Pain and discomfort from a frozen shoulder is one of the most common reasons patients get in touch with us, so I thought it might be helpful for people to hear directly from a patient what it is like to receive a hydrodistension injection for a frozen shoulder.
If you would like to know more about this condition, please visit our frozen shoulder treatment page.
I performed a hydrodistension procedure for Rebecca’s frozen shoulder approximately 6 weeks ago. The total volume injected was 20ml before capsular rupture.
I recently asked her to describe what it is like to have a frozen shoulder injected with a high volume. I also wanted to know her progress.
Below is her account:
WHAT WAS THE REASON THAT YOU WERE GIVEN A HYDRODISTENSION INJECTION?
A three-month-old frozen shoulder
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCEDURE? (WHATEVER YOU CAN REMEMBER OF IT).
After explaining what he had seen on the ultrasound scan, Robert inserted the needle into the back of my shoulder and talked me through the procedure as he inserted 5ml fluid into the joint space, I felt a fullness in the shoulder joint/capsule, and Robert then asked if I felt he could inject more fluid in after I agreed he was able to inject another few ml before I felt a pop as the capsule released.
WAS IT PAINFUL?
It was uncomfortable, however, the main feeling was a fullness of the shoulder, it felt as though the joint was going to burst
WERE YOU ADVERSELY AFFECTED IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INJECTION?
No adverse effects at all.
HOW LONG AFTER THE INJECTION DID YOU FIRST FEEL THE BENEFIT?
Pain reduction over the first week and movement increased over the following 5-6 weeks.
HAS THE INJECTION MADE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES?
A significant functional improvement would not have been possible without the intervention.
HAS YOUR SHOULDER IMPROVED FURTHER OVER THE WEEKS /MONTHS SINCE THE INJECTION? PLEASE DESCRIBE IN WHAT WAY:
Increased range of movement, strength and function over the following 5 weeks.
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Robert Mast BSc Physiotherapy HCPC, MCSP, PgCert Musculoskeletal Sonography, Non-Medical prescriber
Rob is an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist (APP) with extensive experience in managing complex musculoskeletal conditions. He is employed as an expert clinician in the NHS providing both clinical diagnosis as well a point of care diagnostic- and Interventional musculoskeletal ultrasound in a busy radiology department.
He has a passion for musculoskeletal Ultrasound and is an experienced educator in MSK ultrasound. To learn more about Rob please click: meet Rob
Privately he runs One-Stop clinics in Hertfordshire, providing assessment, ultrasound diagnosis and ultrasound guided injections all in one session. The clinics are located in Hertfordshire. For any information or to book an appointment please click here