Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, happens when the tissue around the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, causing pain and stiffness. It usually moves through three stages: freezing (pain slowly increases and motion decreases), frozen (pain may ease but stiffness remains), and thawing (motion gradually returns). It is most common in adults ages 40 to 60 and in people with diabetes.

Both can help, at different times. Moist heat for 10 to 15 minutes before stretching relaxes tight tissue and makes movement easier. Ice for 10 to 15 minutes after activity, or when pain flares, can calm soreness. Many patients use heat before their exercises and ice after. Always place a towel between your skin and the heat or ice pack.

There is no instant cure, but treatment can shorten the painful phase and restore motion sooner. The most effective approach is gentle, daily stretching, often guided by a physical therapist, combined with anti-inflammatory medication. A corticosteroid injection from an orthopedic provider can reduce pain so you can stretch more effectively. If stiffness lasts despite treatment, a surgeon may recommend a procedure to release the tight joint capsule.

Without treatment, frozen shoulder often lasts 1 to 3 years as it moves through its stages. With early, consistent treatment, many patients feel meaningful improvement in pain and motion much sooner. Seeing an orthopedic specialist early helps confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes, such as a rotator cuff tear.

Severe pain that keeps you from sleeping or doing daily tasks is a good reason to see an orthopedic specialist. A provider can confirm the diagnosis and offer options like a corticosteroid injection, prescription anti-inflammatory medication, and a guided physical therapy plan. Avoid forcing painful stretches on your own, which can make inflammation worse.

It is uncommon. Most people have lasting relief after carpal tunnel release surgery, and true recurrence affects only a small percentage of patients, sometimes years later. When symptoms return, the cause may be scar tissue around the nerve, a related condition like arthritis or a pinched nerve in the neck, or repetitive strain. An orthopedic hand specialist can find the cause and recommend the right treatment.

Some soreness, swelling, and tenderness in the palm is normal for several weeks to a few months after surgery. Numbness and tingling may also take time to fade, especially if the nerve was compressed for a long time before surgery. If pain is getting worse instead of better, or you notice new numbness or weakness, contact your surgeon.

Keep your wrists in a neutral, straight position when typing or using tools, take short breaks from repetitive hand tasks, and stretch your hands and wrists throughout the day. Wearing a wrist splint at night can help if symptoms start to return. Managing health conditions linked to carpal tunnel, such as diabetes and thyroid disease, also helps.

For the first few weeks, most surgeons recommend sleeping on your back with your leg straight. To reduce swelling, raise the whole leg with a pillow or stack of blankets under your calf and heel, not under your knee. Keeping the knee straight while you sleep helps protect the full extension you need to walk normally.

Yes, once you are comfortable, which for many patients is a few weeks after surgery. Lie on the side that was not operated on and place a pillow between your knees to keep your leg aligned. Ask your surgeon when it is safe for you, since recovery timelines vary.

A pillow under the knee keeps it bent for hours at a time. That can make the knee stiff and harder to straighten fully, which affects how you walk. Support your calf and heel with a pillow or stack of blankets instead so the knee stays straight.

Most surgeons recommend avoiding high-impact activities like running, jumping, and contact sports, which add stress to the implant. Walking, swimming, cycling, golf, and doubles tennis are generally encouraged once you are cleared. Kneeling may feel uncomfortable but is usually not harmful. Your surgeon will give guidance based on your implant and goals.

We have orthopedic clinics in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, and Lakewood, plus walk-in orthopedic urgent care in Tacoma and Puget Sound Imaging for MRI and X-ray.

Call (253) 830-5200 or request an appointment online. Our surgeons and physician assistants specialize in shoulder, hand and wrist, knee, hip, spine, foot and ankle, sports medicine, and joint replacement care.