4 Questions to Ask About Arthroscopy for Frozen Shoulder

Depending on the severity of your shoulder condition, different treatment options may be prescribed to help increase your range of motion and decrease your level of pain.

The most commonly prescribed method of treatment is physical therapy, which aims to improve the mobility of the area over time using specifically designed stretches and exercises. It’s recommended that patients experiencing frozen shoulder book in for sessions 1-2 times a week until their symptoms begin resolving.

Anti-inflammatory medications are also commonly prescribed, as inflammation is one of the primary contributors to developing a frozen shoulder. Pain medication or steroidal injections may also be prescribed alongside physiotherapy to help manage levels of discomfort.

In more severe cases where the above treatments have proven ineffective, surgery intervention may be required.

If physical therapy and medication haven’t proven to be effective in reducing your pain and increasing your range of motion, your healthcare provider may recommend surgical interventions such as arthroscopy.

During this procedure, the surgeon can manipulate the shoulder and break down the scarred tissue that is causing the shoulder to freeze. The arthroscope (which is a very thin surgical instrument with a camera attached to the end) is used to cut any restrictive adhesions that are preventing shoulder motility.

Following this procedure, patients will need to take part in physical therapy to ensure the continued strengthening and mobility of the joint.

Clinical research shows that the success rate of surgical frozen shoulder manipulation is approximately 80%, with patients typically reporting that their pain has completely resolved. However, some patients report that they still have mild pain and/or small issues pertaining to their range of motion following surgery. These motility issues are usually minor and do not result in problems over the long term.

Following surgical frozen shoulder manipulation, the patient will require 3-4 months of recovery time – including regular sessions with a physical therapist. They will also be required to adhere to strict recovery instructions to ensure their healing goes as smoothly as possible.

Not adhering to these practices and recovery strategies hinders your chances of successful recovery after surgery.

The average recovery time after receiving surgical intervention for a frozen shoulder is 8-12 weeks, pending the patient’s ability to stick to their scheduled physical therapy sessions and the aftercare instructions set out for them by their surgeon.

You will typically be required to go to physical therapy 2-3 times a week following arthroscopic surgery and complete any prescribed shoulder exercises several times a day. This is especially important in the early stages of recovery, as improper care can result in recovery complications. Poor adherence to your plan also increases the chances of a frozen shoulder returning.

At The Orthopedic Group, we understand the impact that a frozen shoulder can have on your day-to-day life. Our team of specialists is committed to your care, offering high-level and comprehensive treatments to restore your mobility and alleviate your pain. Contact us today for more information about our frozen shoulder treatments or book online to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. We serve patients from Leesburg VA, Lansdowne VA, Stone Springs VA, Dulles, VA, Ashburn VA, Sterling VA, Aldie VA, South Riding VA, Herndon VA, Winchester VA, Reston VA, Chantilly VA, and nearby areas!