Our Patient
Our patient is a middle-aged male complaining of chronic shoulder pain and limited shoulder joint range of motion.
The Challenge
The patient had been treated at another clinic, where he was diagnosed with rotator cuff tendinopathy and related postural issues. He was provided with physical therapy, with no success in alleviating his shoulder pain.
Our Diagnostic Approach
Clinical Exam
The clinical exam included a review of health history, a physical exam, and standard testing for shoulder strength and range of motion.
Diagnostic Ultrasonography
We used high-resolution ultrasound imaging to examine the structures surrounding the shoulder joint, and did not find any indications of rotator cuff tendinopathy or fascial adhesions. We concluded that the patient was in the early stages of adhesive capsulitis.
Our Treatment Approach
We treated the shoulder using defocused shockwave therapy and INDIBA radiofrequency therapy. We combined those therapies with home exercises and stretches, and we were able to improve the patient’s shoulder range of motion by 80% within eight weeks.
Discussion
Adhesive capsulitis – aka frozen shoulder syndrome – can last for a year or longer, and the earlier the treatment, the more successful the results. Conventional treatment for frozen shoulder syndrome is physical therapy, which is rarely effective in restoring shoulder range of motion.
In this case, the patient was incorrectly diagnosed and treated, prolonging his pain and disability. Consequently, early treatment that would normally produce results after two weeks was delayed, extending the patient’s recovery period to eight weeks.
Accurate diagnosis and early treatment leveraging new technologies can dramatically accelerate recovery from frozen shoulder syndrome, quickly reducing the patient’s pain and discomfort, and improving their quality of life. At NYDNRehab, we feature advanced technologies and expertise that are rarely found in traditional physical therapy clinics.
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