Frozen Shoulder Release

Manipulation under anesthesia and arthroscopic capsular release with Dr. Steven Ward in Tucson and Oro Valley — for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) that stays stiff and painful despite therapy.

Call 520-881-1394
Right awayTherapy typically starts within the first few days to keep the motion gained
6 wks–3 moTypical recovery range after release
Up to 3 yearsHow long frozen shoulder can take to resolve without surgery

Typical ranges for general education. Dr. Ward’s plan for you may differ.

What it treats

In frozen shoulder, the capsule around the joint thickens, tightens, and forms bands of scar tissue called adhesions. The shoulder becomes painful and very hard to move, whether you move it yourself or someone else moves it for you. It usually passes through three stages:

  • Freezing — pain slowly increases and motion is lost, typically over 6 weeks to 9 months
  • Frozen — pain may ease but stiffness stays, typically for 4–6 months
  • Thawing — motion slowly returns, typically over 6 months to 2 years

It is most common between ages 40 and 60, more common in women, and more likely with diabetes or thyroid disease. It can also follow a period of immobilization after an injury or surgery.

Is surgery right for you?

Most people with frozen shoulder get better without surgery. Treatment focuses on pain control and restoring motion:

  • Physical therapy with regular stretching, the main treatment
  • Anti-inflammatory medication when it is safe for you
  • A steroid injection into the joint
  • Hydrodilatation (stretching the capsule with an injection of sterile fluid) in some cases
  • Improving blood sugar control if you have diabetes, which can help the shoulder recover

Surgery is considered when stiffness persists despite months of therapy, usually during the “frozen” stage. X-rays help rule out arthritis; an MRI is not usually needed to make the diagnosis.

How the surgery is done

Surgery is outpatient, usually with a nerve block that helps you move the shoulder comfortably afterward. The two common methods are often combined:

  • Manipulation under anesthesia — while you are asleep, Dr. Ward carefully moves the shoulder through its range of motion to stretch and release the tight capsule
  • Arthroscopic capsular release — through small incisions, the tight portions of the capsule are cut with small instruments, allowing a more controlled release

The goal is to regain motion in the operating room, then keep it with early, consistent therapy.

Therapy is the key

The motion gained in surgery is easy to lose if the shoulder is not moved. Plan your first therapy visits before surgery, take pain medication before sessions as directed, and do your home stretches every day. Commitment to therapy is the biggest factor in the result.

Recovery overview

Typical ranges after manipulation and arthroscopic release. Dr. Ward’s plan for you may differ.

Days 1–7: move early Weeks 1–6: keep motion Weeks 6–12: strength

First week

  • Therapy typically starts within the first few days
  • A sling, if used, is for short-term comfort only
  • Ice and scheduled pain control so you can stretch

Weeks 1–6

  • Frequent therapy visits plus daily home stretches, such as supine forward flexion, doorway external rotation, and cross-body stretches
  • Use the arm for everyday tasks as comfort allows

Weeks 6–12

  • Recovery typically ranges from 6 weeks to 3 months
  • Strengthening is added as motion holds
  • Most people have less pain and better motion; some stiffness can remain, more often with diabetes, and frozen shoulder can occasionally return

When to call the clinic

Call 520-881-1394 if you notice any of the following after surgery or while you are recovering:

  • A fever of 101°F or higher, or chills
  • Redness spreading around an incision, or drainage that is cloudy, foul-smelling, or keeps soaking the dressing after the first few days
  • New or worsening numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand once the nerve block has worn off, or fingers that turn pale, blue, or cold
  • Pain that is not controlled by your prescribed medication, ice, rest, and the sling
  • Swelling, pain, or tenderness in the calf or arm that is new or getting worse
  • Motion that you had gained is quickly being lost

It is normal for the shoulder and arm to feel numb for roughly 12–24 hours after a nerve block, and for the shoulder to be sore and bruised for a while. Call if something feels different from what you were told to expect.

Call 911 or go to the nearest ER

for chest pain, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing. These can be signs of a blood clot in the lungs and need emergency care.

Questions about your recovery plan?

If something does not match the instructions you were given, call the office. Dr. Ward or one of his physician assistants will get back to you.

Related resources

Shoulder arthroscopy post-op

Wound care, pain control, ice, and early motion after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Open page

Exercise guides

Printable home exercise programs to use with your physical therapist.

Open page

Shoulder post-op hub

All of Dr. Ward’s shoulder packets, rehab protocols, and anatomy guides in one place.

Open page

Physical therapy locations

Find a physical therapy clinic near you in Tucson and Oro Valley.

Open page

OrthoInfo: Frozen shoulder

Patient education on adhesive capsulitis from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Visit OrthoInfo

Schedule a visit

Call 520-881-1394 and we will find a time that works.

Call 520-881-1394

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