Frozen Shoulder Injections & Treatment in Manchester and Burnley
Frozen Shoulder can restrict movement and make sleeping, working, and every day activities difficult. We aim to assess, diagnose and treat Frozen Shoulder.
Ultrasound-guided injections for frozen shoulder, delivered by a GMC-registered doctor in Manchester and Burnley.
CQC Regulated Clinic
Ultrasound Guided Procedure
No GP Referral Required
Manchester and Burnley Clinic
INTRO
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, known in the medical literature as adhesive capsulitis, is a progressive thickening and tightening of the capsule that surrounds the shoulder joint. As the capsule inflames and then contracts, it causes pain and a steady loss of movement, so both the range you can move yourself and the range someone can move the arm for you become restricted.
Left alone it tends to settle in time, but that can take anywhere from one to three years, with months of disturbed sleep and difficulty using the arm along the way. The earlier it is treated, the better the chance of shortening that timeline. This is why we focus on getting an accurate diagnosis and, where suitable, treating the shoulder early rather than waiting it out.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder often begins as a dull ache around the shoulder that gradually worsens over weeks to months and can spread down towards the elbow. As it develops you may notice:
Deep, aching pain that is often worse at night and disturbs sleep, particularly lying on the affected side
Increasing stiffness, so the shoulder feels like it has locked up
Loss of movement in every direction, especially rotating the arm outwards
Difficulty with everyday tasks such as putting on a coat, reaching a shelf, or fastening a seatbelt
THE STAGES
The Three Phases of Frozen Shoulder
Painful Phase (Freezing Stage 6 - 10 Months)
Pain is the main feature and builds gradually. Stiffness is not yet obvious, so many people do not seek help. This is the best time to treat, as the right care here can change the course of the condition.
This Stage can last anywhere from 6 to 10 months. Because shoulder stiffness is not that common at this stage most patients do not seek treatment. If treated at this stage, it may be possible to halt the progression of frozen shoulder. We call this the ‘window of opportunity’ because the right treatment at this stage can make all the difference in terms of recovery.
Stiff Phase (Frozen Stage 5 - 12 Months)
Pain and stiffness are both present and movement is markedly reduced. Sleep is often disturbed and the shoulder can feel locked in every direction.
Often we notice a ‘full lock’ on the affected side. The patient struggles to move the shoulder in any direction and this leads to pain in the neck area and pain running down the arm and elbow
Recovery Phase (Thawing Stage 6 Months - 2 Years)
Movement gradually returns and pain settles. Some stiffness can linger, and regaining full range often takes time and consistent rehabilitation.
The good new is you are on the way to recovery and less pain. Often the restriction in mobility/movement of the shoulder takes time to improve
DIAGNOSIS
How we diagnose Frozen Shoulder and Simple Tests you can try at Home
Frozen shoulder is usually diagnosed from your history and a careful physical examination of how the shoulder moves. At My MSK Clinic we also use ultrasound at the point of care, which lets us look at the surrounding muscles and tendons and check for any associated problem, such as a rotator cuff issue, that may be feeding into the stiffness.
Identifying and addressing that underlying tendon problem, where one exists, can make treatment more effective and reduce the chance of recurrence. Ultrasound also guides our injections, so the treatment goes exactly where it is needed. There is no radiation involved.
Simple Tests to try at Home:
These quick checks can raise the suspicion of a frozen shoulder. They are not a diagnosis, so if they point that way, see an experienced clinician promptly rather than waiting.
TEST 1
Elbow in, hand out
Keep your elbow tucked firmly into your side and try to swing your hand outwards. A big difference between the two sides is a warning sign.
TEST 2
Reach up the wall
Stand side-on to a wall and raise the arm of the painful side as high as you can. Struggling here, alongside test 1, adds to the suspicion.
TEST 3
Hand behind the back
Reach behind your back towards the shoulder blades and compare sides. If the painful side cannot reach as high, and the other tests are positive, frozen shoulder is likely.
TREATMENT
Frozen Shoulder Injections
Injections are the treatment we focus on for frozen shoulder because, used at the right stage, they can relieve pain quickly and open up enough movement to make physiotherapy effective. Every injection at My MSK Clinic is guided by ultrasound, so the medication is placed accurately inside the joint. Most patients who visit us with frozen shoulder get the most benefit from an ultrasound guided cortisone injection into the shoulder.
ULTRASOUND – GUIDED
Cortisone Injection for Frozen Shoulder
A corticosteroid is injected directly into the shoulder joint to reduce the inflammation that drives the pain and stiffness. It is most useful in the early, painful phase, where it can settle night pain and restore enough movement to begin rehabilitation. Placing it under live ultrasound means the medication reaches the joint accurately, with no radiation involved.
