Hydrodilatation for Frozen Shoulder: Effective Treatment Explained
Dealing with a frozen shoulder? Learn how hydrodilatation for frozen shoulder can help. This article explains what hydrodilatation for frozen shoulder is, how it works, and whether it’s effective for treating frozen shoulder.
Key Points
Hydrodilatation is an effective treatment for frozen shoulder, aiming to relieve pain and improve mobility through a high volume saline-corticosteroid injection into the shoulder joint.
The procedure is guided by ultrasound for precision and is considered less invasive compared to surgery, often resulting in faster improvements in shoulder function.
Post-procedure care, including physical therapy, is essential for maximising recovery and ensuring long-term benefits of hydrodilatation.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and contracted, leading to tightness and a significant restriction in all ranges of shoulder movement.
This condition can be triggered by several factors, including underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disease, or following an injury or surgery that limits the normal movement of the affected arm.
The symptoms of frozen shoulder and other shoulder conditions are often progressive, starting with pain that intensifies at night and eventually leading to shoulders that remain stiff and limit your ability to perform daily tasks.
The journey through frozen shoulder can be long and arduous, often taking up to two years to resolve. During this time, the shoulder remains stiff, and simple activities like dressing, driving, or even sleeping can become challenging. The condition can severely impact your quality of life, making it crucial to seek effective treatment options.
Managing frozen shoulder effectively involves a delicate balance between movement and rest. While it’s essential to avoid immobilising the arm completely, engaging in gentle movements and exercises can help alleviate pain and prevent further stiffness.
Grasping the complexities of frozen shoulder is essential for seeking effective treatment. With the right treatment approach, you can find relief from the pain and restore your shoulder’s range of motion, enabling you to return to your daily activities with greater ease.
What is Hydrodilatation?
Hydrodilatation is a relatively new injection technique designed to treat frozen shoulder. This procedure involves injecting a mixture of saline solution, corticosteroids, and local anaesthetic into the shoulder joint to expand the joint space using hydraulic pressure.
The primary goal of shoulder hydrodilatation is to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and stretch the joint capsule, thereby improving shoulder mobility.
Patients should also explore other treatment options and additional treatments before considering hydrodilatation. Although hydrodilatation offers significant benefits, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to determine the most suitable treatment plan based on individual circumstances.
How Hydrodilatation Works
The hydrodilatation procedure is an effective treatment for frozen shoulder, aimed at providing pain relief and improving mobility. The primary objective is to reduce pain and enhance shoulder movement by stretching the joint capsule and breaking down adhesions that restrict movement. During the procedure, a saline solution combined with cortisone is injected into the shoulder joint, along with a local anaesthetic to numb the area and provide immediate pain relief.
One of the key components of hydrodilatation is the use of ultrasound guidance to ensure precise needle placement. This technique has shown excellent results in relieving symptoms and helping patients regain their range of motion by effectively combining the anti-inflammatory benefits of corticosteroids with the mechanical stretching of the joint. The combination of these elements makes hydrodilatation a great treatment option in the fight against frozen shoulder.
Understanding the procedure can provide reassurance and set realistic expectations. Hydrodilatation offers hope to those struggling with the limitations imposed by frozen shoulder.
Comparison with Other Treatments
Hydrodilatation is considered a less invasive alternative to surgery for patients suffering from frozen shoulder. Compared to steroid injections alone, hydrodilatation offers better improvement in shoulder disability and passive external rotation.
This procedure offers a blend of anti-inflammatory effects from corticosteroids. It also incorporates mechanical stretching of the joint capsule for a more thorough treatment strategy.
When compared to physical therapy, hydrodilatation can offer faster and more significant improvements in shoulder mobility. Additionally, hydrodilatation is a cost-effective treatment option, being less expensive than surgical alternatives while still providing substantial benefits. Studies have shown that hydrodilatation leads to significant improvements in passive external rotation in both the short and long term, making it a viable option for many patients.
Current evidence suggests that hydrodilatation provides transient improvements in disability, with comparable efficacy to cortisone injections for long-term outcomes. Furthermore, hydrodilatation improves both passive internal and external rotation, offering a comprehensive solution for those dealing with frozen shoulder.
Ideal Candidates for Hydrodilatation
Patients unresponsive to conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications are often considered for hydrodilatation.
Patients who have had physical therapy and a cortisone injection but find they are not improving may her suitable candidates for this procedure
Pain that interferes with daily activities, such as reaching behind your head or routine tasks, may make you a prime candidate for hydrodilatation.
Those with severe shoulder stiffness that significantly hampers daily activities may also benefit greatly from shoulder hydrodilatation.
For manageable pain and mild restrictions, exploring other treatments first is advisable before opting for hydrodilatation. This approach ensures the most suitable treatment for your specific condition.
Preparing for the Procedure
Proper preparation is crucial for the success of hydrodilatation. Performing imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, or magnetic resonance imaging is essential to eliminate other potential shoulder conditions before proceeding. These tests confirm the diagnosis of frozen shoulder and rule out other underlying issues that could complicate the procedure.
