Hydrodilatation for Frozen Shoulder: A Proven Treatment for Pain Relief (Adhesive Capsulitis)®

About Hydrodilatation

Hydrodilatation is a non-surgical treatment for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). It involves injecting a mixture of sterile saline, local anesthetic, and steroid into the shoulder joint to stretch the joint capsule and reduce inflammation. This procedure aims to improve shoulder movement and decrease pain.

The benefits of hydrodilatation include early reduction in pain and an increase in the range of shoulder movement. The reported success rate is over 70% in improving shoulder movement and over 90% in reducing pain [source] [source 2].

The effects of hydrodilatation can be felt immediately by some people, but for others, it may take several weeks to achieve full benefit. Sustainable effects have been reported up to ten years after the procedure, and low repeat intervention rates have been observed at long-term follow-up. However, the duration of the effects can vary from person to person [source 3].

Hydrodilatation for Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that leads to pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, significantly reducing its range of motion. It occurs when the capsule that surrounds the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickened, leading to the formation of scar tissue. This scar tissue restricts the movement of the shoulder, causing pain and stiffness. Shoulder hydrodilatation is one of the most effective treatment options available to treat frozen shoulder and restore mobility.

What is Shoulder Hydrodilatation?

Shoulder hydrodilatation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat frozen shoulder. During this procedure, a small amount of fluid, usually a combination of local anaesthetic and saline, is injected into the joint space. The anaesthetic is injected to numb the area, providing immediate pain relief. The saline solution helps to stretch the capsule that surrounds the shoulder joint, breaking down scar tissue and improving the range of motion. The procedure is guided by imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, to ensure that the injection is accurately placed within the joint space.

How Does Hydrodilatation Work?

The procedure starts with the administration of a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the shoulder. Once the area is numbed, a needle is carefully guided into the joint space using imaging. A small amount of saline and local anaesthetic is injected into the capsule that surrounds the joint. The injected fluid expands the joint space, helping to stretch and break down the thickened capsule that surrounds the shoulder. This helps in reducing pain and improving the range of motion.

Benefits of Hydrodilatation for Frozen Shoulder

Shoulder hydrodilatation offers several benefits as a non-surgical treatment for frozen shoulder:

• Effective Pain Relief: The injection of a local anaesthetic provides immediate pain relief, making the procedure comfortable for patients.
• Restores Range of Motion: By stretching the capsule that surrounds the shoulder joint, hydrodilatation helps improve the range of motion.
• Minimally Invasive: Unlike surgical treatment options, hydrodilatation is a quick procedure with minimal downtime.
• Breaks Down Scar Tissue: The fluid injection helps break down the scar tissue that limits movement in the shoulder joint.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Before the procedure, a local anaesthetic will be administered to ensure comfort. The small amount of anaesthetic and saline injected during the procedure will be carefully monitored to avoid any complications. Most patients experience immediate pain relief and an improvement in their range of motion shortly after the procedure.

Post-procedure, you may be advised to engage in gentle shoulder exercises to maintain the increased mobility and prevent the reformation of scar tissue. It is essential to follow these exercises to ensure the success of the shoulder hydrodilatation treatment.

*Results vary by patient. You will receive more guidance by a practitioner prior to booking your treatment.
** Although effects are long lasting they do vary. Our chartered physiotherapists will provide more detail during your consultation.