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How to improve mobility if you have a frozen shoulder

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Jane Hamilton Pilates
How to improve mobility if you have a frozen shoulder

A frozen shoulder is a fairly common ailment, especially in people aged between 40 and 60. It is not fully understood why people get a frozen shoulder but it is more common with people who have diabetes, have had a previous shoulder injury or have other health issues such as heart disease.


What is a frozen shoulder?

A frozen shoulder is just as it sounds. It is when you find you have stiffness or lack of movement in your shoulder. The symptoms will vary from person to person. Some will find they are in a lot of pain and need regular pain relief, others will get mild stiffness and movement, and others will find that their shoulder is completely frozen. A frozen shoulder usually gets better by itself but it takes time. People can live with a frozen shoulder for years!


How do you get your shoulder mobility back?

Often you just have to be patient and wait. Give your shoulder a rest and take painkillers when needed. In time you will gradually get more mobility.


If you are in a lot of pain and it is affecting your day-to-day life, your GP may suggest some gentle shoulder exercises or get you an appointment with a physiotherapist. A physiotherapist will work on the shoulder and give you exercises to do between sessions.


Is there anything else you can do?

What options are available to you if your GP has only offered painkillers and a few exercises? Are there options available that don't involve your GP?


Taking up Pilates can be a great way to improve your shoulder mobility. Pilates is a type of exercise class that is gentle on the body. It develops the body uniformly whilst gaining strength, balance and flexibility. A good Pilates instructor will understand many ailments including backaches and frozen shoulders. They will give you exercises to perform that will slowly and gently relieve pain and improve strength and flexibility.


At Jane Hamilton Pilates in Edinburgh, Jane had a client that wanted more help with movement in his frozen shoulder. He had been getting physiotherapy which had worked but he felt the improvements were stalling and he wanted to try something else. He also had poor back mobility which wasn't helping his shoulder recovery. Jane suggested that Derek attend 2 beginners Pilates classes per week to build up strength and mobility. After a few terms, he has moved to the intermediate class, his mobility has greatly improved and he is back to playing golf! Derek will continue taking Pilates classes to maintain his fitness and health for many years to come. You can read more about Derek's recovery in Jane's article, 'Pilates for a frozen shoulder'.



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Jane Hamilton Pilates
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