A detailed medical history and physical examination are important for preparing for hydrodilatation. These evaluations determine the procedure’s suitability for each patient, ensuring that hydrodilatation is the right course of action.
Patients should disclose all medications and supplements, as certain medications, especially anticoagulants, may need to be temporarily halted before the procedure.
Preparing for the procedure takes involves stopping specific medications as directed by the healthcare provider. Following these preparatory steps ensures a smoother and more effective hydrodilatation procedure that is performed correctly.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Procedure
The procedure begins with the cleaning the skin with an anti bacterial sterile solution and administering a local anesthetic to numb the area. This step is crucial to minimise discomfort during the injection process. An ultrasound scanner guides the needle placement, ensuring accuracy and reducing the risk of complications.
Local Anaesthetic fluid may be injected to confirm proper needle placement once the needle is correctly positioned. Following this, a mixture of steroid, local anesthetic, and saline solution (30-35ml) is injected into the shoulder joint. This combination stretches the joint lining, alleviates inflammation, and provides immediate pain relief.
The procedure typically lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, making it a relatively quick and straightforward process. Ultrasound guidance enhances the injection’s accuracy, ensuring the treatment is delivered precisely where needed.
Post-Procedure Care and Recovery
After hydrodilatation, managing post-procedure pain is crucial for a smooth recovery time. Over-the-counter pain relief and ice packs help alleviate any discomfort. Patients should avoid heavy exercise or strain on the injected shoulder for 24-48 hours and strenuous activities for a few hours.
Immediate application of physiotherapy exercises post-procedure is crucial for regaining shoulder mobility. These exercises help maintain the improvements achieved and prevent the shoulder from becoming stiff again.
Monitoring for new symptoms such as redness or increased pain is important. Patients should track their symptoms and report any persistent issues to their healthcare provider.
Proper post-procedure care and commitment to physiotherapy lead to a smoother recovery and significant improvement in shoulder mobility, contributing to an improved range.
Benefits and Risks
Hydrodilatation offers immediate pain relief, enhanced mobility, and reduced inflammation. About 95% of patients report reduced pain and improved movement after hydrodilatation, with 75% reporting a good or excellent overall response.
However, like any medical procedure, hydrodilatation has potential risks.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort or post-injection pain. Most patients have a small amount of risk of infection, estimated at less than 1 in 1000 cases.
Other potential risks include allergic reactions, temporary dizziness, and a flare reaction causing temporary increased painful side effects. Rare complications like nerve damage or temporary joint instability may also occur.
Despite these risks, the benefits of hydrodilatation often outweigh the potential complications. A thorough assessment by a healthcare professional can determine if this procedure is right for you.
Long-Term Effects and Rehabilitation
Long-term success with hydrodilatation often depends on incorporating physical therapy into the treatment plan. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in enhancing pain relief and mobility for patients with frozen shoulder. A regular stretching routine during rehabilitation sustains shoulder flexibility and diminishes the chances of stiffness returning.
Strengthening exercises should be progressively introduced during rehabilitation to restore muscle function and support shoulder stability. Therapists recommend gradually increasing exercise intensity and duration as the patient’s condition improves. This approach ensures the shoulder remains strong and functional long term, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
Following a comprehensive rehabilitation plan maximizes the significant benefit of hydrodilatation and ensures sustained improvements in shoulder mobility and function.
Summary
Hydrodilatation is a promising treatment option for those suffering from frozen shoulder, offering significant benefits like immediate pain relief and improved mobility.
This procedure provides an effective alternative to more invasive treatments, combining the benefits of corticosteroids with mechanical stretching to deliver comprehensive relief.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the debilitating effects of frozen shoulder, hydrodilatation could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Consult with a specialist to determine if this treatment is right for you and take the first step towards reclaiming your shoulder’s mobility and your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is frozen shoulder, and what causes it?
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder due to inflammation of the surrounding tissue. It can be caused by conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disease, as well as injuries or surgeries that restrict arm movement.
How does hydrodilatation work to treat frozen shoulder?
Hydrodilatation treats frozen shoulder by injecting a saline solution, corticosteroids, and local anesthetic into the joint, which stretches the capsule, reduces inflammation, and enhances mobility. This ultrasound-guided technique effectively alleviates pain and improves range of motion.
What makes someone an ideal candidate for hydrodilatation?
An ideal candidate for hydrodilatation is someone who has not found relief from conservative treatments or a steroid injection, experiences significant pain affecting daily activities, and suffers from severe shoulder stiffness.
What should I expect during the hydrodilatation procedure?
During the hydrodilatation procedure, you can expect your skin to be cleaned and a local anesthetic applied before a mixture of steroid, local anesthetic, and saline is injected into your shoulder joint under ultrasound guidance, all completed in about 10 to 15 minutes.
What are the potential risks and side effects of hydrodilatation?
Hydrodilatation carries risks such as mild pain after the injection, infection, allergic reactions, and rare instances of nerve damage or joint instability. While these side effects are possible, the benefits typically outweigh the associated risks.
