Frozen Shoulder Release – Finding Relief from a Stiff, Painful Shoulder
Have you ever felt like your shoulder is “frozen” in place, stiff, painful, and unable to move properly? If so, you may have a condition called frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis. This frustrating condition can make even simple tasks like reaching, dressing, or sleeping nearly impossible. When physical therapy and medication don’t help, a procedure called frozen shoulder release may provide the relief you need.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the soft tissues in your shoulder joint become inflamed and stiff, causing the shoulder capsule to tighten and thicken. This limits how far you can move your arm and makes movement painful. The condition usually develops in stages:
- Freezing Stage: Pain increases and motion becomes limited.
- Frozen Stage: Pain may lessen, but stiffness remains.
- Thawing Stage: Gradual return of movement and function.
It can take months to years to fully recover if left untreated.
What Causes It?
While the exact cause isn’t always clear, frozen shoulder is more common in:
- People over age 40
- Women
- Those with diabetes, thyroid issues, or after shoulder surgery or injury
When Is Frozen Shoulder Release Recommended?
Most people improve with non-surgical treatments like stretching, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. But if your symptoms don’t improve after several months, or your shoulder remains very stiff, your doctor may recommend a frozen shoulder release procedure.
There are two main types:
- Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA): While you are asleep, the doctor gently moves your arm to stretch and loosen the tight tissue.
- Arthroscopic Capsular Release: A minimally invasive surgery using a camera and small tools to carefully cut the tight, scarred tissue inside your shoulder joint.
What Happens After the Procedure?
Recovery usually involves:
- A short period in a sling for comfort
- Starting physical therapy immediately to maintain and improve motion
- Pain medication for short-term relief
Most patients notice a quick improvement in range of motion and less pain, especially when following their rehab plan closely. Full recovery often takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how stiff the shoulder was before treatment.
Are There Risks?
Frozen shoulder release is generally safe, but there are small risks like bleeding, infection, or temporary nerve irritation. Your surgeon will discuss these with you based on your individual health.