What are the medications for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)?

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Last updated: February 17, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Medications for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) Intra-articular injections of corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone, are a common treatment for adhesive capsulitis, as they have been found to have significant effects on pain 1.

  • Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain, although the provided evidence does not specify the exact dosage or duration for frozen shoulder treatment.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to alleviate pain and stiffness, but the evidence provided does not specifically mention their use for frozen shoulder.
  • The use of steroid injections/medication is mentioned as a treatment option for shoulder pain, which includes adhesive capsulitis, and has been found to improve range of motion (ROM) although the improvements were not significant 1.
  • It is essential to note that the evidence provided is from a study focused on post-stroke shoulder pain, and the treatment options may vary depending on the specific context and cause of the adhesive capsulitis.
  • However, based on the available evidence, intra-articular injections of triamcinolone appear to be a viable treatment option for adhesive capsulitis, with significant effects on pain 1.

From the Research

Medications for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

There are no research papers provided that directly discuss the medications for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). However, some studies mention the use of corticosteroids for various conditions:

  • Corticosteroids are commonly used for inflammatory skin conditions, such as contact dermatitis 2
  • Corticosteroids are used to treat acute severe asthma, with low doses being as effective as high doses 3
  • Corticosteroids are used as first-line therapy for Crohn disease to rapidly palliate symptoms 4
  • The use of corticosteroids can have implications for wound healing, particularly in patients taking chronic corticosteroids 5

Related Conditions

While not directly related to adhesive capsulitis, some studies discuss shoulder instability and treatment options:

  • Arthroscopic Bankart repair and Latarjet procedure are options for managing complex anterior shoulder instability 6 Note that these studies do not provide information on medications specifically for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder).

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Systematic Review of Systemic Corticosteroid Effects on Patch Testing.

Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug, 2022

Research

Management of Complex Anterior Shoulder Instability: a Case-Based Approach.

Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine, 2017

Related Questions

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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