Shoulder Manipulation Surgery in Bristol

FAQs

• How successful is this procedure?

  Very often, with around 85 to 90 in every 100 people satisfied with their result and real gains in both how far the shoulder moves and how much it hurts. It does not work for everyone, though: up to around 3 in 10 people find it does not improve their pain or movement as much as hoped.

• Does this work as well for stiffness after an injury as it does for frozen shoulder?

  Views differ a little here. Some sources treat both in much the same way, while others suggest manipulation tends to work more reliably for frozen shoulder with no clear cause than for stiffness following an injury or operation. Your surgeon can tell you what to expect in your specific case.

• What else could I try before this procedure?

  Plenty, and you have likely tried some already: changing your activity, painkillers or anti-inflammatories, steroid injections, a stretching injection called hydrodilatation, or physiotherapy. Frozen shoulder often also improves by itself over 18 months to 2 years, though this can take longer, or not fully resolve, if you have diabetes.

• How long do I need to wear a sling?

  Only for a day or two at most, and only while your arm is still numb from the block. The whole point of this procedure is to increase movement, so you are encouraged to stop using the sling and start your exercises as soon as you comfortably can.

• Can I use ice or heat afterwards?

  Ice can genuinely ease the soreness, but wrap it in a damp cloth rather than placing it straight onto your skin. It is not right for everyone, though: skip it if you are diabetic, have Raynaud's, or notice any sign of infection, and avoid it on your left side specifically if your heart is affected. A hot water bottle works just as well as an alternative if ice does not suit you.

• Will I need this again if I have diabetes?

  It is more likely, unfortunately. Where frozen shoulder is tied to insulin-dependent diabetes, this procedure tends not to hold as well, and the joint can tighten up again within just a few weeks. Your surgeon can talk you through what this might mean for you.