Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Treatment in Palm Beach

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder joint capsule becomes inflamed, thickened, and scarred, causing progressive loss of shoulder movement and significant pain. It typically develops in three stages: a painful inflammatory stage, a freezing stage with progressive stiffness, and a thawing stage where motion gradually returns.

At Palm Beach Regenerative, Dr. Ghattas offers targeted orthobiologic treatment of the shoulder joint capsule to address the underlying inflammatory process, combined with BioMod protocols to support the recovery of shoulder mobility. If you're suffering from frozen shoulder, contact our office right away.

What Is Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)?

The shoulder joint is surrounded by a flexible capsule that normally allows a wide range of motion. In adhesive capsulitis, this capsule becomes inflamed and contracts, restricting movement in all directions. The condition is more common in women, individuals over 40, and those with diabetes or thyroid conditions.

Without treatment, frozen shoulder can persist for two to four years. Targeted intervention can shorten this course significantly.

Signs and Symptoms

• Gradual onset of shoulder pain and stiffness

• Progressive loss of shoulder movement in all directions, particularly external rotation

• Pain that worsens at night

• Difficulty reaching overhead, behind the back, or across the body

• Aching that is present both at rest and with movement

Common Causes and Risk Factors

• Idiopathic (no clear cause) in many cases
• Diabetes and thyroid disorders significantly increase risk
• Prolonged shoulder immobilization following injury or surgery
• Prior rotator cuff injury or shoulder surgery
• Cardiovascular disease and Parkinson's disease have associations

How It Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis is clinical: characteristic loss of both active and passive shoulder movement in all planes is the hallmark finding. MRI can rule out other pathology and assess the degree of capsular thickening and joint volume reduction.

Conventional Treatment Options

• Physical therapy focused on capsular stretching and joint mobilization
• Intra-articular steroid injections for the inflammatory stage
• Hydrodilatation: Injection of fluid to distend and stretch the capsule
• Manipulation under anesthesia: Forcible release of the capsule under general anesthetic
• Arthroscopic capsular release for severe, refractory cases

The Palm Beach Regenerative Approach

Dr. Ghattas uses ultrasound-guided intra-articular orthobiologic injection to address the capsular inflammation driving frozen shoulder, combined with targeted needle fenestration of the contracted capsule to support its release and promote the body's own remodeling response.

This is combined with a structured home stretching protocol and close follow-up to monitor the progression through the stages and adjust treatment accordingly. The goal is to significantly shorten the natural history of frozen shoulder and restore functional shoulder mobility.

The BioMod Advantage: MLS Robotic Laser Therapy applied to the shoulder joint and capsule powerfully reduces capsular inflammation during the painful freezing stage and supports tissue remodeling during recovery. Xymogen anti-inflammatory and joint support protocols work systemically to reduce the inflammatory load on the shoulder capsule, supporting faster recovery of range of motion.

Like all medical procedures, orthobiologic treatments have potential risks and benefits. Results vary by individual. Not all patients are candidates. Dr. Ghattas will discuss your specific situation, realistic expectations, and all treatment options, including when surgery or other interventions may be more appropriate.