What is Frozen Shoulder?

The following factors can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder:

• Keeping the shoulder still for a long time (like wearing a sling)
• Rotator cuff problems
• Being less mobile because of an illness (like after a stroke or surgery)
• Health conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems
• Parkinson's disease
• Gender (women are more likely to get it than men)
• Age (it’s more common in people over 40)

People with frozen shoulder often notice pain and stiffness in the shoulder that develops slowly over time. For many, the pain gets worse at night, making it hard to sleep on the affected side. Along with the pain, they may find it difficult to move the shoulder in different directions, which can interfere with daily tasks. The condition usually gets worse in stages, but not everyone will go through the stages in the same way. ​
Stages of Frozen Shoulder:

• Freezing Stage (about 3 months) – This stage is mainly marked by pain, and the shoulder becomes harder to move.
• Frozen Stage (about 3 to 9 months) – The pain starts to go down, but the shoulder stays very stiff and still difficult to move.
• Thawing Stage – The shoulder gradually starts moving more easily, and everyday tasks get easier. Pain and stiffness usually improve, but there's a chance the problem could come back.

Frozen shoulder (also called adhesive capsulitis) is diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical exam by a doctor. Sometimes, if the diagnosis isn't clear, the doctor may order extra tests like an MRI or ultrasound. However, these scans aren't usually needed to confirm frozen shoulder.

Frozen shoulder usually improves on its own, but the process can be slow and take up to 3 years. Even after it gets better, some people may still have lingering symptoms. Treatment can help speed up recovery, and there’s some evidence that people who get treatment may have better long-term movement in their shoulder.
Fortunately, most people with frozen shoulder can get better with non-surgical treatments, which include:

• Exercise or physical therapy
• Shoulder joint hydrodilatation (a procedure to stretch the joint)
• Corticosteroid injections into the shoulder
• Manipulation under anesthesia (a procedure where the shoulder is gently moved while you're asleep) In rare cases, if these treatments don’t work, surgery might be considered.

Hydrodilatation is a simple, minimally invasive treatment for frozen shoulder. It’s usually done in a clinic with a needle, although in more complex cases, it may be done in a special treatment room with X-ray guidance. The goal is to inject fluid into the shoulder joint to stretch the thickened joint capsule, help reduce inflammation and improve movement, and it can be done at any stage of the condition.

This procedure is very effective. Most people see a big improvement in their shoulder's range of motion after just one injection. It not only helps with movement but also relieves pain, which is important because pain can make it harder to stretch the joint and improve mobility.

Recovery is usually quick, and most patients can return to normal activities the same day. It's also recommended to do stretching exercises to help with recovery. Hydrodilatation is generally safe when done by experienced specialists, but it’s important to talk to your doctor about the benefits, risks, and other options before deciding if it’s right for you.