Frozen shoulder restricts active and passive movement
Adhesive capsulitis commonly produces pain followed by marked stiffness. Rotator-cuff pain, arthritis, fracture, cervical nerve symptoms and other shoulder disorders can look similar, so examination comes before procedure selection.
Different targets have different purposes
Intra-articular injection
Medication is placed within the shoulder joint for selected adhesive-capsulitis presentations.
Hydrodilatation
Fluid is introduced into the joint under guidance with the aim of distending the capsule.
Suprascapular nerve block
A pain-modulating option for selected patients when the nerve target is appropriate.
Subacromial injection
Used for selected subacromial or rotator-cuff-related pain, not automatically for every frozen shoulder.
Timing and dose of exercise matter
Early treatment may focus on pain control and tolerable movement. Strength and range are progressed according to irritability and stage. Forceful stretching can aggravate a highly painful shoulder.
Frequently asked questions
Which injection is best for frozen shoulder?
There is no single best procedure for everyone. The diagnosis, stage, pain, stiffness, diabetes and prior treatment guide selection.
Is hydrodilatation the same as steroid injection?
No. Hydrodilatation uses fluid volume to distend the joint capsule and may include medication according to protocol.
Will movement return immediately?
Some patients improve earlier than others. Recovery usually requires time and a stage-appropriate rehabilitation programme.