Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Manchester and Glasgow
Frozen shoulder -- medically known as adhesive capsulitis -- is one of the most painful and disabling shoulder conditions encountered in orthopaedic practice. It develops when the joint capsule surrounding the shoulder becomes inflamed, thickened, and progressively tightened, leading to severe pain and a significant loss of shoulder movement that affects virtually every aspect of daily life.
At Ortho Remedy Clinic in Manchester and Glasgow, frozen shoulder is assessed and managed by specialist orthopaedic consultants with experience in non-surgical shoulder conditions. Our approach combines accurate diagnosis with a range of targeted treatments aimed at reducing pain, accelerating recovery of movement, and shortening the overall duration of the condition. Frozen shoulder forms part of the broader range of shoulder pain conditions managed at our clinics.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder typically develops without any prior injury, though it can occasionally follow trauma, surgery, or a period of shoulder immobility. It is more common in women, in people aged 40 to 60, and in patients with diabetes, thyroid conditions, or cardiovascular disease. The exact underlying cause is not fully understood, but the condition involves progressive inflammation and fibrosis (scarring) of the shoulder joint capsule.
The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Freezing stage (2 to 9 months)
Pain develops gradually in the shoulder, often worst at night and at the extremes of movement. Stiffness begins to develop.
Frozen stage (4 to 12 months)
Pain may begin to settle, but stiffness becomes more pronounced. Movement is severely restricted in multiple directions.
Thawing stage (5 to 24 months)
Movement gradually returns, usually over many months, sometimes years.
Left untreated, frozen shoulder typically resolves over a period of 18 months to three years — but for many patients, full recovery is incomplete without appropriate treatment. Intervention is aimed at reducing the duration and severity of each stage and ensuring the best possible outcome.
Frozen Shoulder Treatments Available at Ortho Remedy Clinic
Our Manchester and Glasgow orthopaedic consultants offer a range of evidence-based treatments for frozen shoulder, which are selected and combined according to the patient’s stage, severity, and individual circumstances:
Guided Corticosteroid Injection
A corticosteroid injection into the shoulder joint capsule can significantly reduce pain and inflammation, particularly in the early freezing stage. When delivered accurately under ultrasound guidance, it provides meaningful short-term relief and can make physiotherapy substantially more tolerable and effective.
Hydrodilatation (Distension Arthrogram)
Hydrodilatation is a specialist procedure in which a clinician expands the shoulder joint capsule by injecting a combination of saline, local anaesthetic, and corticosteroid under imaging guidance. The distension of the capsule physically breaks down some of the scarring and restriction, often resulting in a meaningful improvement in range of movement. Evidence supports hydrodilatation as an effective short-to-medium term treatment for frozen shoulder, particularly in the frozen stage when stiffness is most pronounced.
PRP Therapy for Frozen Shoulder
In some patients — particularly those who have not responded adequately to corticosteroid injection or who have concerns about repeated steroid use — PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy may be considered as an alternative biological approach. PRP therapy delivers concentrated growth factors into the joint capsule, which may help to modulate the inflammatory process and support capsular healing.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy is an essential component of frozen shoulder management. Targeted exercises help to maintain and recover movement, prevent further stiffness, and support recovery through the thawing phase. Our consultants work in close collaboration with specialist physiotherapists and will advise on the most appropriate exercise programme for your stage and level of pain.
Who Is Most Affected by Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is more likely to develop in people who:
- Are aged between 40 and 60 years old
- Have diabetes -- the condition is two to four times more common in people with diabetes
- Have a thyroid disorder, cardiac disease, or Parkinson's disease
- Have recently had shoulder surgery or a period of shoulder immobility due to injury or illness
- Have sustained a shoulder injury that was not managed promptly
Understanding these risk factors can help with early recognition of the condition and prompt referral for specialist assessment.
What to Expect at Your Frozen Shoulder Consultation
During your initial appointment at our Manchester or Glasgow clinic:
- A detailed history of your symptoms will be taken, including onset, progression, and impact on daily activities
- A thorough examination of shoulder movement in all planes will be performed
- Existing imaging will be reviewed, and further investigations arranged if required
- Your diagnosis will be confirmed and the stage of the condition assessed
- A personalised treatment plan will be discussed, with honest information about what each option involves and what outcomes are realistic
Book a Frozen Shoulder Consultation in Manchester or Glasgow
If you are experiencing shoulder pain and progressive stiffness that may indicate frozen shoulder, early specialist assessment can make a significant difference to your recovery. Ortho Remedy Clinic offers expert evaluation and treatment at both our Manchester and Glasgow clinics. You can book an appointment online, or contact our team to discuss your symptoms.
Patients in Manchester who are unsure whether their shoulder problem is frozen shoulder or another condition can arrange a comprehensive assessment through our orthopaedic specialist Manchester service, where all musculoskeletal shoulder conditions are assessed and managed.
Working Hours
- MONDAY 9AM – 6PM
- TUESDAY 9AM – 6PM
- WEDNESDAY 9AM – 6PM
- THURSDAY 9AM – 6PM
- FRIDAY 9AM – 6PM
- SATURDAY 9AM – 4PM
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MANCHESTER CLINIC
High Lane Medical Centre, Buxton Road, Stockport, SK6 8DR
GLASGOW CLINIC
Spiersbridge House, 1 Spiersbridge Way, Thornliebank, G46 8NG
Frequently Asked Questions
Without treatment, frozen shoulder typically resolves over 18 months to three years. However, full recovery is incomplete in a significant proportion of patients. Treatment is aimed at shortening the duration of the condition, reducing pain, and improving the likelihood of a full return of shoulder movement.
The procedure causes some discomfort. Local anaesthetic is used to minimise the pain of the injection itself, and a short-term increase in shoulder pain is common in the first 24 to 48 hours. Most patients find the overall experience manageable and report meaningful improvement in movement within a few weeks.
Early recognition and prompt treatment of shoulder pain — before significant stiffness develops — may reduce the risk of progression to full frozen shoulder. Patients with diabetes or thyroid conditions who notice shoulder stiffness developing should seek specialist assessment promptly.
The majority of patients with frozen shoulder do not require surgery. Non-surgical treatments — including guided injections, hydrodilatation, and physiotherapy — are effective for most patients. Surgical intervention (arthroscopic capsular release) is reserved for patients who have not responded to a sustained course of non-surgical management.
Yes. Patients can self-refer to our Manchester or Glasgow clinic directly. Early specialist assessment is beneficial for frozen shoulder, so there is no need to wait for a GP referral.
Bilateral frozen shoulder — affecting both shoulders either simultaneously or sequentially — occurs in approximately 20 to 30 per cent of patients. If you develop symptoms in the opposite shoulder after recovering from frozen shoulder, early assessment is recommended.
Contact Ortho Remedy Clinic
To arrange an appointment at our Manchester clinic, please contact us by one of the following methods:
No GP referral is required. Patients are welcome to self-refer directly. A member of the team will respond within one working day to confirm your appointment.
Book online or contact us — our Glasgow team is happy to help.