How to exercise for frozen shoulder

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on March 14, 2025
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Periarthritis, also known as frozen shoulder in clinical terms, is generally caused by chronic strain leading to aseptic inflammation of tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules around the shoulder joint. This results in symptoms of pain and limited mobility, particularly pain at night, with both active and passive movements likely to be restricted. In such cases, besides rest and physiotherapy, and the use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, it is also essential to engage in appropriate functional exercises for the shoulder joint to avoid with the goal of restoring its function. For instance, the shoulder joint should perform active bending, stretching, and abduction movements, as well as circumduction movements of the shoulder joint. These exercises aim to restore the function of the ligaments and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint.

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Written by Qiu Xiang Zhong
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of periarthritis of the shoulder

Periarthritis of the shoulder generally occurs in people over 40 years old, with the most common symptom being pain in the shoulder joint. Initially, there may be a soreness and pain in the shoulder, which is milder during the day and often worsens at night. The pain may intensify with changes in weather or after exposure to cold. In later stages, the pain may gradually spread around the entire shoulder joint and may involve the neck, scapular area, deltoid muscle, upper arm, or the lateral side of the forearm. Periarthritis not only causes shoulder pain, but also leads to restricted movement of the shoulder. This manifests as difficulties in simple actions that require raising the arms, such as combing hair, dressing, or scratching an itch. In advanced stages of periarthritis, there may also be muscle atrophy in the shoulder, particularly in the lateral deltoid muscle, which intensifies the movement disorders of the shoulder joint, resulting in difficulties in lifting the upper arm and extending it backward. Shoulder pain is not solely caused by periarthritis and should not be self-diagnosed. If shoulder pain occurs, it is advisable to seek medical treatment at a hospital.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Diagnostic methods for frozen shoulder

Patients with frozen shoulder can be diagnosed based on symptoms, physical examination, X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other tests. An MRI of the shoulder joint, in particular, can determine whether there is inflammation around the shoulder joint and can be an effective method for identifying the location of the lesion and for differential diagnosis. Patients with frozen shoulder should first focus on rest and maintaining good posture. They can also use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate pain. Additional treatments may include applying heat, undergoing physical therapy, massage, trigger point injections, or performing functional rehabilitation exercises for the shoulder joint. Generally, these treatments can achieve good results. If conservative treatments are ineffective or if there is a functional impairment, surgical methods may also be considered for treatment.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
59sec home-news-image

How to exercise for frozen shoulder

Periarthritis, also known as frozen shoulder in clinical terms, is generally caused by chronic strain leading to aseptic inflammation of tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules around the shoulder joint. This results in symptoms of pain and limited mobility, particularly pain at night, with both active and passive movements likely to be restricted. In such cases, besides rest and physiotherapy, and the use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, it is also essential to engage in appropriate functional exercises for the shoulder joint to avoid with the goal of restoring its function. For instance, the shoulder joint should perform active bending, stretching, and abduction movements, as well as circumduction movements of the shoulder joint. These exercises aim to restore the function of the ligaments and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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How to exercise with frozen shoulder

In clinical practice, there are various exercise methods for patients with periarthritis of the shoulder. The main purpose of these exercises is to restore the normal range of motion of the shoulder joint, thereby fully restoring the patient's normal functions. Patients with periarthritis can perform exercises like climbing walls by touching the wall or gradually pulling up on a horizontal bar to strengthen shoulder functions. Additionally, it is necessary to actively apply local heat, minimize local irritation, persistently use topical ointments that activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis, and take oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and blood-activating drugs to treat and improve the symptoms of shoulder pain effectively. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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How to exercise for frozen shoulder

Periarthritis of the shoulder, commonly presents with shoulder pain, stiffness, or worsening of pain with movement. This condition is frequently seen in individuals around 50 years old, more often in women than men, and commonly among physical laborers. Without timely treatment, it can exacerbate the functional mobility of the shoulder joint, making everyday tasks like combing hair, dressing, washing the face, or placing hands on hips difficult. In severe cases, it could even affect elbow mobility. Early intervention typically involves exercise; despite discomfort, it is essential to persist and may require analgesics or drugs that promote blood circulation and stop bleeding. Exercises like "wall climbing," using horizontal bars, or stretching within doorframes aim to equalize the range of motion between the affected limb and a healthy shoulder joint. Both active and passive movements, such as swinging the arms forward and backward for 50 repetitions each morning, can provide relief. The process should be gradual and progressively intensified. If self-directed exercise proves ineffective, interventions like injections can be administered by a physician, which relieve pain by detaching the sticky interactions among ligaments, muscles, and tendons in the shoulder area, thereby easing the symptoms over time. Continuous pain may persist for a while; alternatively, brachial plexus or cervical plexus anesthesia followed by manual reduction can significantly reduce pain and gradually alleviate symptoms.