Unlock Your Frozen Shoulder: A 6-Step Guide to Pain-Free Movement

Periarthritis (also known as“ Freeze shoulder ”) is a sterile inflammation of the soft tissue (muscles, tendons, bursa) around the shoulder joint. The core symptoms are shoulder joint pain (aggravated at night) and limited movement (difficulty raising arms and rotating). It is often caused by cold, strain or Trauma-induced, the course of the disease can be divided into pain period (1-3 months) and freezing period (4-12 months) Recovery period (12-24 months). The following 6 medication regimens cover different disease courses and take into account “anti-inflammatory and analgesic, release of adhesions, and nerve nutrition”. They need to be reasonably selected based on the severity of symptoms and disease course.

1. 6 practical medication plans and applicable scenarios to relieve discomfort in stages

The core of treatment for frozen shoulder is “controlling inflammation, reducing pain, and restoring joint mobility”, and the program focuses on different stages:

– Scheme 1: Pain period (mainly acute pain, affecting sleep) —— powerful anti-inflammatory pain relief + muscle relaxation

Typical manifestations: persistent pain in the shoulder joint, awakening at night (aggravated when lying on one’s side to press the shoulder), raising the arm to 90 °that is, markedly restricted, accompanied by shoulder muscle tension.

Collocate: Ibuprofen Prolonged-release capsules + eperisone hydrochloride tablets

Efficacy: Ibuprofen Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis (rapid anti-inflammatory pain relief), Eperisone Relaxing tight muscles in the shoulder (relief) Muscle spasms Caused pain), the two work together to reduce acute phase discomfort.

Usage: Ibuprofen 0.3 g each time, twice daily (take after meals to reduce gastrointestinal irritation for no more than 7 consecutive days); eperisone 50 mg each time, 3 times daily (may be mild after taking the medicine) Somnolence ,avoid driving).

Note: ibuprofen is contraindicated in Gastric ulcer , Asthma Patients; can be combined with cold compress (15 minutes each time, 3 times daily) to reduce inflammatory edema in the acute phase.

– Scheme 2: Pain period (numbness with nerve compression) —— anti-inflammatory and analgesic + nerve nutrition

Typical performance: Shoulder pain Radiation to the arm (lateral upper arm, elbow) with slight numbness of the fingers, aggravated numbness when pressing pain points around the shoulder.

Collocate: Diclofenac sodium Enteric-coated tablets + Methylcobalamin Film

Efficacy: Diclofenac sodium The anti-inflammatory analgesic effect is stronger than ibuprofen and relieves inflammation around the shoulder; methylcobalamin (vitamin B12 preparation) nourishes the compressed nerves and improves numbness symptoms.

Usage: Diclofenac sodium 25 mg each time, 3 times a day (take after meals, do not use for long time, avoid stomach damage); methylcobalamin 0.5 mg each time, 3 times a day (take continuously for 1 month, nerve repair takes time).

Note: Diclofenac sodium may cause an increase in blood pressure, Hypertension The patient’s blood pressure needs to be monitored; if the numbness persists and does not resolve, medical attention is required (excluded) Cervical spondylosis Compressing nerves).

– Scheme 3: Freeze period (obvious restriction of movement, initial formation of adhesions) —— anti-inflammatory and analgesic + circulation promotion

Typical manifestations: significant reduction in the range of motion of the shoulder joint °no more than 60 for arm lift, inability to comb hair, button back button), stiffness around the shoulder, pain turned dull.

Pairing: Celecoxib capsules + Blood-activating and pain-relieving capsules

Efficacy: Celecoxib is selective anti-inflammatory (less gastrointestinal irritation, suitable for those who need to take medication for a slightly longer period of time), Huoxue Zhitong Capsule (Chinese patent medicine) promotes blood circulation around the shoulder and assists in the release of early adhesions.

Usage: Celecoxib 0.2 g each time, once daily (after meals, contraindicated for those allergic to sulfonamides); Huoxuezhiyan capsules 4 each time, 3 times daily (contraindicated for pregnant women).

Note: It is necessary to cooperate with simple joint activities (such as pendulum movement: body leaning forward, arms naturally drooping in circles for 5 minutes each time) during the medication to prevent aggravation of adhesion; avoid violent shoulder flicking (to prevent tendon damage).

– Scheme 4: Freeze period (aggravated adhesions, recurrent pain) —— topical anti-inflammatory + oral analgesia + muscle relaxant

Typical manifestations: extensive tenderness around the shoulder, limited active and passive activities (others also have difficulty in assisting in raising the arm), pain that worsens after activity and resolves after rest.

