5 Tips for Finding The Best Shockwave Therapy for Frozen Shoulder Near Me

Struggling with a frozen shoulder and searching for effective relief? Uncover insider secrets to choosing the right provider, ensuring optimal results, and finally freeing yourself from pain. Dive into our guide and start your journey towards a pain-free life today! If you're dealing with pain and limited mobility in your shoulder, you might have frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. Shockwave therapy for frozen shoulder is a promising treatment option, it does not require any surgery or medication and helps to restore shoulder mobility naturally.  Finding the right care and shockwave therapy provider can be tough, but with the right info, you can find a top rated and reputable shockwave therapy doctor in your area. We'll give you five expert tips to find the best shockwave therapy near you, making your search easier.

 

Key Takeaways 

  • Understanding the nature of frozen shoulder aids in seeking appropriate treatment.  Depending on the severity of the condition, you may benefit from chiropractic, physical therapy, orthopedic procedures or shockwave therapy. 

  • Shockwave therapy treatment can lead to significant improvements in pain and mobility.

  • Look for providers that offer comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans.

  • Researching local clinics enhances your options for effective frozen shoulder treatment.

  • Awareness of the treatment process makes you feel more comfortable as you embark on this journey.

 

Understanding Frozen Shoulder and Its Symptoms

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes a lot of trouble for many people; it is the most common shoulder condition among Houston area residents today. This shoulder pain goes through three stages, each with its own set of symptoms. Knowing these symptoms is key to getting the right treatment and finding relief so you can get back to doing your regular activities, hobbies or sports without pain.

 

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder happens when the tissues around the shoulder joint get stiff, this includes the rotator cuff tendons which become severely inflamed and end up shutting off. This leads to a lot of pain and makes moving the shoulder joint very difficult. The condition goes through three stages: the freezing phase, where pain starts; the frozen phase, where moving gets even harder; and the thawing phase, where things start to get better. This whole process can take months or even years, so catching it early is very important. Before shockwave therapy for frozen shoulder, treatments like chiropractic, physical therapy, ART and orthopedic procedures could take months to see any progress; no one really had the right answers. Now with extra corporeal shockwave therapy, (ESWT), patients often notice improvement after just one session and significant improvement after 8-10 treatments and 6-8 weeks.

 

Common Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

  • Intense shoulder pain, especially when reaching or lifting.

  • Limited range of motion in various shoulder movements, most patients cannot lift their arm to 90 degrees. 

  • Stiffness that affects daily activities, such as dressing, doing your hair, and reaching for items.

  • Discomfort radiating down the arm, especially during acute phases.

  • Popping of the shoulder when reaching over head. 

  • Intense pain in the shoulder blade area and down the side of the arm while sleeping.

These symptoms can really change how you work, your hobbies, playing with your kids and your overall quality of life. Spotting them early can help you get the right care and manage the condition better.

 

Consequences of Untreated Frozen Shoulder

If frozen shoulder is not treated, it can get much worse because it definitely won't fix itself. You might feel constant pain that affects not just your shoulder but also other muscles and joints like your neck, elbow and hand. This can lead to long-term physical and emotional problems. Getting the right treatment early, like steroid injections, shockwave therapy, chiropractic care and physical therapy, can help control the condition. These treatments can reduce pain and help start the healing process.

 

Exploring Shockwave Therapy for Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, can make daily tasks hard because of pain and restricted movement. Many patients look for good medical and alternative treatments, and shockwave therapy is a new hope, it helps reduce pain and inflammation naturally and stimulates the body to heal itself.

 

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), uses sound waves to help painful areas. This method doesn't need surgery. It helps blood flow better and helps tissues heal. ESWT for frozen shoulder uses acoustic sound waves to lessen pain and improve shoulder movement.

 

How Shockwave Therapy Helps Alleviate Frozen Shoulder Symptoms

Studies show shockwave therapy is good for frozen shoulder. Patients who got ESWT saw improvements in pain relief and range of motion after only two weeks. The shockwaves penetrate deep into the shoulder joint and tendons to kick-start the healing process. It is a non-invasive therapy so there are little to no side effects compared with mainstream medical procedures, taking pain medicine or shoulder surgery.

A study on diabetic patients also showed ESWT helped with shoulder mobility and pain because of its ability to reduce the inflammatory process. It even helped control blood sugar levels. Many studies confirm shockwave therapy is a top choice for frozen shoulder, more orthopedic clinics, chiropractor and physical therapist are using ESWT for their patients.

