How Dry Needling Can Help with Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

How Dry Needling Can Help with Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A Science-Backed Approach to Pain Relief and Recovery

If you are struggling with frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, you know how frustrating and painful it can be. The condition severely limits movement, causes persistent discomfort, and can take months or even years to fully resolve. Traditional treatments like physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and medications provide varying levels of relief, but for some, progress can be slow and discouraging.

One promising complementary therapy that is gaining traction in the medical and physical therapy communities is dry needling. Rooted in solid medical research, dry needling is an effective technique that can help reduce pain, improve range of motion, and accelerate recovery for individuals suffering from frozen shoulder.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Adhesive capsulitis is a condition characterized by progressive stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The exact cause is not always clear, but it often develops after injury, prolonged immobilization, or medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders. The condition typically progresses through three stages:

1. Freezing Stage: Pain gradually increases, and movement becomes restricted.
2. Frozen Stage: Pain may subside slightly, but stiffness remains, severely limiting mobility.
3. Thawing Stage: Gradual improvement in mobility occurs, often over months or years.

Because frozen shoulder results from inflammation, fibrosis, and tightness in the shoulder capsule, treatment focuses on reducing pain and restoring movement. This is where dry needling can be highly beneficial.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a minimally invasive treatment technique in which a thin, monofilament needle is inserted into muscle trigger points—tight knots that can cause pain and restrict movement. Similar to sports acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and informed by biomedical principles, dry needling is also grounded in Western medicine and focuses on targeting musculoskeletal dysfunctions.

Trigger points are common in individuals with frozen shoulder, particularly in the rotator cuff muscles and surrounding tissues. By releasing these trigger points, dry needling helps relax tight muscles, improve blood flow, and promote healing.

The Science Behind Dry Needling for Frozen Shoulder

Several medical studies and case reports have investigated the benefits of dry needling for frozen shoulder:

• A case report published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy highlighted how adding trigger point dry needling to a rehabilitation program significantly improved range of motion and functional outcomes in a patient with adhesive capsulitis. The patient experienced increased mobility and reduced pain following treatment sessions.
• A systematic review in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that dry needling, when combined with traditional physiotherapy, effectively reduces pain and improves mobility in patients with shoulder conditions, including adhesive capsulitis.
• Another study evaluated the short-term effects of dry needling on shoulder pain and mobility, finding that it provided substantial relief in patients with adhesive capsulitis, especially in the freezing and frozen stages.

How Dry Needling Helps with Frozen Shoulder

Dry needling provides multiple benefits for individuals suffering from frozen shoulder, including:

1. Pain Reduction

One of the most significant advantages of dry needling is its ability to quickly reduce pain. Trigger points in the shoulder muscles contribute to discomfort and restrict movement. By inserting a needle into these tight areas, dry needling stimulates the nervous system, reduces muscle tension, and interrupts pain signals.

2. Improved Shoulder Mobility

Frozen shoulder leads to extreme stiffness, limiting everyday movements like reaching overhead or behind the back. Dry needling helps release muscle tightness and trigger points, improving the overall elasticity of the shoulder capsule and surrounding muscles.

3. Enhanced Blood Flow and Healing

Chronic tightness in the shoulder leads to poor circulation, which delays healing. Dry needling stimulates local blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the affected tissues, speeding up the recovery process.

4. Reduction of Shoulder Muscle Guarding

Pain from frozen shoulder often causes protective muscle guarding, where surrounding muscles tighten up in response to discomfort. This reflexive tightening exacerbates stiffness. Dry needling relaxes these overactive muscles, allowing for better movement and less pain.

5. Accelerating the Recovery Process

Frozen shoulder is known for its long recovery period, sometimes lasting up to three years. By addressing muscle dysfunction early, dry needling can shorten the overall recovery time and improve functional outcomes when combined with physical therapy exercises.

What to Expect from Dry Needling Treatment

If you’re considering dry needling for frozen shoulder, here’s what you can expect:

• Initial Assessment: A qualified healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist trained in dry needling, will evaluate your shoulder mobility, pain levels, and muscle tightness.
• Treatment Sessions: A fine needle is inserted into specific trigger points in the shoulder and surrounding muscles. You may feel a twitch response in the muscle, which is a sign that the trigger point is releasing.
• Post-Treatment Effects: Some mild soreness may occur after treatment, similar to post-exercise soreness. This typically resolves within 24-48 hours.
• Combination with Physical Therapy: Dry needling is most effective when combined with stretching, mobility exercises, and manual therapy to enhance long-term results.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Dry needling is generally safe when performed by a licensed and trained practitioner. The most common side effects include temporary soreness, minor bruising, and mild discomfort at the insertion sites. Serious side effects are rare when proper technique is used.

However, dry needling may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with bleeding disorders, those on blood thinners, or individuals with a fear of needles should discuss alternative options with their healthcare provider.

Final Thoughts: Is Dry Needling Right for You?

If you’re suffering from frozen shoulder and looking for an evidence-based treatment to help reduce pain and improve mobility, dry needling may be a valuable addition to your recovery plan. Research supports its effectiveness in relieving muscle tension, promoting circulation, and improving function in individuals with adhesive capsulitis.

For best results, consider working with a Sports Acupuncturist or medical professional who specializes in dry needling. Combining dry needling and sports acupuncture with a structured rehabilitation program, including stretching and strengthening exercises, can provide lasting improvements in shoulder mobility and function.

If you’re ready to take control of your frozen shoulder and explore dry needling and sports acupuncture as a treatment option, give Dr. Heide a call to determine the best approach for your individual needs. Relief may be closer than you think!