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Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful motor dysfunction syndrome caused by degeneration, adhesion, and chronic inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the shoulder joint. The typical onset age is between 40–60 years, with a peak around 55 years. It rarely occurs before age 40 and is more common in women. High-risk groups include long-term desk workers, patients with diabetes, and those with prior shoulder injuries.
It is estimated that the lifetime prevalence of frozen shoulder in the general population is 2%–5%. A questionnaire study of 9,696 randomly selected adults found prevalence rates of 8.2% in men and 10.1% in women of working age. The non-dominant shoulder is slightly more likely to be affected. The incidence of involvement of the other shoulder within 5 years is 6%–17%.
Frozen shoulder usually affects one side and is often self-limiting, but the course can be prolonged, sometimes lasting more than 2–3 years. Some studies show that up to 40% of patients experience symptoms for more than 3 years, although most cases are mild. About 15% of patients suffer long-term disability. Patients with type 1 diabetes often have a longer disease course and poorer treatment outcomes.
Common symptoms include persistent dull shoulder pain, worsening at night, and restricted shoulder movement. Lack of early treatment may lead to permanent functional limitation, severely impacting self-care ability and sleep quality.
Frozen shoulder has a high prevalence worldwide, particularly among middle-aged and elderly people in East Asia, North America, and Europe. In populations over 40 years old in China, Japan, and South Korea, about 15%–30% experience shoulder mobility impairment. In Western countries, due to fast-paced lifestyles, incidence among sedentary office workers is also increasing year by year. This condition is generally self-limiting,
1. Restricted Joint Movement
The greatest hazard of frozen shoulder is limitation of movement. Actions such as abduction, extension, and rotation are particularly difficult, affecting daily activities such as dressing, washing hair, and driving.
2. Chronic Pain Affecting Sleep
Most patients experience significant night pain, leading to poor sleep quality, which in turn causes fatigue, anxiety, and even depression.
3. Structural Damage from Long-Term Untreated Disease
If the condition lasts longer than one year, adhesions may form between the joint capsule and surrounding tendons and ligaments, resulting in irreversible adhesive capsulitis and increased treatment difficulty.
4. Reduced Work Efficiency
Frozen shoulder is common among working populations, reducing work efficiency and life satisfaction. Severe cases may require sick leave or even early retirement.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy, as a significant breakthrough in regenerative medicine, is gradually becoming an effective treatment option for frozen shoulder. By injecting mesenchymal stem cells into the affected area, it promotes soft tissue repair, alleviates inflammation, and restores the synovial fluid environment of the shoulder joint, making it a restorative treatment method.
① Repairs damaged tissues around the shoulder joint, slowing structural degeneration.
② Suppresses abnormal local immune responses, reducing chronic inflammatory recurrences.
③ Restores synovial fluid concentration, improving lubrication and smoothness of movement.
④ Delays the progression of degenerative joint changes, enhancing treatment durability.
⑤ Suitable for chronic patients unresponsive to traditional therapies, with minimal trauma and rapid recovery.
1. Oral and Topical Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can effectively relieve early inflammation and pain. Topical anti-inflammatory patches or ointments also provide supportive effects. During acute pain flare-ups, short-term oral steroids may help control inflammation.
2. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training
Therapies such as heat therapy, electrotherapy, and ultrasound are effective in relieving stiffness and loosening adhesions. Combined with active and passive shoulder exercises guided by rehabilitation specialists, these help gradually expand the range of motion and restore joint function.
3. Intra-articular Injections
In cases with severe symptoms or poor response to treatment, hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids can be injected into the joint cavity to relieve pain and improve the inflammatory environment. However, this method should be used cautiously, avoiding long-term or frequent use to prevent side effects.
4. Minimally Invasive or Surgical Treatment
A small number of severe frozen shoulder patients unresponsive to conservative treatment may undergo arthroscopic capsular release, precisely removing adhesions and restoring joint mobility. Postoperative rehabilitation is essential to prevent re-adhesion.
Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that frozen shoulder, though common, should not be underestimated as a chronic condition. Timely adoption of stem cell therapy and other comprehensive treatments can effectively improve symptoms, prevent functional loss, and help patients rebuild a healthy life. Delayed treatment increases the risk of structural impairment and permanent damage.
