Regenerative Options for Treating Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes stiffness, pain, and limited movement in the shoulder joint. For many patients, the condition develops slowly and can last for months—or even years—without effective treatment. The pain and restricted mobility can interfere with everyday activities, making tasks like reaching overhead, carrying groceries, or even getting dressed a challenge.

While traditional treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections can provide some relief, they often fail to address the underlying tissue damage or inflammation that drives the condition. For patients seeking a non-surgical and longer-term solution, regenerative medicine offers promising alternatives.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder typically develops when the connective tissue capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, restricting movement. Risk factors include age (most common between ages 40–60), diabetes, and shoulder immobility due to injury or surgery. Patients often experience three phases:

1. Freezing stage – increasing pain and stiffness.
2. Frozen stage – pain may lessen, but stiffness remains.
3. Thawing stage – gradual improvement in mobility.

Because the condition can last for years if left untreated, many patients explore solutions that can speed up healing and restore function.

PRP Therapy for Frozen Shoulder

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses concentrated platelets taken from the patient’s own blood. These platelets are packed with growth factors that help reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing. When injected into the shoulder joint, PRP can:

• Reduce pain and stiffness.
• Stimulate repair of damaged tissues.
• Improve mobility over time.

Studies suggest PRP can be especially effective when combined with targeted physical therapy, helping patients regain function more quickly.

Stem Cell Therapy for Frozen Shoulder

Stem cell therapy is another regenerative option that addresses both pain and tissue health. Stem cells can develop into specialized cell types and release healing signals that promote repair and reduce inflammation. For frozen shoulder patients, stem cell therapy may:

• Support the regeneration of damaged connective tissue.
• Improve circulation and nutrient delivery to the joint.
• Enhance overall recovery without surgery.

This approach offers patients the potential to not only relieve symptoms but also restore healthier shoulder function long term.

Non-Surgical Healing with Regenerative Medicine

One of the biggest advantages of regenerative medicine for frozen shoulder is its non-surgical nature. Unlike surgery, which comes with risks, downtime, and rehabilitation, PRP and stem cell therapies are minimally invasive and typically performed in-office. Patients can often return to daily activities quickly, with improvements continuing over weeks and months as the body heals naturally.