Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, refers to a progressive condition marked by shoulder stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion.It develops gradually and typically goes through three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. The entire process may last for several months or even over a year.
Frozen shoulder significantly affects quality of life. Everyday actions like getting dressed, driving, lifting your arm, or even turning over in bed can be extremely painful. It most commonly affects people over 40, especially women and those with diabetes.
Traditional treatments include:
Oral painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs
Physical therapy (stretching, hot packs, etc.)
Corticosteroid injections
In severe cases, arthroscopic capsular release surgery
Although these methods can provide relief, the recovery is often slow and prone to relapse. In recent years, shockwave therapy has emerged as a promising, non-invasive alternative.
As a non-invasive therapy, shockwave treatment works by sending high-intensity sound waves deep into soft tissues to stimulate repair and reduce pain.
For frozen shoulder, it works by:
Releasing the joint capsule: Softening and loosening the tightened capsule to improve range of motion
Stimulating soft tissue repair: Encouraging regeneration of tendons, ligaments, and fascia
Improving blood flow: Increasing circulation and speeding up removal of inflammatory waste
Relieving chronic pain: Reducing nerve sensitivity and pain signal transmission
Session Duration: About 15–20 minutes per session
Frequency: Once a week, typically 3–6 sessions for best results
Discomfort Level: Mild soreness or tingling may occur, usually well-tolerated
Downtime: No special recovery period required — you can continue daily activities
Combination Therapy: For optimal results, combine with rehab training, heat therapy, or manual techniques
✅ Non-surgical, non-invasive
✅ High safety with minimal side effects
✅ Fast-acting on chronic pain and stiffness
✅ No long-term reliance on medication
✅ Ideal for patients who cannot undergo surgery or have failed conventional treatments
For deep tissue conditions like frozen shoulder, focused shockwave therapy offers better penetration and precision than radial shockwaves. It can reach deep into the shoulder capsule and rotator cuff tendons.
✅ EMFOCUS Focused Shockwave Device Highlights:
Therapeutic effectiveness: Penetration up to 125mm
Focal zone: 0–65mm range for targeted treatment
User-friendly interface: 12.1" touchscreen, easy to navigate
Smart presets: Multiple clinical protocols for easy parameter selection
No gel pad needed: Efficient and convenient
🏠 Home Use Note:
While we also offer home-use shockwave devices suitable for general muscle soreness, frozen shoulder treatment should ideally be handled by professionals using focused devices to ensure safety and results.
✅ Recommended for:
Patients in the frozen or stiff stage (post-acute phase)
Long-term shoulder pain and limited mobility
Those who cannot tolerate medications or refuse surgery
❌ Not suitable for:
Pregnant individuals
Those with shoulder infections, tumors, or bleeding disorders
Patients with pacemakers (consult your doctor first)
Q1: How many sessions are needed, and when can I expect results?
Most patients begin to feel noticeable relief after just 1–2 sessions. For long-lasting improvement, a full course of 3–6 sessions is typically recommended.
Q2: Should I combine shockwave therapy with other treatments?
Yes. Pairing shockwave therapy with targeted physical therapy, stretching, or manual techniques can significantly enhance results and support long-term recovery.
Q3: Are there any side effects I should be aware of?
Side effects are rare and generally mild. Some patients may experience slight bruising, soreness, or tenderness in the treated area, which usually fades within a few hours.
Q4: Is it safe to use a shockwave device at home?
For frozen shoulder, we recommend having the treatment administered by a qualified professional. However, if using a home-use device, be sure to select a lower-energy model and strictly follow the user guidelines.
Shockwave therapy is becoming a new standard in treating frozen shoulder—safe, effective, and non-invasive. If you're dealing with persistent shoulder pain and limited mobility, starting focused therapy early may reduce the need for surgery, shorten the overall recovery process, and help restore your range of motion more efficiently.
📞 Contact us today to learn more about EMFOCUS, treatment plans, and partnership opportunities!
