Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a chronic inflammation of the shoulder joint capsule and surrounding soft tissues, leading to pain and movement disorders. It commonly occurs in middle-aged and elderly people over 40 years old, with women slightly more affected than men. Treatment options include stem cell therapy, medication, and rehabilitation physiotherapy. Without timely treatment, the condition may progress to severe joint adhesions, resulting in long-term functional impairment or even permanent loss of mobility.

Emerging Treatment Methods

Stem Cell Therapy — Joint Reconstruction

As an advanced treatment method that has emerged in recent years, stem cell therapy utilizes the immunomodulatory and tissue repair functions of mesenchymal stem cells to effectively improve soft tissue damage caused by frozen shoulder, promote joint function recovery, reduce adhesions and inflammation, and is especially suitable for patients with refractory conditions or ineffective traditional treatments.

① Repair damaged synovium and shoulder capsule, promoting tissue regeneration.

② Suppress the release of inflammatory factors, relieving local pain response.

③ Improve synovial fluid environment and restore normal shoulder mobility.

④ Reduce recurrence rate of chronic lesions, providing long-term protection.

⑤ Personalized and adjustable treatment, low risk, and short recovery period.

Conventional Treatment Methods

1. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an important part of the rehabilitation process for frozen shoulder. Methods such as hot compresses, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation improve blood circulation and relieve muscle stiffness. Particularly during the freezing stage, thermal stimulation combined with traction training helps maintain joint mobility.

2. Functional Rehabilitation Training

Functional exercises include passive and active movements such as wall-climbing exercises and shoulder-swinging exercises. These help prevent further joint adhesion. Performed under the guidance of a professional therapist, they can safely and effectively improve range of motion and restore soft tissue elasticity.

3. Medication

Oral or topical medications are mainly used to control inflammation and relieve pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to provide significant pain relief in the acute phase. When necessary, local corticosteroid injections can offer short-term symptom relief, though long-term dependence should be avoided.

4. Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture, cupping, and herbal steam treatments have unique advantages in alleviating shoulder pain and improving blood circulation. They are suitable for patients intolerant to Western medicine or as an adjunct to enhance overall treatment, boosting immunity and body regulation functions.

5. Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy

For patients with persistent severe symptoms, capsular release surgery may be considered. This involves removing inflammatory adhesions through small incisions to rapidly improve shoulder stiffness. These procedures are minimally invasive, with quick recovery, and are often used when conservative treatments fail.

6. Daily Care and Self-Management

Avoid excessive weight-bearing and repetitive movements, maintain a balanced work-rest schedule, and correct poor sitting posture. Alternating cold compresses in the early stage with hot compresses in the later stage can also help relieve symptoms. Self-management plays a crucial role in preventing recurrence.

Conclusion

Experts from United Life International Medical Center remind that although frozen shoulder is a common condition, improper management can seriously affect quality of life. With the advancement of stem cell therapy and other modern methods, patients can benefit from more comprehensive and precise treatment plans. Personalized treatment strategies under medical supervision, early intervention, and active management can improve recovery efficiency and prevent recurrence or worsening of the disease.