Cold Laser Therapy for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a painful and often debilitating condition that affects the mobility of the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually and can significantly limit everyday activities such as reaching overhead, dressing, or even sleeping comfortably.

What Is Adhesive Capsulitis?

Adhesive capsulitis happens when the tissue around the shoulder joint becomes swollen, thickened, and tight. This gradually limits movement and causes stiff bands of tissue (adhesions) to form, leading to the well-known symptoms of shoulder stiffness and pain.

This condition often progresses through three stages:

1. Freezing Stage: Increasing pain and gradual loss of shoulder movement
2. Frozen Stage: Pain may subside slightly, but stiffness persists
3. Thawing Stage: Slow return of range of motion

It can last anywhere from several months to a few years, and commonly affects adults aged 40 to 60, particularly those with diabetes or thyroid disorders.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

• Shoulder stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Pain that worsens with movement and at night
• Difficulty performing overhead or behind-the-back tasks
• Gradual onset with progressive loss of function

Cold Laser Therapy and Frozen Shoulder

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular healing and reduce inflammation. At Cold Laser Perth, we use the MR5 ACTIV PRO LaserStim® device to deliver precise and effective laser therapy.

How Does Cold Laser Help with Frozen Shoulder

🔬 Cellular Repair and ATP Production

LLLT stimulates mitochondrial activity, increasing ATP production and supporting soft tissue healing. One study found that cold laser therapy enhanced mitochondrial function and ATP synthesis in muscle cells, aiding tissue repair.

🔥 Inflammation Reduction

Cold laser therapy may help reduce inflammation by affecting certain chemicals in the body (like IL-1β and TNF-α) that are usually higher in frozen shoulder. Research shows that it can support healing at every stage by improving blood flow and calming down the body’s inflammatory response.

🤕 Pain Relief

LLLT may also affect nerve conduction and pain signalling pathways, helping to reduce discomfort and improve function. A double-blind trial research study reported about the significant pain relief and functional improvement in soft tissue injuries with LLLT treatment.

💪 Functional Improvement

By supporting tissue repair and reducing pain, cold laser therapy can help patients regain shoulder motion and better engage in physical therapy exercises which is essential for thawing the shoulder and restoring mobility.

How Chiropractic Care May Help

Chiropractors can support the management of adhesive capsulitis through:

• Gentle mobilisation techniques to restore movement in the shoulder, upper back, and neck
• Soft tissue therapy targeting the surrounding musculature and fascia
• Exercise prescription to maintain joint mobility and promote tissue flexibility
• Postural advice to prevent compensatory movement patterns

While chiropractic care may not reverse the condition, it may assist in relieving muscular tension, supporting better biomechanics, and maintaining range of motion as the shoulder progresses through the healing stages. Outcomes vary depending on the individual’s condition and commitment to active rehabilitation.

Integrating Care for Better Results

At Cold Laser Perth, we take a holistic, evidence-informed approach. Cold laser therapy is often combined with:

• Gentle manual therapy
• Functional rehabilitation exercises
• Education on movement and posture

This combined approach aims to support each stage of recovery from frozen shoulder and promote better outcome in a long-run. If you're experiencing persistent shoulder stiffness or pain, especially with limited movement, adhesive capsulitis may be the cause. Feel free to call us at 9300 0095 to book in an appointment or visit our website at www.coldlaserperth.com.au for more information on how cold laser therapy and chiropractic care can be integrated into your recovery journey.

📍 Serving the Joondalup & Northern Suburbs of Perth Lakeside Chiropractic is central to the northern suburbs of Perth, located in the City of Joondalup.

If you are in the surrounding suburbs such as Yanchep - 6035, Tapping - 6065, Carramar - 6031, Currambine - 6028, Wanneroo - 6065, Heathridge - 6027, Edgewater - 6027, Gnangara - 6077, Mullaloo - 6027, Padbury - 6025, Kingsley - 6026, Woodvale - 6026, Banksia Grove - 6031, or Duncraig - 6023, our team is here to assist you.

References:

1. Ferraresi et al. (2015)
   Ferraresi, C., Kaippert, B., Avci, P., Huang, Y. Y., de Sousa, M. V., Bagnato, V. S., Parizotto, N. A., & Hamblin, M. R. (2015). Low-level laser (light) therapy increases mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP synthesis in C2C12 myotubes with a peak response at 3–6 hours. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 91(2), 411–416. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4355185/
2. Barbour et al. (2012)
   Barbour, R. L., Heinrich, S. D., & Black, S. J. (2012). Limb blood flow after class 4 laser therapy. Journal of Athletic Training, 47(2), 178–183. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3418129/
3. Mulcahy et al. (1995)
   Mulcahy, D., McCormack, D., McElwain, J., Wagstaff, S., & Conroy, C. (1995). Low level laser therapy: A prospective double-blind trial of its use in an orthopaedic population. Injury, 26(5), 315–317. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7649646/

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results may vary.