Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and limited movement in the shoulder joint. Frozen shoulder can occur after surgery, injury, or an underlying health condition, however, it can also develop with no apparent cause. This condition will often develop gradually, and can last several months to a few years, and while it can sometimes improve on its own, treatment is often required to alleviate symptoms and improve function.

Shockwave therapy is a promising, non-invasive option for the treatment of frozen shoulder, particularly for those who have not responded to other therapies. Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to create localised micro trauma at the affected area, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process. This facilitates the creation of new blood vessels for improved blood flow, the breakdown of scar tissue, increased collagen production, reduced inflammation, decreased pain and increased function. It is important to note that the effectiveness of Shockwave therapy may vary between patients, and is likely to be influenced by the cause, duration and severity of symptoms. 

Written by

Dr. Christie Callender, Chiropractor at Beyond Self, Dee Why

Dr. David Reading, Chiropractor at Beyond Self, Dee Why

Dr. Maddy Szalay, Chiropractor at Beyond Self, Dee Why

References:

Dong W, Li X, Liu J. The effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for the treatment of frozen shoulder: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2016;30(9):875-882.

Lee HJ, Kim YS, Kim YV, et al. Effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with adhesive capsulitis: a meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2016;17:465.