 

Study Methodology Results
Chen et al., 2014 D Randomized controlled trial on ESWT Improved functional outcomes in frozen shoulder
Vahdatpour et al., 2014 Clinical trial on effectiveness of ESWT Significant improvements in pain and range of motion
Kvalvaag et al., 2017 Follow-up on ESWT for subacromial pain Positive outcomes at one-year follow-up

 

Shockwave Therapy Benefits You Should Consider

Shockwave therapy is a strong choice for those with frozen shoulder looking for non-surgical options. It offers many benefits, making it a great alternative to traditional treatments. It helps improve mobility and comfort without surgery.

 

Non-Invasive Treatment Option

Shockwave therapy is non-invasive, meaning no surgery is needed. This is great for people who want to avoid surgery's risks. It's perfect for those who don't want a long recovery or rehabilitation. Sometimes surgery is the only option but often times ESWT can create significant healing and restore proper movement to the shoulder.

 

Accelerated Healing Process

Studies show shockwave therapy speeds up healing. It boosts blood flow, bring in more oxygen, stem cells and other healing cells to help fix damaged tissues, tendons, bone and cartilage. Many shoulder pain patients seek out shockwave therapy because they want to get back to being active with little to no shoulder pain. People love hobbies and sports, when they can't golf, play pickleball, tennis or garden because of shoulder pain, they are miserable. Most frozen shoulder and rotator cuff syndrome sufferers can get back to some level of pain free activity within 6-8 weeks of treatment.

 

Reduced Inflammation and Pain Relief

Shockwave therapy is known for reducing inflammation. People often feel less pain after treatment because the inflammation has been flushed out of the area. Adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tendinitis usually don't heal because there is too much inflammation in the area. Extra corporeal shockwave therapy for frozen shoulder works to heal tendonitis and tendon injuries better than any other natural therapy on the market. It is a non-invasive surgery so there is no down time for the patient and little to no side effects to worry about.

 

Benefit Description
Non-Invasive Minimizes surgical risks and recovery time.
Accelerated Healing Enhances blood flow and tissue regeneration.
Pain Relief Significantly reduces inflammation and pain levels.

 

Finding Reputable Shockwave Therapy Providers Near You

Looking for a shockwave therapy provider near you is key to getting the best treatment for frozen shoulder. Start by checking out local clinics that focus on shockwave therapy. Look locally for providers that have good reviews and testimonials on google, yelp, Healthgrades, Zocdoc and Facebook. Specifically read reviews on patients who have experienced shockwave therapy and see well they responded to ESWT.

 

Researching Local Clinics

When you're looking at shockwave therapy clinics, think about these things:

  • Search for clinics that mainly deal with muscle, tendon, and bone injuries and conditions.

  • Read what past patients say to see what they went through.  Patients are usually pretty detailed when it comes to leaving reviews; see what they thought about the ESWT treatment, the length of the protocol, the cost and did they reach their goals for getting the therapy.

  • Check the success rates and results of other patients, if there is a way to speak to someone who has had shockwave therapy that is your best bet.  Ask around to your friends, church members, the gym or even your medical doctor to see if they can recommend someone. 

  • You can also search videos from YouTube, TikTok and Instagram; there are many videos of actual shockwave therapy treatments; you can see exactly what the process is and how the patient is responding. 

 

Checking Qualifications and Credentials

After making a list of possible providers, it's important to check their qualifications. Make sure the doctors have the right training and credentials. ESWT needs special skills and knowledge. A good shockwave therapy provider will show:

  • They are certified in ESWT, check the main manufacturers websites like StemWave and SoftWave to get a list of providers in your area.
  • Their clinic follows health safety rules, make sure the office is clean and make sure they are maintaining their shockwave therapy machine, there is a certain amount of maintenance as well as changing out the electrode every so often.
  • They have the latest technology for the best treatments. The two main manufacturers of shockwave therapy for doctors’ offices are StemWave and SoftWave; they have the latest technology and protocols for conditions like shoulder impingement syndrome, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow.

By looking at these things, you can pick the best shockwave therapy clinics for your frozen shoulder.

 

Criteria Considerations
Clinic Reputation Patient reviews, testimonials
Success Rates Clinical outcomes, percentage improvements
Technology Used Type of equipment, safety standards

 

What to Expect During Your Shockwave Therapy Sessions

Knowing what happens during shockwave therapy can make you feel more ready and at ease with the process. During the initial treatment the doctor will map out the shoulder area to find the most tender areas; meaning the areas with the most inflammation and damage. There are many muscles and tendons around the shoulder that can be involved in frozen shoulder. You want the doctor to look at the biceps tendon, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, triceps tendon and pectorals major. Any of these tendons that are irritated have to be addressed when dealing with adhesive capsulitis.

