Understanding Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Guide to Recovery with PRP and Regenerative Options

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition that causes shoulder pain and a gradual loss of motion. It usually develops over many weeks to months. It often follows a predictable course of stages — the early painful phase, a stiff “frozen” phase, and a gradual “thawing” or recovery phase. Recovery can be slow; many people experience meaningful improvements over several months, and some take a year or two to return to near-normal movement.

What actually happens inside the shoulder?

Inside the shoulder joint is a thin capsule of tissue that helps the joint move smoothly. In a frozen shoulder, the capsule becomes inflamed, thickened, and tight. Inflammation leads to the formation of scar-like tissue, reducing the shoulder’s range of motion and making simple tasks, such as reaching behind your back, washing your hair, or putting on a jacket, painful and limited. The underlying process involves inflammation and abnormal scarring (fibrosis) of the capsule.

Typical symptoms and stages — plain language

Early (pre-freezing): Pain begins, often worsening at night and with specific movements; motion may be slightly limited.
Freezing: Pain increases, and the range of motion becomes progressively worse as the capsule becomes inflamed and tight.
Frozen: Pain may ease, but the shoulder remains quite stiff and difficult to move. Every day tasks are often difficult.
Thawing: The shoulder gradually loosens, and the range of motion improves over several weeks to months. Recovery is gradual.

Traditional treatments — what people usually try

Common approaches include anti-inflammatory medications (such as NSAIDs), heat or ice, corticosteroid injections, and exercises or supervised stretching programs. Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and often provide quicker short-term relief. Still, they have potential side effects (for example, a temporary rise in blood sugar or tissue changes) and are not a cure on their own. Surgery or manipulation under anesthesia is an option in stubborn cases, but is rarely the first choice.

Regenerative medicine and PRP — what is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is made from your own blood. A sample of blood is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets and growth factors, then the resulting fluid is injected into the painful area. Because PRP is autologous (derived from your own blood), it avoids immune reactions and is generally considered safe; the most common complaint is short-lived soreness at the injection site. PRP contains a mix of signals that can both temporarily boost inflammation (which sounds bad but can restart healing) and later promote tissue repair and reduce pain.

What does the evidence say about PRP for frozen shoulder?

Recent scientific reviews of published studies have shown promising results: most studies report that individuals who received PRP had better shoulder range of motion and lower pain and disability scores at follow-up compared with baseline, and in many comparisons, compared with control treatments. This indicates that PRP consistently demonstrated improvements in motion and pain across multiple trials. However, studies vary in how PRP was prepared, the number of injections administered, and the comparison used (corticosteroids, saline, exercise, etc.), so results are encouraging but not identical across every report.

How PRP might help — simple explanation

PRP brings concentrated platelets and growth factors into the cramped, inflamed shoulder capsule. Those factors can:

signal the body to remodel scar tissue and rebalance inflammation;
reduce pain signals locally, making it easier to use the arm; and
support tissue healing processes that may restore more normal capsule flexibility over time.

Because PRP combines pro- and anti-inflammatory activity, its effects may be twofold: a short-term change in the injury environment that reduces pain, and a longer-term encouragement of healthier tissue remodeling.

What to expect during and after a PRP treatment

Typical steps include a brief blood draw, preparation of PRP, and an ultrasound-guided injection into the joint or capsule area. Ultrasound guidance helps place the PRP where it’s most useful. After the injection, people often feel sore for a few days — that’s common — and the pain then tends to decrease over the weeks. Dr. Sunshine varies the number of injections (one vs. a series) depending on the case. Because PRP’s effects depend on biology and remodeling, improvement is often measured over weeks to months rather than days.

Safety and side effects

Because PRP uses the patient’s own blood, severe immune reactions are extremely rare. The most common side effects are temporary increased soreness at the injection site and occasional short-term flare of pain. Standard injection risks (infection, bleeding) are uncommon when procedures are done using sterile technique. In contrast, corticosteroids can relieve pain but carry additional side effects (blood sugar changes, tissue weakening with repeated use) that Dr. Sunshine weighs when selecting treatments.

