FROZEN SHOULDER 
Ross Hauser, M.D.
 

A frozen shoulder is also treatable with Prolotherapy, but healing occurs over a longer period of time. The term adhesive capsulitis refers to scar tissue that forms inside the joint due to lack of movement. If a joint is not moved through its full range of motion every day, scar tissue will form inside the joint. 

Adhesive capsulitis is especially common in stroke victims who are paralyzed on one side because they are unable to move their shoulders through a full range of motion. 

The first line of treatment for a frozen shoulder is physiotherapy. Physical therapy modalities such as myofascial release, massage, range-of-motion exercises, and ultrasound can often release scar tissue. If these do not relieve the problem, then the scar tissue can be broken up within the joint by the physician injecting the shoulder full of a solution made up of sterile water mixed with an anesthetic. The numb shoulder can then be gently manipulated. Often several sessions of this treatment regime are needed to achieve the shoulder's original full range-of-motion. 

Since the initial cause of the adhesive capsulitis was supraspinatus (rotator cuff) weakness, Prolotherapy injections to strengthen the rotator cuff are done in conjure (conjunction) with the above technique. Complete to near-complete resolution can be accomplished using this combined approach. 

A misunderstanding of the supraspinatus tendon's referral pattern keeps clinicians from diagnosing the rotator cuff problem. This tendon refers pain to the back and side of the shoulder leading clinicians to believe their patients have a muscle problem, when in fact they have a tendon problem. A complaint of shoulder pain is almost always a rotator cuff weakness problem. Prolotherapy is extremely effective at strengthening the rotator cuff tendons. 

RELATED ARTICLES
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis / Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder Dislocation
Is There a Place for Arthroscopy? 

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As with any medical technique, Prolotherapy may not be effective for every individual and there are risks involved, these risks should be discussed with your physician. Results achieved with some may not be typical of all. Please consult a physician. Please read Prolotherapy Risks

There is no known cure for arthritis. Prolotherapy and nutritional supplements can help alleviate, reverse, or end arthritic pain by treating an underlying cause that contributes to degenerative disease, ligament laxity. Strengthening ligaments and other connective tissue can help prevent bone on bone arthritis from developing.

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