Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and movement feels locked. People often describe it as if their shoulder is “frozen in place.” It usually develops slowly and can last for months or even years. Daily tasks such as combing hair, reaching overhead, or even sleeping can feel impossible. Traditional treatments include painkillers, steroid injections, and physical therapy, but many patients still struggle with slow recovery.

This is where shockwave therapy for frozen shoulder in Campbell CA offers new hope.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the body. It is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and helps tissues repair themselves. Unlike surgery, there are no cuts or long recovery times.

Evidence and Outcomes

Recent research shows that shockwave therapy can:

• Reduce shoulder pain significantly (Lee et al., 2019).
• Improve range of motion, helping people lift their arm higher and move more freely (Wu et al., 2020).
• Speed up recovery when combined with physical therapy and stretching, compared to physical therapy alone (Gatti et al., 2021).

For example, one clinical trial showed patients receiving shockwave therapy improved shoulder movement by up to 30% faster than those only doing physiotherapy (Wu et al., 2020). Another study found pain scores dropped by nearly half within weeks of treatment (Lee et al., 2019).

This makes shockwave therapy a strong option for those who want faster results without relying solely on medication or injections.

Conventional Treatment vs Shockwave Therapy

• Conventional care: Painkillers, steroid injections, long physiotherapy sessions. Recovery may take many months, sometimes years.
• Shockwave therapy: Short sessions (usually 3–6 treatments), non-invasive, helps speed healing and mobility. Works best when combined with stretching and physiotherapy.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

Most studies suggest 3–6 sessions spaced one week apart provide the best results for frozen shoulder (Gatti et al., 2021). Some patients feel relief after the first treatment, but full improvement usually builds over several weeks.

Campbell CA Shockwave Therapy FAQs