Collocating: diclofenac Diethylamine Latex (external use) + Aminophenol Dihydrocodeine Tablets + Tizanidine Hydrochloride Tablets

Efficacy: Topical latex topical Anti-inflammatory (Reduce oral medicinal dosage), aminophenol dihydrocodeine (weak opioid analgesic) relieves moderate to severe pain, and tizanidine effectively relaxes spasmodic muscles around the shoulder.

Usage: Latex 3-4 times a day (apply to the painful area and massage for 1 minute to promote absorption); Aminophenol dihydrocodeine 1 tablet a time, 3 times a day (not more than 5 days in a row to prevent addiction); Tizanidine 2 mg a time, 3 times a day (start with a small dose to prevent dizziness).

Note: Aminophenol dihydrocodeine is a controlled drug and requires a doctor’s prescription; it is reviewed regularly (every 2 weeks) during medication to assess whether the plan needs to be adjusted; it can be accompanied by medical treatment (such as ultrasound, acupuncture) under the guidance of a doctor.

– Option 5: Recovery period (pain reduction, activity to be restored) —— Chinese patent medicine conditioning + nutrition Cartilage

Typical manifestations: significant reduction in shoulder pain (sleeping peacefully at night), but still slight limitation in arm raising and rotation, and occasional soreness and swelling around the shoulder.

Collocate: Biqi capsules + Glucosamine hydrochloride capsules

Efficacy: Biqi Capsules (contains) Safflower , Salvia )Activate blood circulation, unblock collaterals, and promote shoulder tissue repair; Glucosamine Nutrition of shoulder joint cartilage, improvement of joint function, prevention of relapse.

Usage: Biqi Capsules 4 capsules each time, 3 times a day (use with caution if you have bleeding tendencies, such as abnormal coagulation function); Glucosamine 0.75g each time, 2 times a day (take continuously for 2-3 months) Cartilage Long repair cycle).

Note: During the recovery period, it is necessary to strengthen rehabilitation training (such as wall climbing exercise: standing facing the wall and climbing up the wall with your fingers for 10 minutes each time), gradually expand the range of activities; avoid staying in the same position for long periods of time (such as sitting for long periods of time and raising your arms for long periods of time).

– Scheme 6: The whole course of the disease (auxiliary conditioning, reducing recurrence)—— Vitamins Supplement + topical patch

Typical manifestations: Shoulder pain and restricted mobility are relieved, but the muscles around the shoulder are weak, and it is easy to suffer from soreness and discomfort when exposed to cold or exertion.

Pairing: Multivitamin B tablets + Musk bone-strengthening ointment (external use)

Efficacy: Multivitamin B nourishes the nerves and promotes metabolism (assists muscle recovery); Musk Bone Strengthening Cream warms the meridians and dispels cold, activates blood circulation and relieves pain, and prevents repeated symptoms caused by cold.

Usage: 2 tablets of vitamin B complex each time, 3 times a day (take continuously for 1 month); the paste is changed every 12 hours (applied to pain points around the shoulder, contraindicated for those with skin allergies).

Note: Pay attention to shoulder warmth on a daily basis (such as wearing shoulder cotton) Vest ), avoid air conditioning and fans blowing directly around the shoulders; conduct appropriate shoulder strength training (such as lightweight dumbbell arm raising, 3 groups each time, 10 times each group) to enhance shoulder muscle strength.

2. “Signals that the drug is effective indicate improvement of the condition”

After 1-2 weeks of regular medication, these changes indicate that the protocol is effective:

1. Pain relief: reduction in the number of painful awakenings at night (from 3 to 0-1 per night); reduction in pain when pressing the pain point around the shoulder (from severe pain to slight soreness).

2. Increased mobility: increase in the height of the arms raised (such as from 60 °to 120°); can complete simple movements (such as combing the head, touching the opposite shoulder, buttoning the back) without the assistance of others.

3. With the disappearance of symptoms: numbness in the arms, relief of muscle tension; reduction in the recovery time of soreness in the shoulder area after activity (from 2 hours to 30 minutes).

If, after 2 weeks of medication, there is no reduction in shoulder pain, mobility is still limited, or arm weakness or muscle atrophy occurs, prompt medical attention is required (to check for rotator cuff injuries and cervical spondylosis).

