What treatment is available for a frozen shoulder?
Many treatments are utilised to try to combat a frozen shoulder, but unfortunately most of them have not been proven to be effective. Whilst many patients may have anecdotal evidence of things that have worked for them, very little has been shown to be any better that placebo at clinical trials. Whether or not a patient tends to seek treatment usually depends on how much pain they have (especially at night), how long it has been going for and whether or not their function is significantly impaired. Physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage and chiropractic treatments do not tend to help in the initial inflammatory phases and in some instances aggressive treatment can make the pain worse. Anti-inflammatory medication and creams also usually do not assist in the initial phases of the disease process. Once the painful phase of the disease has settled then physiotherapy and massage techniques that facilitate a return of movement and strength in the shoulder joint appear to be much more effective
