The predominant symptoms of frozen shoulder are of pain and stiffness. When the condition begins, the shoulder is very painful without often having any affect on range of movement. Gradually the shoulder becomes more and more stiff. Often as the stiffness worsens, the pain becomes more tolerable. Frozen shoulder will often settle spontaneously, however this cycle may take 2-3 years. If you have diabetes, the recovery may not be complete. If you are concerned you may have a frozen shoulder, contact the Cheshire Shoulder And Elbow Clinic for a comprehensive assessment of your shoulder and further advice about treatment.
As frozen shoulder is a condition that naturally gets better, all our treatments aim to get you back to full health as quickly as possible.
Physiotherapy may not be able to prevent stiffness coming on but is helpful in regaining movement once the “thawing” stage is entered. Anti-inflammatory steroid injections may reduce pain in the shoulder but are unlikely to prevent the condition progressing or stiffness developing. Treatment with keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery to release the scarring of the lining of the shoulder joint is very effective to resolve pain and improve shoulder movement. This can be carried out as a daycase operation (come into hospital and return home the same day).
If you would like to discuss these options further or feel you would like surgical treatment of your frozen shoulder please contact the Cheshire Shoulder And Elbow Clinic for an appointment.
