nerve block to help manage pain in the first 24 hours. Adhering to the prescribed pain management plan and physical therapy schedule is essential for a comfortable and successful recovery.