Frozen shoulder

What is frozen shoulder ?

Frozen shoulder is an extremely painful condition in which the shoulder becomes extremely stiff. It one of the most painful shoulder conditions. It can come on spontaneously or following a minor trauma.

The condition usually has 3 phases - pain, stiffness, and finally a gradual return to normal range of movement. If left without treatment, it can resolve on its own, but may take 2 or more years.

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The image shows the view inside a frozen shoulder. The lining around the joint has become red, ‘angry,’ and scarred which results in pain and stiffness

Treatment options for frozen shoulder

  • Physiotherapy - to maintain and restore movement

  • Injections - Steroid injections into the joint to reduce inflammation and pain (in combination with physiotherapy)

  • Hydrodilatation - High volume shoulder injection to release joint scarring

  • Keyhole surgery - to release the tight and scarred joint lining (Arthroscopic capsular release)

Following your consultation Mathew will discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your case

Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery - Capsular release

Patient with persisting symptoms not responding to alternative treatments are offered arthroscopic capsular release. Two small 1cm incisions are made around the shoulder to allow the instruments into the shoulder to remove the tight scarred joint lining (known as capsule). The surgery is performed as a day case (in and out the same day) and under general anaesthetic.

The 3 images below show the changes to the painful angry joint lining as Mathew performs arthroscopic surgery

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Recovering after frozen shoulder surgery

  1. After surgery a sling is required for 24 hours while in bed and when outdoors

  2. Avoid getting the wounds wet until stitch removed at 10-14 days

  3. Rehabilitation with physio starts immediately. You should take pain killers and move the shoulder regularly.

  4. Driving is not advised for around 4-6 weeks following surgery

  5. Returning to work depends on the nature of your job - (office based 4-6 weeks / manual work 8 weeks)

  6. No contact sports or heavy lifting for 3 months following surgery