Medical experts at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) in Lucknow have developed an improved treatment protocol for the painful condition known as frozen shoulder. This innovative approach has successfully reduced patient morbidity and extended the duration of relief, marking a significant advancement in pain and palliative care.
Combating a Common Winter Ailment
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a debilitating condition that affects a substantial portion of the Indian population. Over 2% of Indians and approximately 35% of diabetics suffer from this issue, which characteristically worsens during the colder winter months. The condition causes severe pain and stiffness, drastically limiting shoulder mobility and impacting the quality of life.
The SGPGI's Integrated Treatment Strategy
Led by Dr. Sandeep Gautam, the team at the institute's pain and palliative care clinic devised a new technique that integrates multiple therapies. The method combines platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, targeted pain blockers, and a structured physiotherapy regimen.
Dr. Gautam explained the evolution of their approach. Initially, patients received a combination of PRP therapy and exercises. While PRP helped reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing, and exercises improved mobility, the relief was often temporary. "The relief was short-lived, and patients returned," Dr. Gautam stated. This led the team to modify their strategy by incorporating the use of precise pain blockers into the protocol.
This improvisation proved highly successful. "Patients achieved marked improvement, with substantial pain reduction, better shoulder mobility, and an overall enhancement in quality of life," Dr. Gautam reported. So far, over 50 patients have been helped with this new integrated method.
Patient Success Stories and a Shift in Perception
The effectiveness of the treatment is echoed in patient testimonials. Suman Pandey, a 51-year-old woman from Deoria, suffered from severe shoulder and arm pain for several months. After conventional treatments failed, she sought advanced pain management at SGPGI. "All my agony vanished after the therapy… I felt overwhelmed by the relief," she shared.
An official spokesperson from the Pain and Palliative Care team emphasized that their services are focused on active, evidence-based medical care aimed at restoring comfort, function, and mobility. They seek to move beyond the misconception that pain management is a last-resort option, encouraging patients with persistent or hard-to-control pain to seek expert evaluation at their outpatient department (OPD).
This breakthrough from SGPGI Lucknow offers new hope for the millions suffering from frozen shoulder, providing a more durable solution that addresses both the biological and functional aspects of the condition.