3. Uncomfortable medication? Dispose of it as such

– Slight discomfort (common reaction): mild stomach pain and acid reflux after taking ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium, change to take and match after meals Aluminium magnesium carbonate Tablets (1g each time, 3 times a day) can relieve the pain; topical latex and ointment can cause slight skin redness, which can subside on its own after 1-2 days of stopping the drug.

– Apparent discomfort (to be on alert): Appears after taking celecoxib Rash , Chest tightness (allergic reaction), stop the drug immediately and take it orally Loratadine ; Aminophenol dihydrocodeine causes dizziness and nausea, so the dosage needs to be reduced or replaced with other painkillers; tizanidine causes severe drowsiness and affects daily life, so the dosage needs to be reduced as directed by the doctor.

4. Medication courses and precautions

– Effective time: Pain reduction can be seen in 1-2 days with anti-inflammatory analgesics (such as ibuprofen, diclofenac sodium) in the acute stage; nerve repair and chondrophonetic drugs (such as methylcobalamin, glucosamine) take 2-4 weeks to become effective.

– Course recommendations:

– Pain period: Oral anti-inflammatory painkillers should be used continuously for 5-7 days (discontinue the drug after the symptoms are relieved), and avoid long-term use (prevent gastrointestinal, liver and kidney damage);

– Freeze period: topical drugs can be combined for a long time (such as latex, plaster), and oral drugs can be adjusted according to the degree of pain (reduce the dose after the pain is relieved);

– Recovery period: Glucosamine and Chinese patent medicines need to be used continuously for 2-3 months to consolidate the efficacy and prevent recurrence.

5. Keep these taboos in mind and avoid making mistakes

– Core principle: Frozen shoulder is dominated by “sterile inflammation”, and antibiotics (such as Amoxicillin , Cephalosporins, ineffective for inflammation); powerful analgesics (such as aminophenol dihydrocodeine) cannot be taken on their own for a long time (anti-addiction, dependence).

– Special groups: Pregnant women are prohibited from using Huoxue Pain Relief Capsules and Musk Bone Strengthening Ointment (to prevent miscarriage caused by Huoxue); lactating women should use ibuprofen and celecoxib with caution (drugs may affect babies through milk); those with liver and kidney insufficiency should use it with caution Diclofenac sodium and aminophenol dihydrocodeine (reduce dosage and monitor liver and kidney function).

– Avoid wrong combinations: Do not take 2 or more oral anti-inflammatory painkillers at the same time (such as ibuprofen + celecoxib, which aggravates the burden on the gastrointestinal, liver and kidneys and can easily cause adverse reactions); topical ointments should not be used in combination with latex agents (increases the risk of skin allergies).

6. Do 2 things well to assist in accelerating recovery

1. Scientific rehabilitation training (throughout the course of the disease, the key lies “step by step”):

– Pain period: Pendulum movement (5 minutes each time, 2 times a day), finger wall climbing (only 10cm in the initial stage, gradually increase), avoid excessive activity;

– Freeze period: Passively raise your arms and rotate with the help of others (movement is gentle, as long as it does not cause severe pain), 10 minutes each time, once a day;

– Recovery period: wall climbing exercise (fighting for the height of fingers touching the top of the head), dumbbell arm lifting (weight starting from 0.5kg and gradually increasing to 1kg), strengthening the muscles around the shoulders.

2. Life care:

– Keep warm: avoid getting cold around the shoulders (wearing a scarf in winter and long sleeves in air-conditioned rooms in summer), getting cold will aggravate inflammation and induce pain;

– Posture: Avoid bowing your head and lying down for a long time (every 1 hour of work, get up and move your shoulders and neck for 5 minutes); avoid pressing the painful shoulder when sleeping (you can put a soft pillow under the shoulder when lying on your side);

– Diet: Eat more rich Protein (like Eggs , fish), calcium (such as milk, soy products) foods to help repair muscles and cartilage; eat less spicy, raw and cold foods (reduce inflammatory stimulation).

The treatment of frozen shoulder requires a combination of “medication + rehabilitation training + daily care”, especially during the freezing period. Do not move completely due to pain (easily aggravate adhesions), and do not engage in blind strenuous activities (prevent injury). Most patients can fully recover within 1-2 years through standardized treatment, and need to be patient and make regular follow-up visits to adjust the plan.

Disclaimer: All photos used in this blog are generated by artificial intelligence (AI). These images are original creations produced by AI technology and do not depict real people, places, or events. They are provided for illustrative purposes only and cannot be claimed or used as real photographs.