Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, affects 2-5% of adults, causing significant shoulder pain and limiting motion. This condition develops when the shoulder capsule thickens and forms scar tissue, restricting movement in the ball-and-socket joint connecting your upper arm bone to your shoulder blade.

At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, our expert orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists specialize in frozen shoulder evaluation and treatment. We create individualized plans designed to relieve pain, restore motion, and help you regain full shoulder function.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, but it is often associated with inflammation and thickening of the joint capsule. The condition can develop spontaneously or result from shoulder injury, surgery, or prolonged immobilization. Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, and heart disease, increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder. Age and sex also play a role, with adults between 40 and 60 and women being more commonly affected. Early recognition of risk factors and symptoms allows for timely intervention and improved outcomes.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Many patients with frozen shoulder recover successfully without surgery through conservative, non-surgical treatments designed to reduce pain, restore mobility, and strengthen supporting muscles. Physical therapy forms the cornerstone of non-surgical care, with programs tailored to the stage of frozen shoulder. Gentle range-of-motion exercises are emphasized during the freezing stage to preserve mobility while controlling pain, while stretching and strengthening exercises become more central in the frozen and thawing stages.

Non-surgical treatment also includes medications to control inflammation and pain, such as NSAIDs or short courses of oral corticosteroids. For patients with persistent discomfort, corticosteroid injections provide targeted relief, and hydrodistension therapy can help mechanically stretch the joint capsule, improving flexibility.

For patients whose symptoms persist despite months of consistent conservative care, surgical treatment becomes the next step, offering a highly effective way to restore motion, reduce stiffness, and regain shoulder function.

Surgical Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder

While most patients progress successfully through the freezing, frozen, and thawing stages with conservative care, a small subset may experience persistent stiffness or functional limitations despite months of dedicated treatment. In these cases, surgical intervention becomes an important consideration. Surgery is typically reserved for patients who have completed an appropriate course of non-surgical care, often spanning 6-12 months, and still struggle with limited shoulder motion or significant impact on daily activities.

At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, our expert orthopedic surgeons specialize in advanced, minimally invasive techniques to address frozen shoulder when conservative treatments are insufficient. The goal of surgical treatment is to release scar tissue and restore full shoulder mobility, allowing patients to regain strength, flexibility, and function more efficiently than with therapy alone.

Two primary surgical approaches are used to treat refractory frozen shoulder:

• Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) involves gently moving the shoulder while the patient is under general anesthesia to break adhesions that restrict motion. This controlled procedure addresses mechanical restrictions, and immediate post-procedure physical therapy is critical to maintaining and building upon the newly regained motion.
• Arthroscopic capsular release, on the other hand, is a minimally invasive procedure in which small instruments are inserted through tiny incisions to precisely cut tight portions of the joint capsule. Surgeons can directly visualize and release scar tissue while protecting surrounding structures. This approach often results in faster and more predictable recovery compared with manipulation alone, with most patients achieving significant improvement within six to twelve weeks.

Both techniques have high success rates, typically exceeding 85-90%, and are paired with structured physical therapy to rebuild strength, restore range of motion, and safely return patients to their daily and recreational activities.

Benefits of Surgical Treatment

Surgical intervention for frozen shoulder offers several advantages for patients with persistent stiffness, including:

• Rapid improvement in shoulder motion
• Reduction in long-term pain and stiffness
• Ability to resume daily activities and recreational sports
• Enhanced outcomes when combined with structured post-operative rehabilitation

Recovery After Surgery

Recovery is a critical component of achieving optimal results. Patients begin physical therapy immediately or within 24-48 hours after surgery, focusing initially on gentle range-of-motion exercises. As motion improves, therapy progresses to strengthening exercises targeting the rotator cuff and shoulder stabilizers, followed by functional training for overhead and daily activities.

Most patients see significant improvement within 6-12 weeks, though full recovery may take several months depending on individual factors such as age, overall health, and adherence to therapy. Continuous follow-up with your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist ensures that progress is monitored and any potential complications are addressed promptly.

FAQ – Surgical Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

Why Choose Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics

Choosing the right care team is essential for a successful frozen shoulder recovery, and at Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, our expert orthopedic surgeons combine advanced surgical techniques with personalized rehabilitation plans to deliver exceptional outcomes. We focus on precision, safety, and patient-centered care, ensuring that every step of your treatment, from diagnosis to post-operative recovery, is tailored to your needs and goals.

Advanced Shoulder Care Tailored to You

If persistent shoulder stiffness or limited motion is affecting your daily life, surgical treatment may be the solution. At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, our team of expert orthopedic surgeons provides comprehensive evaluation, advanced surgical care, and personalized rehabilitation plans to restore your shoulder function. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options and take the first step toward a pain-free, fully functional shoulder.