Best Treatment for Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as Adhesive capsulitis, is a common disease that causes significant morbidity. The prevalence of Frozen shoulder is estimated to be about 3%-5% in the general population and up to 20% in those with diabetes. It affects women more than men, and if you had it on one shoulder, you are chances of getting it on the other shoulder are 20%-30% more. The usual age groups that get affected are between the age of 40-60, and the incidence is rare outside these age groups.

 

What causes Frozen shoulder:

Patients with Frozen shoulder suffer from progressive loss of glenohumeral (shoulder joint) range of motion coupled with pain that worsens at night due to fibroproliferative tissue fibrosis of the shoulder capsule. Frozen shoulder manifests clinically as shoulder pain with progressive shoulder movement restriction, both active and passive, and mostly with normal Radiographic findings. It classically progresses through three overlapping stages, the freezing (Painful), Frozen (Adhesive), and thawing or recovery phase. Each stage may last for a couple of months.

To this day, a definitive, evidence-based treatment model for managing frozen shoulder remains undefined, as there is a broad range of conservative, operative, and non-operative treatment options available. Among the various evidence-based approaches, common treatments for frozen shoulder include physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, oral and intra-articular steroid injections, hydrodilatation, manipulation under anesthesia, and arthroscopic capsular release, to name just a few.

Top 12 Non-Invasive Frozen Shoulder Treatments You Should Try:

1. Shockwave / Acoustic wave Therapy – Uses sound waves to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing of shoulder tissues.
2. EMTT (Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy) – A magnetic therapy that promotes tissue regeneration in the shoulder, reducing pain and speeding recovery.
3. INDIBA Therapy – Harnesses radiofrequency energy to improve blood flow and relieve inflammation, accelerating healing in shoulder injuries.
4. Stimpod 4 (Peripheral Nerve Stimulation) – Non-invasive nerve stimulation that targets nerve fibers in the shoulder, providing pain relief and improving function.
5. SCENAR Therapy – Electrical stimulation that activates the body’s natural healing processes to alleviate shoulder pain and promote recovery.
6. Class IV Laser Therapy – A deep-tissue laser that penetrates through shoulder tissues to reduce pain, inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration.
7. Orthopedic Manual Therapy (OMT) – Hands-on techniques to improve shoulder joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore shoulder function. Some other manual-therapy techniques like Angular Joint Mobilization , Mulligan, Kaltenborn, Maitland, and Spencer techniques have their own place when treating Frozen Shoulder .
8. Dry Needling – Targets trigger points in shoulder muscles to release tension, improve circulation, and relieve pain (focusing only on the surrounding muscles, avoiding the joint surface).
9. NESA X-Signal Therapy – A cutting-edge therapy using Micro-currents and bioelectric signals to help reduce chronic shoulder pain and improve nerve and muscle function.
10. Spinal Manipulation – Adjustments that improve shoulder mobility and alignment, especially helpful for shoulder pain linked to spinal issues.
11. Cupping Therapy – Involves suction to improve blood circulation, release tight muscles, and relieve shoulder pain(focusing only on the surrounding muscles, avoiding the joint surface).
12. Myofascial Release – Targets the fascia and muscle tissues to reduce tightness, improve mobility, and alleviate shoulder discomfort.

When it comes to treating Frozen Shoulder, there are numerous treatment options available, many of which may not be listed here. It’s important to understand that not all modalities work for every patient. Both therapists and doctors must carefully assess and determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on an individual’s specific condition.

In my 20 years of experience, I have learned that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each patient’s needs are unique, and the treatment approach must be tailored accordingly. The key to successful recovery lies in selecting the right combination of therapies that best address the patient’s specific symptoms and stage of the condition.

Why Choose Non-Invasive Treatments for Frozen Shoulder Pain?

These non-surgical treatments offer a safe, effective way to address Fozen shoulder pain, restore mobility, and speed up recovery without the need for surgery.

The Benefits of These Non-Invasive Alternatives:

1. Non-Invasive: These treatments are safe, minimize discomfort, and eliminate surgical risks.
2. Pain Reduction: Quickly address the root causes of pain, providing immediate relief and reducing dependence on medications.
3. Accelerated Recovery: Non-surgical treatments like EMTT and Class IV Laser therapy reduce downtime, allowing you to get back to your activities faster.
4. Improved Mobility: OMT, spinal manipulation, and other therapies help restore flexibility, promote natural healing, and improve shoulder movement.
5. Expanded Treatment Options: A wide range of therapies are tailored to your unique condition, giving you a personalized recovery plan.
6. Holistic, Drug-Free Healing: These treatments offer a natural, drug-free way to manage shoulder pain and restore function.
7. Evidence-Based Results: Backed by research, these therapies have been shown to be effective for shoulder pain relief.
8. High Patient Satisfaction: Our patients report excellent results, and many share their success stories, helping attract others seeking relief.

Talk to your therapist or the Doctor about the above-listed treatment options and see what treatment option will fit your treatment plan to get the help you need to recover faster from your Frozen shoulder without injections and surgery.

Dr.Siva Parnam, DPT, Osteopractor

 

References

 

1. Vahdatpour B, Taheri P, Zade AZ, Moradian S. Efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in frozen shoulder. Int J Prev Med. 2014 Jul;5(7):875-81. PMID: 25104999; PMCID: PMC4124565.

2. Kim SH, Kim YH, Lee HR, Choi YE. Short-term effects of high-intensity laser therapy on the frozen shoulder: A prospective randomized control study. Man Ther. 2015 Dec;20(6):751-7. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2015.02.009. Epub 2015 Mar 2. PMID: 25770420.

3. Chen CY, Hu CC, Weng PW, Huang YM, Chiang CJ, Chen CH, Tsuang YH, Yang RS, Sun JS, Cheng CK. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy improves short-term functional outcomes of shoulder adhesive capsulitis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014 Dec;23(12):1843-1851. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2014.08.010. PMID: 25441567.

4. Page P, Labbe A. Adhesive capsulitis: use the evidence to integrate your interventions. N Am J Sports Phys Ther. 2010 Dec;5(4):266-73. PMID: 21655385; PMCID: PMC3096148.

5. Clewley D, Flynn TW, Koppenhaver S. Trigger point dry needling as an adjunct treatment for a patient with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2014 Feb;44(2):92-101. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2014.4915. Epub 2013 Nov 21. PMID: 24261931.