The intense, debilitating pain and stiffness of a frozen shoulder (medically known as adhesive capsulitis) can turn simple daily tasks into monumental challenges. From reaching for a shelf to combing your hair, the loss of mobility is frustrating. While traditional treatments like physical therapy and medication are essential, many people are finding significant relief and faster recovery with an innovative technique: dry needling therapy for frozen shoulder.
This guide will explain exactly what dry needling is, how it specifically targets the root causes of a frozen shoulder, and what you can expect during treatment.
Before diving into the solution, it's important to understand the problem. A frozen shoulder occurs when the strong connective tissue surrounding your shoulder joint, known as the shoulder capsule, becomes thick, stiff, and inflamed. This process typically happens in three stages:
The goal of any effective treatment is to manage pain and restore mobility, hopefully shortening these painful stages. This is where dry needling comes in.
Dry needling is a modern, evidence-based technique performed by trained physiotherapists, chiropractors, and medical doctors. It involves inserting a very thin, solid filiform needle into the skin and muscle to target myofascial trigger points, commonly referred to as muscle “knots.” This precise stimulation helps release deep tension, improve circulation, and promote natural healing within affected tissues.
Trigger points are tight, hyper-irritable bands of muscle that can cause local pain, limit movement, and even refer pain to other areas. In frozen shoulder, these trigger points often develop in muscles such as the deltoid, rotator cuff group, and upper back, worsening stiffness and discomfort.
Although both techniques use similar needles, their foundations and goals are entirely different:
For a frozen shoulder, dry needling focuses on releasing tight, overactive muscles that contribute to restricted movement and pain. By relaxing these trigger points, it enhances mobility, reduces guarding, and prepares the shoulder for more effective manual therapy and stretching.
A frozen shoulder isn't just a problem within the joint capsule; it causes a major dysfunctional pattern in the surrounding muscles. Muscles like the rotator cuff, deltoids, lats, and upper traps work overtime and develop painful trigger points, further restricting movement and causing pain.
Dry needling therapy for frozen shoulder provides relief in several key ways: Dry needling targets both pain and mobility restrictions. By addressing the muscular component of the condition, it supports faster and more comfortable recovery. Here’s how it helps:
If you’re considering dry needling for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), it helps to know exactly what the process looks and feels like. A typical session is straightforward, structured, and designed to maximise both comfort and therapeutic benefit. Here’s how the treatment generally unfolds:
If you're tired of the pain, stiffness, and limitations caused by a frozen shoulder, dry needling therapy may be the solution that finally helps you move forward. By directly releasing deep muscle tightness and trigger points, it can accelerate healing, reduce discomfort, and restore smoother, more functional movement. With the right guidance, dry needling becomes a powerful addition to your overall recovery plan.
At Physiotattva physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective results and comfort throughout your journey to recovery.
Don’t wait to start your recovery! Get in touch with Physiotattva for more details! Contact us at +91 89510 47001.
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