Understanding Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder also known as adhesive capsulitis is a painful condition where the shoulder joint capsule becomes inflamed thickened and contracted leading to progressive stiffness and restriction of movement in all directions It often develops gradually without a clear cause but is more common in people with diabetes thyroid disease or after prolonged immobilisation following injury or surgery The natural course can last months to years and is traditionally divided into painful stiff and recovery phases although some patients are left with lasting limitations if severe or poorly managed

Non Surgical Management

Initial treatment usually focuses on pain control and stretching to maintain or restore movement Anti inflammatory medicines gentle physiotherapy and in some cases intra articular steroid injections can reduce pain and inflammation allowing better participation in exercises Hydrodilatation where the joint is distended with fluid under imaging guidance may help in selected patients Close communication between orthopaedic specialists physiotherapists and patients helps balance pushing the shoulder enough to gain motion without provoking undue pain or inflammation

When Surgery Is Considered

If pain and stiffness persist despite several months of appropriate non surgical therapy and daily activities remain severely limited arthroscopic capsular release becomes an option This procedure uses keyhole surgery to divide the contracted capsule around the joint selectively freeing the humeral head and restoring movement while protecting key structures such as the axillary nerve Evidence shows that capsular release can lead to faster and more reliable recovery of motion and pain relief in resistant frozen shoulder than continued conservative care alone

Arthroscopic Capsular Release Procedure

Under regional or general anaesthesia small portals are made around the shoulder and an arthroscope is inserted to visualise the joint The thickened capsule and scar tissue especially in the rotator interval and anterior inferior capsule are released with a radiofrequency probe or similar device while continuously monitoring joint structures The extent of release is tailored to pre operative movement loss and intra operative findings ensuring sufficient loosening without excessive risk to nearby nerves or tendons Following arthroscopic release the surgeon gently takes the shoulder through its full range under anaesthesia to ensure capsular tight bands have been eliminated

Rehabilitation After Capsular Release

Early and intensive physiotherapy following capsular release is crucial to maintain the new range of movement and prevent re formation of adhesions Many protocols begin active assisted exercises within hours of surgery and continue with home exercises and supervised sessions for several weeks Oral corticosteroids for a short period after surgery can reduce inflammation and pain making it easier for patients to participate fully in rehabilitation Long term studies report high success rates in terms of pain reduction and improved range of motion when surgery is combined with diligent physiotherapy

Why Choose Livasa Hospitals for Frozen Shoulder Care

Livasa Hospitals offer a comprehensive frozen shoulder pathway that begins with accurate diagnosis screening for underlying conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disease and structured non surgical therapy For patients whose symptoms remain disabling arthroscopic capsular release is performed by shoulder specialists using modern arthroscopy equipment followed by coordinated rehabilitation programmes This integrated approach gives people across Punjab access to both conservative and advanced surgical options for frozen shoulder within one hospital network

Livasa Hospitals Punjab Network Contact

Livasa Healthcare Group Network of Multi speciality Hospitals in Punjab
Corporate Office Phase 8 Industrial Area Sector 73 Punjab 160071 India