Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Medications that reduce discomfort and inflammation can help in the early stages of a frozen shoulder. Many medications can be purchased over the counter, but if those don’t relieve your pain, your doctor may try prescription medications or injections.

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, can help you manage pain.
• Corticosteroids: These are steroids injected directly into the shoulder to treat the inflammation causing your symptoms.

In physical therapy, you will learn a variety of stretches and exercises intended to improve your shoulder strength and range of motion. In many cases, your physical therapist will also teach you exercises to do at home between sessions to help your shoulder continually improve.

Integrative medicine, which includes therapies like acupuncture, TENS and mindfulness, can work alongside traditional treatments to help manage your frozen shoulder symptoms. Talk to your medical provider to make sure these treatments are safe and right for you.

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture uses thin, flexible needles gently inserted into specific points on the body. The needles typically stay in place for 15 to 40 minutes and are inserted shallowly. Most people find the treatment painless or only mildly uncomfortable.
• Nerve stimulation (TENS therapy): TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) delivers a small electrical current through electrodes placed on the skin along nerve pathways. This painless treatment may help reduce pain by triggering the release of natural painkillers (endorphins) or blocking pain signals.

Generally, you need more intensive medical treatment if your frozen shoulder doesn’t respond to medications and physical therapy. There are three procedures your doctor may perform:

• Hydrodilation: Your doctor injects a special fluid into your shoulder. The idea is that pressure from the fluid will stretch out the tissues in the shoulder joint capsule.
• Shoulder manipulation: While you are under anesthesia, your doctor creates movement in your shoulder joint. This stretches or tears the capsule and scar tissues that have formed, loosening your shoulder.
• Shoulder arthroscopy: Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves a special camera and small instruments. For a frozen shoulder, your surgeon uses the procedure to cut the tight tissues causing your symptoms.