How PRP fits into a complete recovery plan

PRP is best thought of as one tool in a larger recovery toolbox. By reducing pain and encouraging better tissue remodeling, PRP can make it easier and less painful for you to move the shoulder — and that movement is essential for recovering motion over time. Some patients use PRP in conjunction with gentle, guided mobilization or home exercise programs. Because OC Sports and Wellness focuses on regenerative and interventional sports medicine, we often emphasize biologic options, such as PRP and related orthobiologics, while maintaining sensible and pain-focused rehabilitation.

Who might benefit from PRP?

People with adhesive capsulitis who have significant pain or limited motion, who have tried conservative steps without satisfactory improvement, or who want to avoid—or delay—repeated steroid injections or surgery may consider PRP. Dr. Sunshine will look at your medical history (for example, whether you have diabetes or blood disorders), the stage of your frozen shoulder, and your goals before recommending PRP. Clinical studies encompass a diverse range of patient types, and many have demonstrated better outcomes with PRP compared to baseline or comparison treatments.

Questions patients usually ask.

Will PRP immediately fix my shoulder? No. PRP can accelerate improvement and reduce pain for many patients, but its effects are gradual, taking weeks to months as the shoulder tissues remodel.
Is PRP safe? Generally, yes — because it’s your own blood, severe reactions are rare. Expect some soreness after the injection.
How many injections will I need? That varies. Some people experience improvement after a single injection; others may require a short series. Dr. Sunshine will recommend a plan based on your response.
Do I still need exercises? Often, a gentle program to maintain motion helps progress. At OC Sports and Wellness, we emphasize treatments that reduce pain and support healing, while keeping patient activity recommendations practical and focused on recovery rather than intensive therapy programs.

Practical next steps — what to do if you have frozen shoulder

See a reputable sports medicine or orthopedic clinic for an accurate diagnosis (including an examination and possibly imaging) to confirm adhesive capsulitis and rule out other potential causes of shoulder pain.
Discuss all treatment options: watchful waiting, medications, steroid injections, PRP, and, when appropriate, procedural options. Ask about risks, benefits, costs, and expected timing for improvement.
When considering PRP, choose a clinic experienced in orthobiologics and image-guided injections so that the PRP can be placed precisely where it will have the most benefit.
Follow a realistic recovery plan — short-term pain control and long-term improvements in mobility are both essential to success.

About OC Sports and Wellness

OC Sports and Wellness is a premier sports medicine clinic in Orange County focused on evidence-based regenerative treatments, including PRP and other orthobiologics, delivered with image guidance and individualized care. If you’re exploring PRP for frozen shoulder, Dr. Sunshine, an experienced practitioner in these techniques, can help you weigh the options and create a personalized recovery plan that suits your needs and goals.

Optimistic but realistic

Frozen shoulder can be frustrating because it takes time; however, there are effective options to reduce pain and improve mobility. PRP is an encouraging, generally safe option that many studies show can improve pain and range of motion compared to baseline, and in many cases, it outperforms other treatments. Discuss with Dr. Sunshine whether PRP or another regenerative approach is a suitable match for your stage of frozen shoulder and personal health profile. Patience, combined with a targeted plan, often leads to the best outcomes.

We hope this information is helpful. At OC Sports and Wellness in Orange County, we understand the importance of balancing your health with a busy lifestyle. That’s why we offer convenient options for scheduling visits, texting, or video chatting with Dr. Sunshine. Let’s work together towards your well-being! Please feel free to contact us at 949-460-9111.

Our sports medicine practice is within driving range of Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, City of Orange, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine Sports Medicine, La Habra, La Palma, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, and Yorba Linda. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Disclaimer: The information above is educational and not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Outcomes vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best treatment for your condition.