Shoulder stiffness and adhesive capsulitis
Arthroscopic capsular release for frozen shoulder that does not respond to conservative treatment and for postoperative or post-traumatic stiffness.
- What it is
- In adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, the joint capsule becomes inflamed and contracted, and the shoulder loses motion progressively and painfully. Stiffness can also appear after surgery or a fracture.
- When it is indicated
- Most cases improve with physiotherapy, medication and injections over several months. Surgery is indicated in refractory capsulitis and in postoperative or post-traumatic stiffness that does not regain motion with conservative treatment.
- How it is performed
- Arthroscopically, the contracted capsule is released in a controlled way and the shoulder is mobilised under anaesthesia, treating any associated lesion in the same procedure.
- Recovery
- Intensive physiotherapy from the first day to keep the range of motion gained in surgery. Pain control in the first weeks is key to the result.
- Procedures the doctor performs
- Arthroscopic capsular release
- Refractory adhesive capsulitis
- Postoperative or post-traumatic stiffness
Other procedures
- Rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder instability and recurrent dislocation
- SLAP tears and biceps pathology
- Acromioclavicular joint injuries
- Shoulder cartilage and arthritis
- Complex rotator cuff reconstructions
- Shoulder arthroscopy
This content is general information. It does not replace a medical assessment: every case is evaluated in consultation with physical examination and imaging.