The BMJ Publishes Review on Shockwave Therapy for Frozen Shoulder, Highlighting Short-Term Pain Relief
A review of the latest trial evidence, published by The BMJ, indicates that extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) likely reduces short-term pain associated with frozen shoulder. ESWT involves delivering low-energy sound waves to damaged tissue to stimulate blood flow and healing. The review, which analyzed 189 randomized controlled trials involving 12,988 adults with adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), found moderate-certainty evidence for short-term pain reduction compared to usual care. While there were indications that ESWT might also improve short-term function, flexion, and abduction, these benefits are considered less certain due to low-certainty evidence and inconsistent data. The review also noted that manipulation under anesthesia, with or without steroid injections, probably improved short-term flexion.
