In our controlled laboratory study, we aimed to investigate whether vitamin C could help prevent frozen shoulder, particularly the secondary type that often occurs after trauma or surgery. We created a shoulder contracture model using Sprague-Dawley rats, which involved immobilizing their right shoulder.
Our experimental group, consisting of eight rats, received vitamin C orally, while a control group of nine rats did not receive vitamin C. We primarily measured the thickness of the joint capsule at the shoulder using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The results were promising, indicating that vitamin C may reduce the thickening of the joint capsule linked to secondary frozen shoulder. Although we also conducted histological examinations, we did not perform statistical analysis on those findings due to variability in our cutting techniques.
This preclinical study suggests that vitamin C could be a valuable, non-invasive way to prevent secondary frozen shoulder, particularly in situations involving surgery or immobilization. However, more research is needed to determine its effects on humans and establish proper dosage guidelines.
Read More