Supervised Exercise Therapy Shown Most Effective for Frozen Shoulder



Frozen shoulder is said to occur in 2% to 5% of the population. This potentially debilitating condition causes shoulder pain and range of motion that gets increasingly restricted over time. The problem results from the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becoming progressively thicker and tighter.

There is limited evidence and no consensus on the single best treatment for frozen shoulder. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of various approaches: 1, 2

Individual Therapies Strongly Recommended for Frozen Shoulder:

· Physical therapy techniques & modalities

· Stretching plus corticosteroid injections

· Extra corporeal shock wave therapy

Treatments Shown Effective by Moderate Evidence:

· Strengthening exercises

· Mobilization

· Therapeutic ultrasound

· Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation

· Continuous passive motion

· Whole-body cryotherapy

· Specialized acupuncture

Even though all of those have been shown effective, no one will want to do all of those. Therefore, researchers recognize the importance of answering the question about which approach is most effective. Recently, the peer-reviewed journal, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, published research out of the University of Antwerp answering the question of which conservative therapy is best for frozen shoulder.3

Researchers conclude that supervised exercise therapy proves most effective for frozen shoulder. Supervised exercise therapy tends to be more effective than home exercises. While many modalities prove independently effective, none of them are more effective than supervised exercise therapy. If you have shoulder pain or dysfunction, be sure to ask for physical therapy to receive a thorough assessment and a supervised exercise therapy plan.

References:

 

  1. Nakandala P, Nanayakkara I, Wadugodapitiya S, Gawarammana I. The efficacy of physiotherapy interventions in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis: A systematic review. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 2021 Jan 1;34(2):195-205.
  2. Page MJ, Green S, Kramer S, Johnston RV, McBain B, Buchbinder R. Electrotherapy modalities for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2014(10).
  3. Mertens MG, Meert L, Struyf F, Schwank A, Meeus M. Exercise therapy is effective for improvement in range of motion, function, and pain in patients with frozen shoulder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2022 May 1;103(5):998-1012.
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