Laser Therapy & Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a debilitating condition that causes pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens, leading to restricted movement and chronic discomfort. The condition can take months or even years to resolve, significantly impacting daily activities. While traditional treatments such as physical therapy, pain medications, corticosteroid injections, and surgery offer some relief, they often fail to effectively break up adhesions and fully restore mobility.

At Healios Laser Therapy, we offer a non-invasive, drug-free solution using a Class IV cold laser device, which has been clinically proven to reduce inflammation, promote tissue healing, and restore range of motion faster than conventional treatments.

Our cold laser technology utilizes optimal wavelength infrared light and deep tissue penetration to break up scar tissue, improve circulation, and accelerate cellular repair—helping patients regain mobility without the need for medications or surgery.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder progresses through three stages, often lasting anywhere from several months to over a year:

• Freezing Stage – Gradual increase in pain and noticeable reduction in movement.

• Frozen Stage – Pain may subside slightly, but the shoulder remains stiff, significantly limiting range of motion.

• Thawing Stage – Mobility slowly begins to improve, but full recovery may take six months to two years without intervention.

Risk Factors for Frozen Shoulder:

• Post-Surgical Immobility – A lack of movement following surgery can lead to the formation of adhesions, restricting joint function.

• Rotator Cuff Injuries – Damage to the surrounding shoulder muscles and tendons increases the risk of frozen shoulder.

• Diabetes & Autoimmune Conditions – Research indicates that 10-20% of diabetic patients are at a higher risk of developing adhesive capsulitis due to increased inflammation and collagen buildup.

• Chronic Inflammation – Arthritis and other inflammatory conditions that contribute to joint stiffness.

• Repetitive Strain & Poor Posture – Prolonged overuse or improper shoulder positioning can exacerbate symptoms.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

• Persistent pain in the shoulder joint, worsening at night

• Inability to lift the arm or reach behind the back

• Sharp pain with sudden movements

• Loss of range of motion that interferes with daily activities

Cold laser therapy directly targets inflammation and adhesions, helping reduce stiffness, alleviate pain, and restore shoulder mobility faster than conventional treatments.

How the Laser Device Works

Our FDA-cleared Class IV cold laser device delivers high-powered, continuous wave infrared light that penetrates deep into the shoulder joint and surrounding connective tissues without causing heat damage. This advanced wavelength system optimizes tissue penetration and cellular stimulation, targeting scar tissue adhesions and inflamed joint capsules to break down fibrotic tissue and restore movement.

The laser’s infrared light stimulates mitochondrial activity, increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—the energy source for cells—thereby enhancing joint flexibility, reducing inflammation, and accelerating tissue repair.

Clinical Evidence for Frozen Shoulder

Several clinical studies have explored the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in managing adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder. Here are some notable findings:

• Two-Year Follow-Up on LLLT for Elderly Patients: A study involving 35 elderly patients with adhesive capsulitis assessed the long-term effects of LLLT. The treatment led to significant improvements in shoulder function and pain reduction, with benefits maintained at one and two-year follow-ups. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

• Comparative Study of HILT and LLLT: A randomized clinical trial compared the effectiveness of HILT and LLLT, both combined with stretching exercises, in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Results indicated that while both therapies improved pain and functional parameters, HILT was more effective than LLLT. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

• LLLT Combined with Exercise Therapy: Research has examined the combined effect of LLLT and exercise therapy on shoulder rehabilitation. Findings suggest that this combination can enhance pain relief and improve shoulder function in patients with adhesive capsulitis. systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com

• High-Intensity Laser Therapy in Frozen Shoulder: A study evaluated the short-term effects of HILT on patients with frozen shoulder. The therapy, combined with medication and self-stretching exercises, was found to be effective in pain control and improving shoulder mobility. jvscit.org

• Comparative Effectiveness of HILT and Ultrasound Therapy: Research comparing HILT and ultrasound therapy in treating adhesive capsulitis found that both modalities effectively improved pain, range of motion, and functional status, with HILT showing a more pronounced effect. journals.sagepub.com

These studies collectively suggest that laser therapies, particularly when combined with exercise regimens, can be effective in managing pain and improving function in patients with adhesive capsulitis. However, further research is needed to establish standardized treatment protocols and determine the long-term efficacy of these interventions.

Key Benefits of Laser Therapy for Frozen Shoulder

• Deep Tissue Penetration to Break Down Adhesions
  The laser reaches deep into the shoulder joint capsule, ligaments, and surrounding muscles, ensuring that scar tissue is softened and broken down at the source.

• Reduces Inflammation and Relieves Shoulder Pain
  Frozen shoulder is primarily caused by chronic inflammation in the joint capsule, which leads to thickening of connective tissues. Cold laser therapy reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, helping to ease pain and improve range of motion.

• Non-Invasive Pain Relief Without Surgery or Medications
  Unlike steroid injections or surgical interventions, cold laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that provides long-term relief by addressing the root cause of frozen shoulder rather than simply masking pain.

• Stimulates Soft Tissue Repair and Collagen Remodeling
  The laser increases ATP production, accelerating tendon and ligament healing, collagen synthesis, and joint lubrication, leading to improved shoulder mobility and reduced stiffness.

• Improves Circulation and Oxygenation to Speed Recovery
  By increasing circulation, the laser enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to the shoulder joint while flushing out toxins and metabolic waste, helping to restore function and prevent further stiffness.

Why Our Laser Device Is Unique

Unlike traditional treatments that only provide temporary relief, our Class IV cold laser device penetrates deep into joint and muscle tissues to stimulate healing at the cellular level. Its continuous wave technology ensures maximum tissue penetration without discomfort.

Sessions are quick and efficient, typically lasting 15-30 minutes, and many patients experience noticeable improvement after just one session.

This advanced laser system is also effective for rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, post-surgical recovery, and arthritis-related shoulder stiffness.

The Healios Laser Therapy Experience

At Healios Laser Therapy, we create customized treatment plans based on each patient’s specific shoulder mobility concerns. Our Class IV cold laser device is combined with expert care to deliver the best possible results.

70% of our clients experience significant improvement after just one session, with most achieving long-term relief within 1 to 4 sessions. Our fast and comfortable treatments allow you to heal without disrupting your daily routine.

Conclusion

If you’re struggling with frozen shoulder, chronic stiffness, or restricted mobility, Healios Laser Therapy offers a safe, non-invasive, and clinically supported solution. Our Class IV cold laser device promotes scar tissue breakdown, reduces inflammation, and restores function, helping you regain movement and return to an active, pain-free life.

References

• Ordahan B, Karahan AY, Cinar E, et al. Efficacy of Low-level Laser Versus High-intensity Laser Therapy in Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Lasers Med Sci. 2023;14:e10393096.

• Ip D. Two-year follow-up of low-level laser therapy for elderly with painful adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Clin Interv Aging. 2015;10:191-198.

• Comparative effectiveness of low-level laser therapy versus muscle energy technique in patients with adhesive capsulitis: a randomized controlled trial. J Orthop Surg Res. 2024;19:4735.

• Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337-361.

• Aimbire, F., Albertini, R., Pacheco, M. T. T., et al. (2006). Low-level laser therapy induces dose-dependent reduction of TNFα levels in acute inflammation. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 24(1), 33-37.