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Adhesive Capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is an inflammatory condition in which the body develops excessive scar tissue and inflammation in the shoulder joint, causing pain and severe restrictions of arm and shoulder movements. While the precise causes of adhesive capsulitis can vary and are not entirely understood, it is frequently associated with injury and/or surgery, prolonged immobilization, chronic overuse, as well as autoimmune responses and systemic conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders.1
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The Role of Fascia in Adhesive Capsulitis
Fascia is a connective tissue that envelops muscles, joints, tendons, and other structures throughout the body. In the shoulder, the fascia surrounds the rotator cuff muscles and other structures, contributing to the overall function, movement, and stability of the joint. When adhesive capsulitis occurs, several pathological changes can occur within the fascial tissues.10,11
Initially, the condition often involves inflammation of the synovium, the lining of the shoulder joint, leading to pain and swelling. This inflammation can extend to the surrounding fascia, causing it to become thickened and stiff. As the condition progresses, chronic inflammation can lead to fibrosis, where excess collagen is deposited in the joint capsule and surrounding fascia, forming scar tissues which further add pressure on the joint and contribute to pain. Additionally, chronic inflammation and stiffness can lead to dehydration of the fascial tissue and the formation of tissue adhesions, causing the tissue layers to bind together and lose pliability, as well as prevent the smooth gliding of fascia and muscles.5,6 Dehydrated and adhered fascia is less capable of distributing mechanical forces, exacerbating stiffness and restricting arm and shoulder mobility.7,8,9
This intricate relationship between fascia and adhesive capsulitis symptoms highlights how damaged fascia can perpetuate the cycle of shoulder stiffness and pain. We believe addressing the fascia through targeted treatments is therefore essential and can help to manage or cure adhesive capsulitis symptoms.
How RELIEF® Can Help Adhesive Capsulitis
The RELIEF® procedure is designed to address the underlying issues of adhesive capsulitis by specifically targeting damaged and dehydrated fascia. The treatment combines ultrasound guidance, hydrodissection, AMUC injections, and more to help release fascia adhesions, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing.2,3,4
Initial Assessment: The procedure begins with a comprehensive tissue assessment using ultrasound to identify areas of fascial restriction and dehydration around the affected shoulder joint.
Ultrasound-Guided RELIEF®: Our physicians use ultrasound guidance to precisely target, hydrate, and release tightened fascia around the joint. The procedure is designed to separate and release fascia layers, to help relieve pressure on the joint, address inflammation and promote tissue health.
The RELIEF® procedure may directly address fascia-related issues contributing to or causing adhesive capsulitis symptoms, helping to improve joint function, alleviate pain, and enhance the overall quality of life for adhesive capsulitis patients.
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RELIEF® for Dr. Luis Leyva's Adhesive Capsulitis
Luis Leyva Jr., MD
Gynecologist and Obstetrician
Expert Gynecologist and Obstetrician, Dr. Luis Leyva, MD, specializes in safe and effective surgical care at OB/GYN Associates of Miami. In 2012, he received the title of America’s Top Obstetrician and Gynecologist by Consumers’ Research Council of America and made Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors list in 2015.
Dr. Leyva was facing severe shoulder pain and restricted mobility due to adhesive capsulitis. Unable to lift either arm laterally to 90 degrees, he tried the RELIEF® procedure.
After one RELIEF® session, Dr. Leyva experienced a dramatic improvement, regaining the ability to lift his arms above his head immediately after treatment. The RELIEF® procedure was able to rehydrate and release the adhered fascia surrounding his restricted shoulder joints, effectively relieving the pressure on his shoulder and restoring his range-of-motion.
"It's really amazing," he shared, right after his first treatment.
RELIEF® for Chronic Pain
Chronic pain may stem from many different conditions and injuries. Hear from some of the patients that overcame chronic pain with RELIEF®:
View more patient stories at https://www.reliefnow.com/testimonials
RELIEF® is a scientifically backed, targeted solution that may help manage and alleviate pain due to the symptoms of adhesive capsulitis. Focusing on addressing fascia and promoting natural healing, RELIEF® offers a minimally invasive solution that requires no steroids, medication, surgery, anesthesia, or post-procedure immobilization.
For more information on how RELIEF® can help with adhesive capsulitis, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Learn more about RELIEF®
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5384535/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-23362-y#Abs1
- https://journals.lww.com/jaaos/abstract/2019/06150/treatment_of_adhesive_capsulitis_of_the_shoulder.3.aspx
- https://journals.lww.com/ijpn/Fulltext/2022/36020/Ultrasonography_Guided_Hydrodissection_using.5.aspx
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7793886/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10135675/
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2325967119888500
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1360859221001601
- https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/11/7/668
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3096148/
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04756167