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Frozen shoulder
Treatment for adhesive capsulitis, or ‘frozen shoulder’, is available privately at The Edinburgh Clinic Shoulder Service. Enjoy fast access to appointments with specialists within the calming, unique and quality clinical environment at The Edinburgh Clinic.
What is a frozen shoulder?
Adhesive capsulitis, or ‘frozen shoulder’, is fairly common with an incidence rate of 3–5% in the general population and up to 20% in patients with diabetes. The condition is caused by thickening and inflammation of the lining of the shoulder joint – the capsule. It usually comes on after an injury or following treatment of a shoulder condition but can arise for no reason and no one really knows why.
If you have frozen shoulder, you might experience symptoms such as:
- gradual onset of pain
- restricted shoulder movement
You might find everyday tasks increasingly difficult, such as:
- bathing
- dressing
- driving
- resting, lying or sleeping comfortably
How is it treated?
The Edinburgh Clinic offers a shoulder distension arthrography service led by a consultant radiologist for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis, or ‘frozen shoulder’. This service includes a post-procedure follow-up with a specialist shoulder physiotherapist to help ensure continuity in your care and rehabilitation.
Shoulder Distension Arthrography (SDA) followed by physiotherapy has long been used as a treatment for adhesive capsulitis, sparing the need for surgery. During the procedure, your consultant radiologist uses a ‘hydrodilatation’ technique to stretch the shoulder capsule before rupturing it with air. The treatment typically takes around 15 minutes.
Click here to read more about Shoulder Distension Arthrography (SDA) and its success rates.
How much does it cost?
Shoulder Distension Arthrography is now available at The Edinburgh Clinic exclusively through Edinburgh Radiology Associates.
Shoulder Distension Arthrography £745
The cost includes a post-distention physiotherapy appointment delivered by specialist shoulder rehabilitation physiotherapist Christine Phillips.
How can I access this service?
The diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis is usually made by an orthopaedic surgeon, specialist physiotherapist or a GP with a special interest in musculoskeletal problems, after examination and X-ray.
You can self-refer for specialist physiotherapist-led shoulder assessment at The Edinburgh Clinic Shoulder Service directly. If identified as suitable, your specialist physiotherapist can refer you for treatment to a consultant radiologist or orthopaedic surgeon.
You can be referred for Consultant Orthopaedic shoulder assessment at The Edinburgh Clinic Shoulder Service by your GP or healthcare provider. The orthopaedic surgeon will assess the shoulder to confirm the diagnosis and, if appropriate, the referral for shoulder distension arthrography will be made to our specialist consultant radiologist.