Frozen Shoulder

Overview

Frozen shoulder—formally called adhesive capsulitis—occurs when the capsule that surrounds the shoulder joint becomes thickened and tight, forming adhesions that severely restrict movement. The condition usually progresses through three stages (freezing → frozen → thawing) and can last from 9 months to 3 years if untreated. Our consultant shoulder team at The New Foscote Hospital offers rapid diagnosis, image-guided injections and specialist physiotherapy to shorten recovery and restore pain-free mobility.

Causes & Risk Factors

Key Symptoms

• Insidious onset of shoulder pain, often worse at night
• Progressive stiffness—difficulty fastening bra, reaching overhead or behind back
• Global loss of active and passive range of motion (particularly external rotation)
• Sleep disturbance, difficulty dressing or driving
• Symptoms typically follow three phases:

1. Freezing (painful) phase – pain dominates, motion slowly decreases
2. Frozen (stiff) phase – pain may ease, but stiffness peaks
3. Thawing phase – gradual return of movement

Diagnosis at The New Foscote Hospital

• Consultant examination – comparing active vs passive range and ruling out cuff tear.
• X-ray – to exclude arthritis or calcific deposits.
• High-resolution ultrasound – assesses rotator-cuff integrity and joint capsule.
• MRI (if needed) – for atypical cases or pre-operative planning.

Treatment & Rehabilitation

Conservative management

• Short course NSAIDs or paracetamol for pain
• Targeted physiotherapy: capsular stretches, scapular stabilisation, gentle strengthening
• Activity modification—avoid forced stretching in early “freezing” phase

In-clinic interventions

• Ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation (capsular distension) with steroid and saline—evidence-based to speed recovery
• Corticosteroid injection into the glenohumeral joint for pain control
• Shock-wave therapy if associated calcific tendinopathy

Surgical option (for recalcitrant cases)

• Arthroscopic capsular release—minimally invasive keyhole procedure, followed by aggressive physiotherapy; most patients regain full range within 6–12 weeks

Rehab timeline

• Pain relief expected within 1–2 weeks of guided injection
• Measurable range-of-motion gains in 4–6 weeks with compliant physiotherapy
• Full functional recovery typically 3–6 months post-hydrodilatation or 6–12 weeks post-surgery

Why Choose The New Foscote Hospital?

• Consultant shoulder surgeons and musculoskeletal radiologists working together
• Same-day ultrasound & image-guided injection clinic—no GP referral delays
• On-site physiotherapy gym for seamless, stage-appropriate rehabilitation
• Day-case arthroscopic capsular-release service with enhanced-recovery protocol
• Private en-suite rooms, free parking and short waiting lists in Banbury

Take the next step

Don’t let shoulder pain and stiffness freeze your lifestyle. Contact The New Foscote Hospital for fast, effective relief.

Orthopaedic Consultant

Our distinguished team of orthopaedic consultant is here to provide expert support and personalised care.

Joel Humphrey

Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon

Field