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Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and disabling condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff due to inflammation and thickening of the joint capsule. It can significantly limit movement and daily activities, taking up to two to three years to fully resolve.
At RAD Clinics, we specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of frozen shoulder, offering a variety of advanced treatment options, including hydrodilatation, to relieve pain and restore shoulder function.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder occurs when the tissues around the shoulder joint (the joint capsule) thicken and tighten, forming scar tissue that restricts movement. The exact cause is not always known, but it is often linked to:
- Injury or Surgery: Immobilization after a shoulder injury or surgery can lead to stiffness.
- Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or heart disease can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
- Age and Gender: Frozen shoulder is more common in people aged 40–60 and tends to affect women more frequently than men.
Stages and Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder typically presents in three stages:
- Freezing Stage: Pain increases, and shoulder movement becomes increasingly limited.
- Frozen Stage: The pain may begin to diminish, but the shoulder becomes stiffer, making movement difficult.
- Thawing Stage: Shoulder motion gradually improves as stiffness resolves.
Key symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness in the shoulder
- Reduced range of motion
- Difficulty with daily tasks, such as reaching overhead or behind the back
- Discomfort that worsens at night or with inactivity
Anatomy of the Adhesive Capsulitis
The shoulder joint is surrounded by a flexible, fibrous tissue called the joint capsule, which encloses the joint, providing stability and smooth movement. The joint capsule is lined by synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint, allowing for smooth, pain-free motion. In cases of frozen shoulder, this capsule thickens and tightens due to inflammation, leading to the formation of scar tissue and resulting in restricted movement.
Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder
At RAD Clinics, we provide a comprehensive assessment to accurately diagnose frozen shoulder:
- Physical Examination: Our specialists will assess your shoulder’s range of motion and test for pain and stiffness.
- Imaging: Ultrasound or MRI scans may be used to rule out other shoulder conditions and confirm the diagnosis.
Hydrodilatation for Frozen Shoulder
Hydrodilatation, also known as distension arthrography, is an effective, minimally invasive treatment for frozen shoulder that helps improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain by expanding the tight joint capsule.
How Hydrodilatation Works?
Hydrodilatation involves injecting a sterile solution, usually a combination of saline, corticosteroids, and local anaesthetic, into the shoulder joint under ultrasound guidance. This injection expands the joint capsule, breaking up adhesions (scar tissue) and stretching the capsule, allowing improved mobility.
Benefits of Hydrodilatation for Frozen Shoulder
- Non-Surgical Option: Hydrodilatation is a non-invasive alternative to surgery that offers a quicker recovery.
- Pain Relief and Improved Movement: By stretching the joint capsule and breaking down scar tissue, the procedure can significantly reduce pain and improve shoulder mobility.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is done using ultrasound or X-ray guidance for precision, ensuring accurate placement of the injection.
- Quick Recovery: Most patients can return to light activity soon after the procedure, with progressive improvement over the following weeks.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The hydrodilatation procedure is usually completed in a short outpatient visit:
- Imaging Guidance: An ultrasound is used to locate the exact area of the joint capsule.
- Sterile Preparation: The skin is cleaned, and local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area.
- Injection: A sterile solution (saline, corticosteroid, and anaesthetic) is injected into the joint, distending the capsule.
- Post-Procedure: Patients may feel immediate relief from the local anaesthetic, followed by a gradual improvement in pain and mobility as the shoulder heals.
Most patients experience a reduction in pain and an improvement in shoulder motion within a few days to weeks after the procedure. A tailored physical therapy program is often recommended afterward to maintain and enhance mobility.
When to Seek Treatment
If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, or restricted movement, early intervention at RAD Clinics can prevent the condition from worsening. Hydrodilatation, combined with physical therapy, offers an effective, non-surgical option for restoring shoulder mobility and relieving pain.
Contact RAD Clinics today for an assessment and learn how hydrodilatation can help you recover from frozen shoulder.
What is hydrodilatation for frozen shoulder?
Hydrodilatation is a procedure where a mixture of saline, local anaesthetic, and corticosteroid is injected into the shoulder to stretch the joint capsule and relieve pain and stiffness.
Does hydrodilatation work for frozen shoulder?
Yes, hydrodilatation is effective for reducing pain and improving shoulder mobility in frozen shoulder. Studies show it provides better results than corticosteroid injections alone.
How to treat a frozen shoulder?
Treatment includes physical therapy, pain relievers, corticosteroid injections, and hydrodilatation. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.
How to reduce inflammation in frozen shoulder?
Inflammation can be reduced with anti-inflammatory medications, cold therapy (ice packs), and hydrodilatation.
What is the treatment of frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder treatment involves physical therapy, pain management (medications or injections), and procedures like hydrodilatation. Surgery may be needed in severe cases.
How many steroid injections are needed for frozen shoulder?
Typically, one to three steroid injections are used to reduce inflammation and manage pain during treatment for frozen shoulder.
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We do not accept insurance coverage. If you wish to reimburse your fees, then please kindly check with your insurance provider prior to booking as we cannot be held responsible for any non-payments.
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