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FAQS

You Have Questions ... We Have Answers

What is a frozen shoulder?

A frozen shoulder is a very painful and limiting condition in which the capsule of the shoulder joint begins to thicken and tighten up around the ball and socket, restricting motion and causing significant pain and dysfunction. The direct cause of a frozen shoulder is poorly understood, but there is often a period of immobility and/or lack of movement into end range positions that predisposes the joint to tightening up. The pain associated with a frozen shoulder is severe and debilitating. It is common for people to report difficulty reaching behind their backs to put on a jacket and pain when attempting to reach overhead. The best treatment for frozen shoulder is physical therapy manual stretching focusing on elongation of muscle and connective tissue, education on a home stretching program to maximize the mobility of the shoulder joint, and utilizing modalities such as ultrasound to manage pain and improve the circulation of damaged tissue. Schedule an appointment today to have your shoulder evaluated by the skilled professionals at IRC.

How long does it take to heal a frozen shoulder?

A frozen shoulder without therapeutic intervention can take 9 months to a year to resolve. With the proper guidance and incorporation of a vigorous stretching program, a frozen shoulder can be treated without surgery in as little as one to two months. The therapists at IRC are specialists in treating frozen shoulders, and will get you back on track quickly, so call today to get your treatment underway.

How long do you wear a sling after surgery?

Depending on the surgical procedure and orthopedic philosophy, sling-wear can vary from as few as a few days to as long as two months. It is always best to consult your orthopedic’s protocol for specific instructions on sling-wear. Generally speaking, individuals will wear a sling for a shorter period of time (few days-3 weeks) following surgery for shoulder replacement versus a rotator cuff repair (3-6 weeks). Individuals who undergo a labral repair will require the longest period of time in a sling, with some protocols requiring up to 8 weeks in a sling.

What is dry needling?

Trigger point dry needling is a technique used in therapy that requires the manipulation of a very fine needle to release knotted and painful muscle tissue. Dry needling has been proven wildly effective for the relief of neck and lower back pain, but can be performed in all areas of the body. Injuries such as golfers elbow, tennis elbow, calf strains, hip pain, or rotator cuff tendonitis are just some of the indications for dry needling.

Why does my hand get numb when I sleep?

Tingling and numbness into their fingers and hand are commonly reported when waking up from a side-lying position. Body weight pressure can cause an occlusion of nerve conduction into the hand and fingers, thus creating a numb or tingling feeling. Loss or altered sensation to the pinky and ring finger is a result of occlusion to the ulnar nerve, while altered sensation in the thumb, index and/or middle fingers is a result of occlusion to the median nerve. Neither area n inherently a dangerous situation or cause for immediate concern, and feeling in the hand and fingers should return to normal after a minute or two of eliminating pressure over the arm/forearm; this allows the blood flow and nerve conduction to return to normal. If tingling and numbness in the hands persists and is a constant sensation you are experiencing, call today to get scheduled for an evaluation with one of our skilled therapists to identify the cause of your problem.