Thawing Out: Understanding and Treating Frozen shoulder using MSK Injections

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness of the shoulder joint, it is associated with diabetes and thyroid disease. Treatment usually involves a long course of physiotherapy and treatment of underlying diseases, but some innovative injective therapies may transform the treatment of adhesive capsulitis. 

STEROID INJECTIONS

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatories which can reduce pain and inflammation surrounding the shoulder. Injections are usually administered directly into the joint capsule decreasing inflammation which may increase mobility allowing for engagement in rehabilitation exercises and physiotherapy.

HYDRODILATATION / HYDRODISTENSION

Hydrodilatation involves injecting large volumes of saline fluid into the shoulder joint which aims to stretch the tissue and increase the capacity of the shoulder to move. This procedure aims to improve the range of motion by breaking adhesions in the joint. Injections are performed under ultrasound guidance and by trained musculoskeletal professionals.

BOTOX INJECTIONS

Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections have been discovered to possess abilities in pain management of various diseases. The exact utility and mechanism by which botulinum toxin works in frozen shoulder is unknown, however, it is thought that injection of the toxin can slow the fibrosis in the joint which occurs in adhesive capsulitis.

HYALURONIC ACID INJECTION

Hyaluronic acid injections (viscosupplementation), are a gel-like substance which has been used to restore lubrication in joints affected by osteoarthritis. These injections, however, have shown utility in alleviating pain and improving mobility in joints affected by Frozen Shoulder.

If you are suffering from a Frozen Shoulder, Krida offers consultation services with musculoskeletal specialists along with innovative injective therapies including corticosteroid injections and hydrodilatation.