Adhesive Capsulitis Treatment Options

What are the treatments for frozen shoulder?

Treatment focuses on alleviating shoulder pain and maintaining the greatest possible range of motion. Initially frozen shoulder is treated with conservative measures including physical therapy and pain medications. Invasive procedures or surgery are considered only when conservative measures fail to restore mobility and alleviate pain. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent severe stiffness and prolonged discomfort.

• Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treatment. The focus is on improving mobility and strength.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce inflammation and pain but has no effect substantial effect on recovery.
• Oral steroids can offer rapid pain relief and recovery of range of motion in the short term.
• Calcitonin, a thyroid hormone, may be prescribed to improve pain and range of motion.
• Steroid injections in the shoulder joint can help to reduce pain and inflammation in patients with frozen shoulder of less than one year duration.
• Joint distension involves injecting sterile water into the joint capsule to help stretch the tissue and make it easier to move the shoulder.
• Despite the self-limiting nature of this disease, some patients fail to achieve relief with nonsurgical management. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to loosen the joint capsule.

90% of people with frozen shoulder will improve with pain control and physical therapy to restore motion. The failure to obtain symptomatic improvement and continued functional disability after 3-6 months of conservative management are indications that surgery may be considered.

Frozen shoulder surgery

1. Manipulation under Anesthesia: This procedure is designed to release the constrictions. It has been used extensively with satisfactory outcomes.
2. Arthroscopic Capsular Release: This is the most frequently used surgical intervention. It is a reliable treatment with low complication rates. Studies have shown the procedure provides early significant improvements in range of motion, function and pain relief; and offers lasting long-term improvements in symptoms that were maintained at 7 at years. Arthroscopic capsular release is a safe procedure with a low complication rate. Postoperative rehabilitation is essential and begins as soon as possible after surgery. A sling is used for only a few days after surgery.

Schedule a shoulder consultation

When you or a loved one has shoulder pain, contact Dr. Daniel J. Kaplan at NYU Langone Brooklyn office to schedule a consultation. He is a shoulder expert and can diagnose your problem and offer the best treatment options for your condition. Dr. Daniel Kaplan is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery.  He is also the chief of sports medicine at Bellevue Hospital and the chief of sports medicine at the VA hospital in Manhattan His expertise is in minimally invasive arthroscopic and advanced open reconstruction procedures. Dr. Kaplan has the experience and expertise to diagnose and determine the optimal treatment for painful shoulder.