8 Expert Tips to Manage Frozen Shoulder in Diabetes
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They carefully examine all references and facts to provide up-to-date and reliable information, aiming to break myths and empower you in your health journey.
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Dr. Shikha Patel
Dr. Shikha is a skilled physiotherapist with over 8 years of experience. She is passionate about helping people better understand and manage pain more effectively. She believes in the transformative power of exercise and is committed to raising awareness about its ability to improve health and quality of life.
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Many of us tend to ignore the early signs our bodies give us, thinking they’re just the result of a tough day or fatigue. A frozen shoulder from diabetes is one such sign, often linked to diabetes, that can easily be overlooked.
Most of the time, instead of getting it checked by a doctor, we just opt for a simple massage or a painkiller, assuming it will go away on its own. However, paying attention to these symptoms and visiting a doctor for a proper diagnosis is important.
In this blog, we’ll understand why frozen shoulder in diabetes is more common, its stages, and how to manage it effectively.
080694 50746Why is Frozen Shoulder More Common in People with Diabetes?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder. It’s more common in people with diabetes because high blood sugar levels over time can affect the tissues around your joints, making them thicker and less flexible. This can make the shoulder joint stiff and painful, eventually resulting in a frozen shoulder.
In fact, at Fitterfly, our physiotherapy coaches often see many members from our Diabetes Prime Program who are experiencing this issue. They work closely with these individuals, using their expertise to develop gentle, effective exercise plans that help ease stiffness and improve mobility, allowing our members to manage both their diabetes and frozen shoulder more comfortably.
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What are the Stages of Frozen Shoulder and Their Symptoms?
Understanding the stages of a frozen shoulder can help you know what to expect and when to seek help.
- Freezing Stage: This is when the pain starts and worsens over time. Your shoulder begins to stiffen, making it harder to move. This stage can last from 6 weeks to 9 months.
- Frozen Stage: The pain might lessen here, but the stiffness remains. You’ll notice that your shoulder doesn’t move as freely as before, making everyday tasks more difficult. This stage typically lasts 4 to 6 months.
- Thawing Stage: In this final stage, your shoulder slowly starts to regain movement, and stiffness decreases. However, full recovery can take 6 months to 2 years.
How Does Frozen Shoulder Affect Your Daily Life?
Each stage of frozen shoulder in diabetes can impact your daily routine differently. In the freezing stage, the pain might keep you awake at night.
During the frozen stage, you might struggle with simple tasks like getting dressed or reaching for something on a high shelf. Even as your shoulder starts to thaw, these activities can still be challenging.
How to Manage Frozen Shoulders with Diabetes?
Managing a frozen shoulder, especially if you have diabetes, requires a mix of early diagnosis, understanding the condition, and making some lifestyle adjustments. Here are some practical tips to help you through it:
1. Manage Your Diabetes & Blood Sugar Levels
To manage your pain due to a frozen shoulder from diabetes, you first need to manage your diabetes well, which is most important. This involves maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in refined sugars, adhering to your prescribed medications, and engaging in regular exercise like walking or yoga to improve circulation and joint mobility.
Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels allows for informed adjustments while getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep, and managing stress through techniques like meditation or deep breathing helps keep your blood sugar stable and reduces inflammation.
Moreover, integrating these practices into your daily routine will support both your diabetes management and overall well-being.
2. Get Yourself Diagnosed Early
If you notice any signs of a frozen shoulder, you must see your doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can help manage pain and prevent stiffness from getting worse. The earlier you start treatment, the easier it will be to manage the condition.
3. Know About Your Condition/Symptoms Well
Knowing what to expect can make dealing with a frozen shoulder less overwhelming. Understanding the symptoms and stages helps you recognize the condition early and take the right steps to manage it.
4. Keep Yourself Active with Rehab Exercises
Gentle rehab exercises are key to keeping your shoulder in movement. Simple stretches, like reaching your arm overhead or across your body, can help prevent further stiffness. Your physiotherapist can guide you with safe and effective exercises for your condition.
5. Manage Your Pain Effectively
Managing pain is crucial, especially in the early stages. Techniques like contrast baths (switching between hot and cold water) or using an electrotherapy device or massager can help reduce pain and inflammation. These methods can be used alongside any medication your doctor prescribes.
6. Know What to Do and What to Avoid
When dealing with a frozen shoulder in diabetes, there are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
Do’s:
- Keep your shoulder moving: Gentle exercises and stretches, like arm circles or reaching overhead, can help maintain mobility. Even if it’s uncomfortable (try gently), regular movement can prevent your shoulder from getting stiffer.
- Use heat and cold packs: A warm compress can help relax stiff muscles before exercising, while a cold pack can reduce swelling after activity.
- Maintain good posture: Sitting or standing up straight can help relieve pressure on your shoulder. Whether you’re sitting at your desk or relaxing at home, keep your posture in check.
- Listen to your body: If an exercise or movement is causing sharp pain, stop immediately. It’s important to differentiate between discomfort from stiffness and actual pain.
Don’t:
- Avoid sudden, Jerky Movements: These can strain your shoulder and worsen your condition. Avoid activities that require quick arm movements, like throwing a ball or lifting heavy objects suddenly.
- Overuse of Painkillers: While pain relief is important, relying too much on painkillers can lead to other health issues. Use them as prescribed by your doctor, and try to manage pain with other methods like exercises and hot/cold therapy.
- Ignore the problem: Hoping it will go away alone can worsen symptoms. Neglecting your shoulder pain can lead to more serious issues.
- Missing Regular follow-ups: Regular follow-ups with your doctor or physiotherapist are crucial for monitoring progress and adjusting your treatment plan. Skipping these can delay your recovery.
7. Take Your Medications as Prescribed
Your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medications or injections to help with pain and swelling. Always follow their advice and never adjust your medication without consulting them first.
8. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and stress management are key to both controlling diabetes and supporting joint health. These lifestyle changes can make a big difference in managing a frozen shoulder.
How We At Fitterfly Can Help You?
Many of our program members have come to us with frozen shoulder problems, feeling like they’ve lost hope, but have found great relief through the expertise of our physiotherapy coaches. They have helped ease the pain and restore movement with personalized care and targeted treatment plans.
If you, too, are dealing with a frozen shoulder from diabetes, you are just at the right place. We understand how frustrating a frozen shoulder can be, and our coaches will work closely with you to create a plan that fits your needs.
Through gentle exercises and proven pain management techniques, they will guide you to improve your shoulder’s flexibility and comfort. You don’t have to go through this alone; our caring and experienced coaches are here to support you every step and help you confidently get back to your normal routine.
Just give us a missed call at 08069450746, and one of our program advisors will call you to explain how you can enroll with our Diabetes Prime Program or simply avail a 1 on 1 consultation with our qualified physiotherapists.
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This blog provides general information for educational and informational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as professional advice.
