Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a frustrating condition that causes pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. It can make everyday tasks like reaching, lifting, or even getting dressed a challenge. Shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive and effective solution for those dealing with this condition. By using targeted acoustic waves, this innovative treatment promotes healing, reduces pain, and improves mobility. More and more people discovering how shockwave therapy can accelerate recovery from frozen shoulder, restoring function and comfort in daily life. This blog explores how shockwave therapy works, its benefits, and what to expect during treatment.
Treating Frozen Shoulder: The Role of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy treats frozen shoulder by using acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. These waves penetrate deep into the shoulder tissue, helping improve frozen shoulder symptoms. Here is a look at the benefits of this treatment:
- Enhance Circulation: Shockwave therapy is effective for promoting blood flow to the affected shoulder, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the damaged tissues. This improved circulation supports faster healing and reduces discomfort.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Frozen shoulder is often accompanied by scar tissue buildup that restricts movement. Breaking down this scar tissue which contributes to the stiffness and pain associated with frozen shoulder helps many individuals find lasting relief.
- Reduced Inflammation: By targeting the injured area directly, shockwave therapy can reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue repair, helping to relieve pain and restore mobility over time. This anti-inflammatory effect is crucial for improving range of motion and easing discomfort.
- Improved Mobility: By promoting blood flow and breaking down fibrous tissue, shockwave therapy reduces the stiffness in the shoulder joint, making it easier for people to move their arm with less pain. Over a series of sessions, clients often experience significant improvements in their shoulder mobility, which can greatly enhance their ability to perform daily activities.
- Stimulates Tissue Repair: Beyond these immediate benefits, shockwave therapy promotes long-term healing by encouraging cell regeneration and collagen production in the shoulder tissues.
Shockwave Therapy for Frozen Shoulder: Compared to Other Treatments
Shockwave therapy offers several unique benefits for frozen shoulder when compared to other treatments. It is non-invasive, meaning it does not require surgery or injections, and has minimal downtime, allowing individuals to return to their daily activities faster.
This therapy also targets the specific source of pain and stiffness, providing relief directly where it’s needed. Additionally, shockwave therapy often requires fewer sessions than other treatments, and many people report pain relief and improved mobility within just a few treatments.
Shockwave Therapy Sessions: What to Expect
Understanding what happens during a shockwave therapy session can help you feel prepared and confident in the treatment process:
- Treatment: During a shockwave therapy session for frozen shoulder, your physiotherapist will first apply a gel to the treatment area to help transmit the acoustic waves. A handheld device is then used to deliver the shockwaves to the shoulder, targeting areas with the highest tension or pain.
- Duration: The session typically lasts between 10 to 20 minutes and is relatively comfortable, although some people may feel mild discomfort as the waves penetrate deep tissues.
- Post-Session: After the session, you can resume normal activities with little to no downtime.
Is Shockwave Therapy for Frozen Shoulder Safe?
Yes, shockwave therapy is considered both a safe and effective option for treating frozen shoulder. This therapy has been widely studied and is used by healthcare providers globally to treat musculoskeletal conditions. It is non-invasive, low-risk, and generally well-tolerated by people.
Side effects are minimal, with some individuals experiencing temporary soreness or redness at the treatment site, which usually subsides within a few hours to days. Shockwave therapy’s effectiveness lies in its ability to target the shoulder’s tissues directly, improving mobility and reducing pain over time.
Possible Risks or Side Effects Associated With Shockwave Therapy
While shockwave therapy is generally safe, some people may experience mild side effects, including:
- Temporary Pain: Some individuals report mild discomfort during or after the session, which usually resolves within a few hours.
- Swelling: A slight swelling in the treated area is possible as the body responds to the therapy and begins the healing process.
- Redness: Temporary redness may occur on the skin where the therapy was applied, typically subsiding within a day or two.
These effects are typically short-lived and subside within a day or two. People with certain conditions, like blood clotting disorders or infections in the treatment area, may not be ideal candidates for shockwave therapy. Consulting with your physiotherapist can help ensure that shockwave therapy is the right treatment for your specific needs, minimizing risks and maximizing benefits.
How Many Shockwave Therapy Sessions Are Typically Needed to Improve Frozen Shoulder Symptoms?
The number of shockwave therapy sessions needed for frozen shoulder varies based on the severity of the condition and individual response to treatment. Generally, most people experience noticeable improvements in mobility and pain relief within 3 to 6 sessions.
Each session is spaced about one week apart, allowing time for the body to respond to the treatment. Your physiotherapist can develop a tailored treatment plan based on your specific needs, helping you achieve optimal results in a manageable timeframe.
Lifestyle Changes to Aid Frozen Shoulder Recovery
In addition to shockwave therapy, making simple lifestyle changes can support recovery and improve mobility for those with frozen shoulder:
- Gentle Exercises: Perform light stretches, such as pendulum swings or wall crawls, to maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Posture Awareness: Sit upright and avoid slouching to minimize strain on the shoulder joint.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Use heat packs to relax muscles and cold compresses to reduce inflammation, as recommended by your physiotherapist.
- Activity Adjustments: Avoid repetitive or overhead movements, and use proper techniques for lifting or reaching.
- Sleep Modifications: Sleep on your back or the unaffected side with pillows for shoulder support.
- Healthy Diet: Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables, fish, and nuts, while reducing processed and sugary foods.
- Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to reduce muscle tension and inflammation.
These small changes, paired with effective treatment, can accelerate healing and restore daily function.
Enhanced Mobility and Pain Relief
If frozen shoulder is limiting your mobility and affecting your quality of life, shockwave therapy may provide the relief you’ve been seeking. This non-invasive treatment targets the source of pain, promoting healing and improving range of motion with minimal downtime. At Body Works Physiotherapy in Scarborough, our experienced physiotherapists are dedicated to helping you regain mobility and live pain-free. Don’t let frozen shoulder hold you back—schedule an appointment today to learn how shockwave therapy can support your recovery and get you back to doing what you love.
