Frozen Shoulder Treatment – How Hydrodistension Injections Work

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that restricts movement in the shoulder joint. It can develop gradually, often without a clear cause, and may take months – or even years – to fully resolve without treatment. At Southgate Physio, we provide evidence-based options such as hydrodistension injections to help patients across North London, Enfield, Barnet, and Hertfordshire recover faster and regain mobility.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, restricting movement. This can cause:

• Persistent shoulder pain
• Difficulty lifting the arm
• Stiffness that limits everyday activities like dressing or reaching overhead

The condition typically progresses through three phases: freezing, frozen, and thawing. Without treatment, recovery can take 1-3 years.

What Are Hydrodistension Injections?

Hydrodistension (also called distension arthrography) involves injecting a sterile fluid – often a combination of saline, local anaesthetic, and sometimes steroid – into the shoulder joint under ultrasound guidance.

The fluid gently stretches and expands the joint capsule, helping to:

• Reduce stiffness
• Relieve pain
• Improve range of motion

Evidence snapshot: Clinical evidence highlights hydrodilatation with corticosteroids as the most effective conservative approach for managing frozen shoulder.

Benefits of Hydrodistension for Frozen Shoulder

1. Quick Pain Relief

Patients often report reduced pain within days of the injection.

2. Improved Shoulder Mobility

Stretching the capsule restores range of motion, making daily tasks easier.

3. Guided by Ultrasound

Real-time imaging ensures accuracy and safety, delivering the injection precisely where it’s needed.

4. Complements Physiotherapy

With pain reduced and mobility restored, physiotherapy exercises become more effective, speeding up recovery.

5. Safe and Minimally Invasive

Hydrodistension is an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime.

Why Choose Southgate Physio?

At Southgate Physio, we combine hydrodistension injections with tailored physiotherapy programs for long-term results. Serving patients across North London, Enfield, Barnet, and Hertfordshire, we use advanced ultrasound technology and evidence-based care to provide safe and effective treatment.

Frozen shoulder can be frustrating and debilitating, but you don’t have to wait years for recovery. Hydrodistension injections, combined with physiotherapy, offer a safe and proven way to relieve pain and restore movement.

Contact Southgate Physio today to learn more about frozen shoulder treatment options.