Frozen shoulder, medically named adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that occurs when the connective tissues surrounding the shoulder joint become thick, stiff, and inflamed, limiting the movement of the shoulder joint.
The frozen shoulder got its name because when the shoulder hurts, the patient tends to avoid moving it. The reduced shoulder usage actually makes the problem worse as the covering around the shoulder gets thicker and tighter, making it harder to move the shoulder. So, it is like the shoulder gets stuck or frozen in one position.
While many cases of frozen shoulder can be managed with non-surgical approaches, shoulder surgery is recommended when frozen shoulder symptoms persist after trying conservative treatments like medications, physical therapy, and hot and cold therapy for a year.
Let’s explore the surgical approaches commonly used to treat adhesive capsulitis and the recovery process following frozen shoulder surgery.
Shoulder Manipulation Under Anesthesia
As evident from its name, during this surgery, the patient will be put to sleep, and the doctor will force movement of the shoulder joint. The forced movement will cause the joint capsule to stretch or tear, losing the tightness and increasing the range of motion of the shoulder joint.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy for frozen shoulders is a minimally invasive surgery and involves using an arthroscope, a long and thin instrument with a camera on its own end. During a shoulder arthroscopy, a shoulder surgeon will make a small incision in the shoulder and send in an arthroscope. Next, using the arthroscope, the surgeon will cut through the shoulder capsule and remove the scar tissues from the joint – a procedure known as capsular release. Removal of the scar tissues allows the shoulder joint to regain its normal range of motion.
Recovery After Frozen Shoulder Surgery
The recovery time after the surgery vary from individual to individual, typically lasting from six weeks to three months. After frozen shoulder surgery, physical therapy is necessary to maintain the range of motion of the joint that was achieved with surgery. Your shoulder surgeon will team up with your physical therapist and recommend some specific exercises you must perform after the procedure.
Generally, most patients experience reduced or no pain and improved range of motion following frozen shoulder surgery. However, in some cases, the range of motion does not return completely, and some degree of stiffness remains even after several years. This is more common in diabetic patients. Nonetheless, strictly adhering to the rehab plan is crucial to see the long-term outcomes of the surgery.
Shoulder Surgeon in Baltimore
If you think that you might be suffering from a frozen shoulder and seek a lasting solution, visit us here at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder. Hundreds of people from across the eastern seaboard and beyond rely on our board-certified and fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons for the treatment of their hand and upper extremity problems. Our shoulder surgeons have years of experience caring for and performing complex surgeries, particularly on the shoulder, to help our patients regain the normal pain-free functionality of their joints.
To schedule a consultation with one of our compassionate shoulder surgeons, contact us today at (410) 296-6232 or use our online appointment request form.
