How to exercise for frozen shoulder

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on March 14, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
50sec home-news-image

How is periarthritis of the shoulder treated?

Periarthritis of the shoulder refers to the symptoms of local pain and restricted movement caused by aseptic chronic inflammatory reactions in the tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules around the shoulder joint. Appropriate immobilization and rest are necessary when periarthritis of the shoulder occurs, and physical therapy methods such as infrared lamps and physiotherapy can be used to alleviate the local inflammatory response. It is also important to perform appropriate functional exercises to prevent the shoulder joint from becoming stiff due to prolonged immobilization. If the pain symptoms are severe, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relief medications can be chosen for symptomatic treatment to relieve pain. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
57sec home-news-image

Symptoms of periarthritis of the shoulder

Patients with periarthritis of the shoulder typically exhibit symptoms of pain around the shoulder joint, which may affect their ability to lift their arms normally. This can interfere with daily activities such as washing the face or combing hair, which are common clinical symptoms of periarthritis of the shoulder. Once periarthritis of the shoulder is diagnosed, it is necessary to actively treat it. Treatments can include using topical plasters that activate blood circulation and relieve stasis, and taking oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications to alleviate pain. In cases with significant pain points, localized injections can be administered, and combined with physiotherapy methods such as acupuncture, electrotherapy, and cupping. It is also important to actively engage in exercises like wall climbing to improve shoulder joint function. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
51sec home-news-image

Shoulder periarthritis is what?

The so-called periarthritis of the shoulder is a sterile inflammation of the shoulder region caused by overexertion, straining stimuli, exposure to cold, or external injuries. It is primarily characterized by pain around the shoulder, especially during shoulder lifting, where the pain becomes more pronounced and can seriously affect the patient's normal shoulder-lifting function. This condition often occurs in middle-aged and elderly patients. Common treatments for periarthritis of the shoulder include rest and protection, local heat application, and local injection treatment for specific pain points. Additionally, topical ointments that invigorate blood and dissipate stasis can be used, along with oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs to alleviate the patient's pain symptoms.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
32sec home-news-image

Symptoms of Periarthritis of the Shoulder

Periarthritis of the shoulder refers to aseptic inflammation of the ligaments, joint capsules, and tendons around the shoulder joint due to chronic strain. This condition is characterized by localized pain, limited mobility, and typically rest pain. There is limited ability to perform movements such as abduction, elevation, and extension during active motion, and an increase in pain during passive movement. It is also necessary to rule out injuries to the rotator cuff or labrum to diagnose periarthritis of the shoulder.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
1min 6sec home-news-image

Where does periarthritis of the shoulder hurt?

Periarthritis of the shoulder generally refers to a sterile inflammatory response due to chronic strain in the tendons, ligaments, and joint capsule around the shoulder joint, commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly women, and is a self-limiting disease. Clinically, it is referred to as frozen shoulder, or fifty shoulder. With the occurrence of periarthritis of the shoulder, there will be pain around the shoulder joint, particularly where the tendons and ligaments attach, with the pain covering a wide area and notably manifesting as resting pain at night. In the early stages of periarthritis, it should be managed with rest and appropriate physical therapies, including infrared therapy, among others, to alleviate inflammation and relieve pain. When necessary, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications may be used to ease the symptoms, along with appropriate functional exercises to prevent shoulder joint stiffness due to prolonged immobility. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)