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Frozen Shoulder

Management of Frozen Shoulder

Introduction

The Upper Limb Unit team would like you and your family to understand as much as possible about the shoulder problem you have and the operation you may require. This booklet explains about what a stiff or ‘frozen’ shoulder is and the treatment you may be offered.

What is a frozen shoulder?

A stiff shoulder may sometimes be called a 'frozen shoulder'; or you may have developed stiffness following an injury or a previous operation to your shoulder. As you are aware, having a frozen shoulder can be a very painful condition and it limits the amount you can move your arm. You may have already tried a course of physiotherapy and/or had an injection in your shoulder to help pain relief.

You probably find it difficult lifting your arm up, turning it outwards and putting it behind your back.

When you have a 'frozen shoulder' the loose shoulder capsule around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and tightens up. This tightening therefore limits the amount of movement you can do, this can also make it painful to move.

What is the shoulder capsule?

The capsule is the lining of the shoulder joint, and it is normally a fairly loose membrane to allow you to stretch your arm in all directions easily.

Frozen shoulder is a common condition, particularly in people aged 40 to 70. There is a higher chance of getting a frozen shoulder if you are diabetic. The exact cause of the condition is not fully understood, but approximately 15% of patients link it to a minor injury.

There a 3 main phases of frozen shoulder;

  1. Painful phase
  2. Stiffening phase
  3. ‘Thawing’ or resolving phase

Painful Phase

Treatments that may be helpful during this phase are medications (painkilling tablets and anti-inflammatories), use of warmth (such as wheat bags and warm baths / showers), reducing activities that aggravate your shoulder pain, steroid injections into the shoulder and acupuncture.

Stiffening Phase

The ball and socket joint becomes increasingly stiff, particularly on twisting movements such as trying to put your hand behind your back or head.

If stiffness is more of a problem, physiotherapy at this stage is helpful. You will be shown specific exercises to get the shoulder movement, and the physiotherapist may move the joint for you. These are known as joint mobilisations.

Thawing’ or Resolving Phase

Sometimes, along with physiotherapy, injections and time, you may get natural resolution of your frozen shoulder, meaning that the movement in shoulder may return and pain subsides.

Physiotherapy will finish, and you may be given some exercises to try and maintain the movement. We know that people are often left with a little stiffness, but this does not impact on daily life.

What happens if movement does not improve?

If physiotherapy and injections into the shoulder have not improved your symptoms significantly, and pain and / or stiffness remains, then your doctor may offer you an operation (called an arthroscopic ‘arthrolysis’ and manipulation under anaesthetic or ’MUA’).

What is an Arthroscopic Arthrolysis?

It is the name of the operation to improve the movement in your shoulder, by ‘releasing’ the shoulder capsule through keyhole surgery, and then stretching the shoulder whilst you are asleep so that more range of movement is achieved.

After the operation, it may take up to 6 weeks for the post-operative soreness of your shoulder to settle down.

It is vital that during this time that you get your shoulder moving with the help of a physiotherapist; otherwise it will stiffen up again. You will often see a physiotherapist once to twice a week in the first weeks after your operation and will be expected to perform exercises every 2 hours to prevent the shoulder from stiffening.

How is the operation carried out?

The operation is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic, usually as a day case. This means you will go home on the day of your

operation. Some patients who have other medical conditions may require an overnight stay in hospital.

The procedure is carried out as keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery. An arthroscopy is an operation using a specially designed small telescope linked to a TV camera which allows your surgeon to look inside your shoulder joint. There will be 2 - 3 small scars on the back, side and front of your shoulder. This allows the

surgeon to examine the shoulder joint and then use very small instruments to release the capsule where it has tightened up the most.

You will probably have some discomfort, bruising and swelling to your arm after your surgery, which is normal. The anaesthetist usually puts an injection into the side of your neck to numb your shoulder. This may last for up to 24 hours. You will be given painkillers after the surgery to take home with you, as good pain relief is essential after this operation to allow you to do your shoulder exercises.

