Frozen shoulder injections are treatments that deliver a combination of local anaesthetic and steroid directly into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and stiffness, and improve range of motion in patients with frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). They are often performed using ultrasound guidance for accuracy.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder develops when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened, and tight. This restricts movement and causes persistent pain.
Patients with frozen shoulder often go through three stages:
- Freezing stage – increasing pain and reduced range of movement
- Frozen stage – stiffness becomes more prominent, pain may reduce slightly
- Thawing stage – gradual improvement in range of motion
Without proper treatment, recovery can take months or even years.
How Do Frozen Shoulder Injections Work?
Frozen shoulder injections work by:
- Reducing inflammation within the joint capsule
- Relieving pain so movement becomes easier
- Allowing patients to begin stretching exercises
- Helping to stretch the capsule
Research shows that early intervention with injections can shorten recovery time and improve functional outcomes.
Types of Injections for Frozen Shoulder
Different injection treatments are used to manage frozen shoulder, depending on the stage of the condition and the severity of pain and stiffness. At Alton Pain Clinic, we offer two evidence-based, image-guided injection treatments that target inflammation and restricted movement within the shoulder joint.
Ultrasound Guided Cortisone Injection
An ultrasound guided cortisone injection is one of the most effective treatments for reducing inflammation in the shoulder joint. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that helps relieve pain and stiffness, especially during the early and painful stages of frozen shoulder.
Using real-time ultrasound imaging ensures that the medication is delivered precisely into the joint capsule. This improves accuracy, enhances pain relief, and reduces the risk of ineffective injections. Many patients experience significant improvement in pain within days, allowing them to begin gentle exercises to restore shoulder movement.
Ultrasound Guided Hydrodilatation (Capsular Distension)
Ultrasound guided hydrodilatation is an advanced treatment used to improve shoulder mobility in patients with significant stiffness. This procedure involves injecting a controlled volume of fluid, usually combined with local anaesthetic and steroid, into the shoulder joint to gently stretch the tightened joint capsule.
Hydrodilatation helps:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Stretch the capsule
- Improve range of motion
Ultrasound guidance ensures safe and accurate placement of the injection, making the procedure more effective and comfortable for the patient.
Who Can Benefit from Frozen Shoulder Injections?
Frozen shoulder injections are suitable for:
- Patients with moderate to severe pain
- Those struggling with limited range of motion
- Patients in the early stages of developing frozen shoulder
Injections for shoulder pain can also benefit patients who have not improved with rest, exercises, or nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medications.
What Happens During the Procedure?
An injection for frozen shoulder is a quick outpatient procedure:
- The shoulder area is cleaned and prepared
- Ultrasound is used to locate the joint
- A small needle delivers the medication
- The procedure typically takes 10–15 minutes
Most patients experience immediate or gradual pain relief over the following days.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the injection:
- Mild soreness may occur for 24–48 hours
- Gentle shoulder exercises are encouraged
- Gradual improvement in range of motion is expected
Do Frozen Shoulder Injections Cure the Condition?
Injections do not instantly cure frozen shoulder, but they:
- Significantly reduce pain
- Improve shoulder mobility
- Speed up recovery when combined with exercises
- Prevent long-term stiffness
They are a key component of a comprehensive treatment for frozen shoulder.
Why Choose Alton Pain Clinic?
At Alton Pain Clinic, we specialise in advanced pain management techniques, including ultrasound guided injection treatments for shoulder conditions. Our approach focuses on accurate diagnosis, effective pain relief, and restoring function safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are frozen shoulder injections?
Frozen shoulder injections deliver a combination of steroid and local anaesthetic directly into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and stiffness, and improve range of motion in patients with frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis).
Are frozen shoulder injections painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. Ultrasound guidance improves accuracy, and the local anaesthetic helps reduce pain during and immediately after the injection.
What is the difference between a cortisone injection and hydrodilatation?
A cortisone injection mainly reduces inflammation and pain, while hydrodilatation gently stretches the tightened joint capsule using fluid, helping improve shoulder movement in more advanced stiffness.
How long does the pain relief last?
Pain relief can last for several weeks to months. The duration varies depending on the stage of frozen shoulder.