What to Expect on the Day
At My MSK Clinic, from start to finish, the process takes approximately 45-60 minutes. This includes the consultation and examination and also the same day injection if suitable.
STEP 1
Assessment
At My MSK Clinic the doctor takes a detailed history and examines the shoulder and scans it with ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.
STEP 2
The Injection
Once you are and the doctor are comfortable to proceed the doctor will first numb the area with local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort.
STEP 3
Aftercare and Rehab
After the injection you are free to go home. We advise to avoid washing the area for 24 hours and resting the shoulder. The doctor will provide you with more information regarding how long to rest and some personalised exercises to aid in your recovery.
Success Rate of Frozen Shoulder Injections at My MSK Clinic
80%
of frozen shoulder patients reported improvement
We followed up 110 patients treated at My MSK Clinic with ultrasound-guided injections for frozen shoulder. 80% of the patinets reported a positive improvement and a reduction in their pain.
Frozen shoulder is painful and slow to settle, and the injection has to reach the right space to do its job. Every shoulder injection at My MSK Clinic is performed under ultrasound guidance by a GMC-registered doctor, and we follow up our patients to see how they actually get on.Â
These results come from a telephone survey carried out in October 2025 of 110 patients treated between January and July 2025. Individual results vary, and we will tell you honestly at your consultation whether an injection is likely to help in your case.
COST
How Much Does a Frozen Shoulder Injection Cost in Manchester?
From
£290
Per Injection
The Cost of ultrasound guided injections vary across the UK. At My MSK Clinic we believe in a transparent pricing system.Â
Our prices vary depending on the type of injection, however Cortisone Injections for Frozen Shoulder are priced at £290 per injection. All injections at My MSK Clinic are performed under ultrasound guidance. We also offer Frozen Shoulder Hydrodilatation which costs £350.
For more information on how much a specific injection costs please visit our pricing page →
If you are considering an Ultrasound Guided Frozen Shoulder Injection, book a consult with us at My MSK Injection Clinic Manchester. The Doctor will perform a thorough examination and suggest whether a Hyaluronic Acid Injection is suitable for you. No GP Referral required.
What's Included in the Cost?
✔ Consultation with Dr Akhtar
✔ Ultrasound Scan and examination
✔ Local Anaesthetic to ensure Comfort throughout the Procedure
✔ Any on-the-day Medications
✔ The Ultrasound Guided Frozen Shoulder Injection
WHY MYMSK
Why Choose My MSK Clinic?
Ultrasound Accuracy
All our injections are done under Ultrasound Guidance.
Same Day Option
Diagnosis and Injections usually done at same appointment
No Waiting List
You can Self Refer directly to MyMSK Clinic – No Referral required.
OUR CLINICS
Where We Offer Frozen Shoulder Injections and Treatment
We treat patients at two clinics in the North West. Easy to reach for Greater Manchester, Wilmslow, Cheshire, Bolton, Oldham and the wider Lancashire area.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon does a frozen shoulder injection work?
Many people notice an easing of pain within a few days to a couple of weeks. The response varies from person to person and depends on the phase of your frozen shoulder.
Does the injection hurt?
There is some discomfort as the injection goes in, but it is usually brief. At My MSK Clinic we first inject a local anaesthetic to numb the area and minimise discomfort. Additionally, the use of ultrasound guidance helps us place it accurately and efficiently.
How many injections will I need?
Often a single injection, combined with rehabilitation, is enough to turn the corner. We will review your progress and discuss whether any further treatment is worthwhile rather than repeating injections routinely.
What if the injection does not work?
If a first injection does not settle things, we reassess rather than simply repeating it. Options include hydrodilatation, which stretches the joint capsule to improve movement, and, for a small number of people, surgical release. We will guide you to the right next step. Read more about hydrodilatation.
Can an injection cure a frozen shoulder?
An injection is not a guaranteed cure. Frozen shoulder tends to improve over time on its own, and the aim of treatment is to relieve pain and restore movement sooner, and to make physiotherapy more effective.
Considering a Frozen Shoulder Injection in Manchester?
Ultrasound-guided. No GP referral needed. 7 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly.
PAGE MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY DR AMIR AKHTAR AUGUST 2026
Dr Amir Akhtar
Our Reviews
The injection has helped me greatly and I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Akhtar for any treatments in his clinic.
Fantastic service.
I feel much more confident about the treatment plan we discussed. I can highly recommend his service.
Michael P.
