Patient Profile
Name: Mr. R. Kumar (Name changed for confidentiality)
Age: 62 years
Occupation: Retired Government Officer
Chief Complaint: Severe stiffness and pain in the left shoulder for 8 months, with restricted range of motion, especially during overhead activities and behind-the-back movements.
Medical History: Mild hypertension (controlled), no history of major trauma.
Clinical Assessment
Upon examination, the patient exhibited:
Significant restriction in active and passive range of motion (especially abduction, external rotation, and flexion).
Pain rated 8/10 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
Muscle guarding around the shoulder joint.
No major red flags in neurological testing.
Diagnosis: Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) – Stage 2 (Frozen Stage).
Treatment Timeline
Outcome
Pain reduced from 8/10 to 2/10 by the end of 8 weeks.
Significant improvement in shoulder mobility:
Flexion improved from 70° to 160°
Abduction improved from 60° to 150°
External Rotation improved from 10° to 60°
Patient reported 90% functional recovery in daily activities like dressing, reaching overhead shelves, and grooming.
Treatment Plan
1. Electrotherapy Modalities
To manage pain and promote circulation in the early phase:
Interferential Therapy (IFT): 15 minutes per session to reduce pain and inflammation.
Ultrasound Therapy: Focused around the anterior and posterior capsule to aid deep tissue healing.
2. Manual Therapy
Joint Mobilization (Grade II & III): Focused on the glenohumeral joint to restore passive mobility.
Capsular Stretching: Specific stretches for anterior, posterior, and inferior capsules.
3. Weight Therapy (Strength Training)
Once the initial pain reduced (after 2 weeks):
Introduction of low-resistance weight exercises focusing on:
Rotator cuff strengthening (using therabands and light dumbbells).
Scapular stabilization exercises.
Gradual progression to functional strengthening for daily activities.
4. Home Exercise Program
Pendulum exercises
Wall climbing exercises
Active assisted movements using a stick
Patient Feedback
“Dr. Prem Prakash and the team at All Care Physiotherapy gave me back the freedom to move my shoulder without pain. I feel younger and more independent now.”
Conclusion
This case highlights how a structured approach combining electrotherapy, manual therapy, and progressive weight therapy can effectively restore mobility and function in elderly patients suffering from frozen shoulder. Early intervention, personalized planning, and patient education were key to the successful outcome
By thinking on behalf of our clients every day, we anticipate what they want, provide what they need & build lasting relationships. These are the concept that shape our distinctive culture & differentiate us from others.
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Project Information
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Patient Name: Mr. R. Kumar
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Category: Pain Management
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Location: New Delhi
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Timeline: 22 Oct 2023 - 12 Nov 2023