Shoulder Stiffness

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Frozen Shoulder

Shoulder stiffness can occur spontaneously or follow injuries, surgery, or a long period of immobilisation.

When is surgery needed?

Shoulder stiffness is generally treated conservatively in the first instance. Depending on the stage of the condition, this requires pain management, corticosteroid therapy and, as pain subsides, physiotherapeutic treatment. Should stiffness persist over a long period or cause intractable pain, it can be treated surgically.

What happens during surgery?

The treatment of frozen shoulder is performed using a minimally invasive joint endoscopy technique (arthroscopy). During this procedure, the adhered shoulder joint capsule is released.

Aftercare

Intensive physiotherapy is necessary following such an intervention. You will receive an individualised aftercare programme for this purpose. The period of incapacity for work for desk-based activities is generally up to two weeks following such a procedure. For patients involved in physical labour, the incapacity for work can last up to 3 months after surgery.