I saw Dr Amir Akhtar for a painful recurrence of sesamoiditis / forefoot pain. He assessed the area carefully, used ultrasound to check what was going on, and only proceeded with injection once he was satisfied it was appropriate. I valued that he was clear, direct, and clinically grounded rather than just rushing through the appointment.
He also explained the wider mechanical picture well, including how compensation from other ankle problems may be contributing. The treatment was carried out there and then, and the whole process felt efficient and professional.
A helpful and thorough service. I would recommend them.
Overall, I would certainly recommend this clinic and clinician. It was excellent care. I am pleased to say that I am noticing some improvement in my knee following the injection and am now saving to have my other knee treated. I will definitely be returning to this clinic.
She received ultrasound guided hydrodissection of the Baxter’s nerve, and since the treatment she has reported a really positive improvement. Her pain has reduced significantly, and she feels much better in herself, more comfortable driving and able to go out for walks again, which she hasn’t been able to do for quite some time.
The improvement has been remarkable and we’re very grateful. She has also noticed that she is now able to move her toe more easily, and the pain in her heel at night has reduced, helping her rest more comfortably.
Thank you for the care, support, and treatment it has made a real difference.
I definitely feel the injection has worked and I'm hoping it allows me to get some quality of life back.
Dr AKhtar has your best interests at heart at al time. Dr AKhtar was really thorough when. investigating my hip and knee.
It was so refreshing to meet Dr Akhtar,
I will recommend him to my family and friends should they need a specialist.
I booked my appointment online and got so much more than I expected on the day of my appointment.
The level of detail that things were explained to me in was fantastic but also done in such a way that it wasn’t overwhelming. I’m at the start of a journey to recovery but have so much confidence I am in great hands and off to the best possible start!!
The evening following my appointment I received some emails of; advice, follow up care, recommendations of the best splint to purchase, images taken from my scans and even a copy of my letter that is going to the GP!
What a fantastic service, one would have to wait weeks if not months for this kind of feedback on the NHS and the cost of everything was very reasonable too.
Thank you very much for everything , I really appreciate your time and approach towards my issue.
Thanks 😊
Dr Akhtar was everything you could hope for in a specialist: friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and, most importantly, truly listened. He took the time to understand my pain and concerns, and for the first time since the accident, I genuinely felt hopeful. I’m only 48 hours post-injection, but already the difference in my outlook is huge.
A special thank you goes to Safi, who has been nothing short of exceptional. Safi has handled my endless emails with patience, kindness, and professionalism, and their support has made this whole process so much easier. They genuinely deserve recognition for outstanding customer care.
I was originally going to wait seven days before leaving a review, but honestly, this clinic has already proven itself. I would return here time and time again without hesitation, and I would recommend My MSK to absolutely anyone in need of expert, compassionate care.
Thank you to Dr Akhtar, Safi, and the entire team for giving me hope again. An effortless 5 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Got an appointment really quickly and the consultation was in depth with a scan showing me the exact problem. Treatment options were given to me with associated costs along with exercises to support in the interim.
Dr Akhtar is really helpful and knowledgeable and I can’t thank him enough for his support which included a direct referral to hospital for other support.
Thank you
I had an amazing experience with this company.
Dr Akhtar was reliable, honest and operates with integrity.
I would highly recommend MYMSK Clinic.
Took my partner to see amir
Could not praise him highly enough
Partner was in pain for 5 days,hardly any sleep.after a few cortisone injections she was able to sleep.
Dr amir tells you the way it is
Did a full report for the gp recommending future action required
Then we got a phone call today of amir to see how my partner was doing.
Dr akhtar very professional in his work
From the very beginning, Dr. Akhtar showed exceptional professionalism, honesty and genuine care, taking the time to explain the procedure in detail and addressing all my concerns.
He explained any symptoms that may occur post injection and the time for it to become effective.
Thank you doctor!
I felt really at ease and was able to explain what was wrong with me in a relaxed atmosphere.
Can ‘t recommend enough
Also the building is so beautiful inside😊
He was very informative about what he was going to do and what was causing the issue.
He was very friendly and I will 100% be recommending his services to anyone that needs help.
I would highly recommend this clinic, very professional staff, with special commendation to Dr Akhtar. An experienced clinician in the field of MSK medicine, a credit to his profession!
However during the consultation Dr Aktar explain that the injection might not be the best course of action, he gave me some excellent advice and explained in detail what was wrong and how that was causing the painful symptoms.
I left feeling much more informed about my situation and after following his instructions my symptoms have improved massively.
I really appreciated the good advice and felt it was far more beneficial than other places who would have just taken my money for the injection and not really considered the actual root cause.
Would recommend to anyone!
certification
GMC Registered Doctor and CQC Regulated Clinic
