What Supplements May Help with a Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes painful and progressively stiff. It occurs when the capsule of connective tissue surrounding the joint thickens and tightens, limiting normal movement.

This stiffness can make everyday actions such as reaching overhead, fastening clothing, or reaching behind the back difficult. Many people also report disturbed sleep, as shoulder discomfort often intensifies at night.

The exact cause is not always clear. Frozen shoulder may develop after injury or surgery, but it can also appear without an obvious trigger. Women are affected more often than men, and the condition is more frequent in people with diabetes, suggesting a link with metabolic factors.

The condition typically progresses through three phases: a painful “freezing” stage, a stiff “frozen” stage, and a gradual “thawing” stage. Recovery can take one to three years. Physiotherapy remains central to management, while supplements are sometimes used as supportive tools alongside standard care.

How Supplements May Fit Into Recovery

Guided physiotherapy and regular mobility exercises are the foundation of frozen shoulder management. In some cases, clinicians may recommend short-term interventions such as corticosteroid injections to manage pain and allow movement to progress.

Supplements do not replace medical treatment. They are sometimes used to support inflammatory balance, circulation, muscle relaxation, or connective tissue maintenance when combined with rehabilitation and appropriate medical supervision.

Supplements Often Considered for Frozen Shoulder

1. Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme that has been studied for its effects on inflammation and protein breakdown. It is sometimes used in conditions involving excess or damaged connective tissue.

In the context of frozen shoulder, serrapeptase is mainly considered during phases where inflammation and tissue thickening are prominent. Evidence is limited, and responses vary, so it is typically viewed as an adjunct rather than a primary intervention.

2. Devil's Claw

Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a plant extract traditionally used for musculoskeletal discomfort. Its active compounds, harpagosides, are associated with modulation of inflammatory pathways.

It is sometimes used to support comfort and mobility in chronic joint conditions, including shoulder stiffness, particularly when non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are poorly tolerated.

3. Curcumin

Curcumin, derived from turmeric, is widely used for inflammatory balance. It influences several signaling pathways involved in pain and swelling.

In people with shoulder stiffness, curcumin is mainly considered to support comfort during rehabilitation, potentially making stretching and exercise more tolerable.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are involved in regulating inflammatory responses and supporting circulation.

They are commonly used as part of a broader nutritional approach to joint and soft tissue health, rather than as a condition-specific intervention.

5. Magnesium

Magnesium supports normal muscle relaxation and nerve function. In frozen shoulder, surrounding muscle tension can worsen discomfort and limit movement.

Adequate magnesium intake may help reduce muscle tightness around the shoulder, which can support comfort and sleep quality during recovery.

6. MSM

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) provides sulfur, a component of connective tissue. It is commonly used in joint health formulas to support long-term tissue maintenance.

While it does not directly target joint capsule stiffness, MSM may contribute to overall shoulder comfort when used consistently.

Lifestyle and Rehabilitation Considerations

• Follow a physiotherapy program consistently to maintain and gradually improve range of motion.
• Use heat before stretching to improve tissue flexibility and blood flow.
• Support recovery with adequate protein intake and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Manage stress and prioritize sleep, as poor sleep can worsen pain perception.

Bottom Line

Frozen shoulder is a slow-healing condition that requires patience and structured rehabilitation. Physiotherapy remains the primary treatment. Supplements such as serrapeptase, curcumin, devil's claw, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and MSM are sometimes used as supportive options to address comfort, inflammation, or muscle tension.

These approaches are best considered as part of a broader plan that includes medical guidance, regular mobility work, and appropriate lifestyle support.

FAQs

Is there one supplement that treats frozen shoulder?

No. There is no single supplement that treats frozen shoulder. Supplements are sometimes used to support comfort or rehabilitation, but physiotherapy remains central to recovery.

Can serrapeptase help with shoulder stiffness?

Serrapeptase is sometimes used to support inflammatory balance and tissue remodeling, but evidence in frozen shoulder is limited. Medical guidance is recommended, especially if you use blood-thinning medication.

How long does frozen shoulder usually last?

Frozen shoulder often lasts between one and three years and progresses through distinct stages. Early intervention and consistent rehabilitation may help limit long-term stiffness.

Does magnesium help with shoulder pain?

Magnesium may help reduce muscle tension around the shoulder, which can support comfort and sleep. It does not treat the joint capsule itself.

Can supplements replace steroid injections?

No. Supplements do not replace corticosteroid injections when these are clinically indicated. They are generally used as longer-term supportive options alongside rehabilitation.