What are the benefits of having an Arthroscopic Arthrolysis?

The benefit of this operation is increased shoulder movement and hopefully decreased pain.

Are there complications of having an Arthroscopic Arthrolysis?

As with most types of surgery, there are risks and complications which can occur unrelated to the capsular release. These include:

  • Anaesthetic risks (such as sickness, nausea or rarely cardiac, respiratory or neurological (less than 1%)
  • Chest infections
  • Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
  • Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary Embolism)

Rare complications that can occur specifically with a capsular release are:

  • Re-stiffening of the joint and ongoing pain in up to 30% of cases can occur, but your physiotherapist will advise you of appropriate exercises to minimise this risk.
  • Infection can be a serious complication but the risk is very small (less than 1%)
  • Damage to the nerves can occur as many of the large nerves and blood vessels that enter the arm pass closely to the site of the operation; but it is very rare that any permanent damage can occur (less than 1%)
  • With an manipulation under anaesthetic there is a very small risk that the upper arm bone can break.

These risks are very small but if any occur, further treatment or an operation may be necessary.

What happens if I agree to an arthrolysis?

If you and your surgeon agree that an operation is necessary, you will be asked to attend a pre-assessment clinic a few weeks before your surgery. This ensures you are fit for the operation and allows the team to record baseline information (such as your blood pressure) and check if you are suitable for the operation to be performed as day surgery.

During this clinic appointment, the pre-operative assessment nurse will discuss your stay in hospital and organize any other tests. These may include a blood test, urine test, an ECG (heart tracing) and x-rays.

Another purpose of this clinic is for you to ask any questions about the forthcoming surgery. We must seek your consent for any procedure or treatment beforehand. Staff will explain the risks, benefits and alternatives where relevant before they ask for your consent.

If you are unsure about any aspect of the procedure or treatment proposed, please do not hesitate to ask for more information.

If you and your surgeon agree that an operation is necessary, you will be asked to attend a pre-assessment clinic a few weeks before your surgery. This ensures you are fit for the operation and allows the team to record baseline information (such as your blood pressure) and check if you are suitable for the operation to be performed as day surgery.

During this clinic appointment, the pre-operative assessment nurse will discuss your stay in hospital and organize any other tests. These may include a blood test, urine test, an ECG (heart tracing) and x-rays.

Another purpose of this clinic is for you to ask any questions about the forthcoming surgery. We must seek your consent for any procedure or treatment beforehand. Staff will explain the risks, benefits and alternatives where relevant before they ask for your consent.

How long will I be in hospital for?

This operation is generally carried out as a day case procedure unless you have any other medical conditions which may require you to stay over night.

If you are having your operation as day surgery, you will need to have someone to collect you from the hospital and stay with you overnight to check that you are okay.

After your Arthroscopic Arthrolysis

Will I have any stitches?

An arthroscopic wound does not usually need stitches. There will be a small dressing/plaster over the wounds whilst they heal. Your shoulder may initially appear swollen and during this time your wounds may leak a blood stained watery fluid; this usually settles after 24 - 48 hours. You may find that your shoulder and the surrounding area bruises, which again is normal.

Keep all wounds dry until completely healed, which is normally within five to seven days.

You can shower and wash but protect the wound with a waterproof dressing. Avoid using spray deodorant, talcum powder or perfume near the scar.

Will I have to wear a sling?

You may have your arm supported in a sling for 24 hours after your operation. This is for comfort only and is not there to stop you moving your arm. You need to move your arm as soon as possible ensuring adequate pain relief. When you are sat you can rest your arm on a pillow.

How will I sleep?

Sleeping can be uncomfortable if you try to lie on your operated side. We recommend you lie on your back or the opposite side. Pillows can be used to provide support and comfort.

When can I drive again?

Driving is a potential hazardous activity. People will vary as to how soon they are able to perform this task safely. We would advise you not to drive until you have enough movement and stretch in your arm to control the car safely.

Check your insurance policy - you may need to inform the insurance company and DVLA of your operation.