 

Initial Consultation and Diagnosis

Your first step is a detailed meeting with your healthcare provider. They will look at your shoulder and talk about your symptoms and health history. This includes any health issues like diabetes or other underlying conditions that might affect your response to treatment. Based on the severity of your shoulder condition, the doctor will recommend a shockwave therapy plan to meet your goals and expectations. From the get go; let the provider know what you want to be able to do after your shockwave therapy treatment is complete. If it is to do housework or gardening, or are you competing in a pickleball tournament next month, if the doctor knows your expectations it will help them develop a personalized treatment plan to get you there.

 

The Treatment Experience

In each session, sound waves are sent to the injured area, (shoulder rotator cuff tendons and shoulder joints), with a special device. This method doesn't involve surgery and takes about 10 minutes. The treatment itself gives some discomfort; this is due to the healing response from the shockwaves penetrating deep into the injury. To get the most out of your healing and recovery; the first phase of shockwave therapy requires 8-10 treatments over a 6–8-week period of time. More treatment may be needed for complete healing and regeneration of the damaged tissues.

 

Post-Treatment Recommendations

After each treatment, your provider will give you advice. This might include stretching exercises, ice and muscle activation. The doctor will also let you know what activities to avoid, especially intense exercise or activities that might irritate the shoulder injury and interfere with the treatment. It's also suggested to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs during recovery as they can slow healing. Understanding shockwave therapy and following your provider's advice can lead to the best outcomes for your frozen shoulder.

 

Conclusion

Shockwave therapy for frozen shoulder is a great, non-surgical choice for those patients wanting natural healing to get back to being active and pain free. It helps ease discomfort and improve shoulder mobility. This therapy not only reduces pain but also helps you move more freely than traditional treatments. Studies show it works better with fewer sessions compared to physical therapy, chiropractic and massage therapy. This makes shockwave therapy the top choice among medical doctors, orthopedic doctors and sports medicine doctors.

When looking for pain relief, find experts in shockwave therapy for frozen shoulder. You can search locally online to find the best and most experience provider of ESWT. Make sure your provider is using the latest technology in shockwave therapy and not using an inexpensive device that you can buy on Amazon.

 

 

FAQ

What is the difference between shockwave therapy and traditional treatments for frozen shoulder?

Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to help heal without surgery, these waves stimulate the natural healing process to heal and repair the damaged shoulder. Traditional treatments might include physical therapy, Cortisone shots, oral pain medicine or muscle relaxers. These can be more invasive and take longer to recover from with many more side effects.

 

How effective is shockwave therapy for treating frozen shoulder?

Research shows shockwave therapy cuts down on pain and boosts mobility in frozen shoulder patients. It's a top choice compared to other treatments such as physical therapy, chiropractic or acupuncture.

 

How many shockwave therapy sessions will I need to see results?

The number of sessions varies by patient and the severity of the frozen shoulder. Many patients start feeling better after a few treatments, and feel significant improvement within 8-10 session. Full recovery and tissue regeneration takes the full 6-8 or longer sometimes; the body needs time to lay down new collagen and tissues.

 

Are there any side effects associated with shockwave therapy for frozen shoulder?

Side effects are usually mild. Some might feel a bit of discomfort or swelling right after the treatment. These issues, like redness, swelling or tenderness usually go away within a couple of hours.

 

Is shockwave therapy a safe option for all patients with frozen shoulder?

Shockwave therapy is safe for most people. But, those with infections or tumors should talk to their doctor first. There are some contraindications for shockwave therapy; any patients with active cancer, an immune disorder, bleeding disorder or other health conditions that might slow down healing.

 

What should I do to prepare for my first shockwave therapy session?

Wear comfy clothes for your first session. Also, tell your therapist about any medicines or health issues you have. For frozen shoulder, the shockwaves have to be able to go through the skin to get to the joints and muscle so make sure to wear a shirt where you can roll up the sleeves. The shockwave therapy provider will put ultrasound gel on the skin; over top of the injured shoulder area. The actual procedure takes no more than 5 minutes, so just try and relax and communicate with the doctor letting them know how the treatment feels.

 

Can shockwave therapy provide long-term relief for frozen shoulder symptoms?

Yes, many people find lasting pain relief and better shoulder movement after shockwave therapy. It's a great choice for managing frozen shoulder over time. Most frozen shoulder patients are feeling good after 6-8 weeks of treatment; then for maintenance they come in once a month; to make sure their shoulder stays strong and stable.

 

For Frozen shoulder, what are the most common tendons or areas affected?

The most common areas that are injured with frozen shoulder/adhesive capsulitis are the labrum, supraspinatus tendon, infraspinatus tendon, teres minor tendon, biceps tendon and the triceps tendon. When these tendons are damaged or inflamed; they are unable to move or function like they are supposed to; this is why the patient can hardly move their arm without excruciating pain. ESWT reduces inflammation so that these tendons can heal, and get stronger, which in turn will allow the patient to get more range of motion in their shoulder.

 

 

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