You may have your arm supported in a sling for 24 hours after your operation. This is for comfort only and is not there to stop you moving your arm. You need to move your arm as soon as possible ensuring adequate pain relief. When you are sat you can rest your arm on a pillow.

How will I sleep?

Sleeping can be uncomfortable if you try to lie on your operated side. We recommend you lie on your back or the opposite side. Pillows can be used to provide support and comfort.

What exercises will I need to do after the operation?

The first 6 weeks following surgery are very important. Most of your recovery of movement happens during this time. You will be given exercises by a physiotherapist to begin stretching your shoulder immediately whilst you are still in hospital. Your exercises are very important if you are going to get the most out of your shoulder after the operation.

It is quite normal to experience aching, discomfort or stretching during and after your exercises but please be guided by your level of discomfort, you can do too much!

The following exercises are examples of exercises you can begin after the operation:

Try to do 5 repetitions of each exercise and you should do them every 2 hours if you can.

1. Lying on your back, use your good arm to help lift your operated arm up to the ceiling and behind your head as far as you can to stretch your shoulder.

Lying on your back

2. Slide your hand up the wall as far as you can on a cloth to stretch your shoulder.

Slide your hand

3. Slide your hand up the wall sideways on a cloth to stretch your shoulder outwards.

Slide your hand up the wall sideways

4. Lying on your back with hands behind your neck and elbows pointing towards the ceiling. Move elbows apart and down to touch the floor/bed.

Lying on your back with hands behind

5. Stretch your operated arm over to the opposite shoulder by pushing at the elbow with your good arm.

Stretch your operated arm

6. Bend your elbow and support the forearm against a door frame or corner.

Rotate your body away from the arm until the stretching can be felt in the shoulder.

Bend your elbow

7. With arms behind your back grasp the wrist of your operated arm and gently pull it up your back.

With arms behind your back grasp the wrist

8. Stand in a doorway with your elbow close to your body and bent at a right angle.

Place your hand against the wall and rotate your body away to feel a pull at the front of your shoulder.

Stand in a doorway with your elbow close to your body

Will I have to come for Physiotherapy?

As already mentioned, you should be starting to stretch your shoulder immediately after the operation. You will also have frequent appointments to see a physiotherapist to help progress your exercises to make sure your shoulder gets moving and to monitor your progress.

Some movements may improve more than others. Sometimes the twisting movements do not greatly improve (such as putting your hand behind your back).

Is that the end of my treatment?

You will be seen in the Orthopaedic Clinic at approximately six weeks following your operation by a member of your surgeon’s team. This may be your surgeon’s specialist physiotherapist to check your progress.

If there is some residual pain in the shoulder, than you may be offered one last anti-inflammatory injection into the shoulder to help things settle further.

When can I resume my normal activities?

This depends upon your symptoms. Most people are comfortable to return to most activities 6 weeks after surgery.

Try and use your arm for daily activities as soon as you can. Most people feel able to return to light work (no heavy lifting) around two to four weeks following the operation. You may feel that if your work involves heavy or overhead work that you would return after four to six weeks.

What do I do if I have any concerns following my operation?

If you are worried about your shoulder, please contact a member of the Upper Limb Team, your GP or speak to your physiotherapist. The telephone numbers are listed in the next column.

If you wound changes in appearance, weeps fluid or pus or you feel unwell with a high temperature contact your GP.

Should you have any concerns regarding your care whilst in hospital please discuss these with the nurse looking after you or the ward manager.

Upper Limb Team

Mr S.A. Shahane

Consultant Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon

Mr A. Sinha

Consultant Upper Limb Surgeon

Mr J.D. Wright

Consultant Upper Limb Surgeon

Mr. D. Chan

Consultant Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon

Nanette Oakes

Extended Scope Physiotherapist in Shoulder and Elbows

This leaflet has been given to you by One Health Group and developed in conjunction with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. Acknowledgement to Val Jones, Shoulder & Elbow ESP.

Reviewed: October 2016

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