Frozen Shoulder Surgery in Singapore

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Overview

What Is Frozen Shoulder Surgery?
Benefits of Frozen Shoulder Surgery
Alternatives to Frozen Shoulder Surgery
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Frozen Shoulder Surgery?
How Is Frozen Shoulder Surgery Performed?
What to Expect Before and After Surgery
Risks of Frozen Shoulder Surgery

What Is Frozen Shoulder Surgery?

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, leading to limited mobility. In cases where conservative treatments fail, frozen shoulder surgery is recommended to restore movement and alleviate discomfort.

The primary surgical procedures include manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) and arthroscopic capsular release, both aimed at breaking up adhesions and improving shoulder function.

Benefits of Frozen Shoulder Surgery

Restores Shoulder Mobility: Surgery helps regain full or near-full range of motion, allowing for normal shoulder function
Reduces Pain: The removal of scar tissue and adhesions alleviates chronic discomfort and stiffness
Enhances Quality of Life: Patients can return to daily activities, sports, and work without significant limitations
Shorter Recovery Time (Compared to Prolonged Non-Surgical Treatment): In cases where conservative treatment has been ineffective for months, surgery can speed up recovery
Minimally Invasive Options Available: Arthroscopic surgery involves small incisions, reducing the risk of complications and shortening recovery time

To find out if frozen shoulder surgery may be suitable for you, please reach out to us today for a detailed evaluation and advice.

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Alternatives to Frozen Shoulder Surgery

Alternatives to Frozen Shoulder Surgery

Before opting for surgery, many patients try non-surgical treatments, which may include:

Physiotherapy: A structured program of stretching and strengthening exercises helps improve shoulder mobility
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections can relieve pain and inflammation
Hydrodilatation: A saline injection into the shoulder joint helps expand and break up adhesions

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Frozen Shoulder Surgery?

Surgery is generally considered for patients who:

Have persistent symptoms despite 6–12 months of non-surgical treatment
Experience significant pain that disrupts daily activities or sleep
Have severe stiffness that limits movement and does not improve with therapy
Are in good general health and can tolerate surgery and rehabilitation

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Frozen Shoulder Surgery?

How Is Frozen Shoulder Surgery Performed?

How Is Frozen Shoulder Surgery Performed?

There are two main surgical procedures for frozen shoulder:

Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA):

The patient is placed under general anaesthesia
The surgeon carefully moves the shoulder joint through its full range of motion to break up scar tissue and adhesions
No incisions are required, but post-procedure physiotherapy is essential

Arthroscopic Capsular Release:

Performed using small incisions, this minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a tiny camera (arthroscope) into the shoulder
The surgeon precisely cuts through the thickened joint capsule to release adhesions and restore mobility
Recovery is faster compared to open surgery, with reduced post-operative pain and scarring

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

Before Surgery

After Surgery

Before Surgery

A comprehensive consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon includes imaging tests (X-ray, MRI) to assess shoulder condition
Patients may need to stop certain medications and undergo a physiotherapy programme to optimize post-surgical recovery
Pre-operative fasting and hospital admission procedures will be explained

Risks of Frozen Shoulder Surgery

Risks of Frozen Shoulder Surgery

Although generally safe, frozen shoulder surgery carries some risks, including:

Infection: Though rare, it can occur at incision sites or within the joint
Bleeding and Blood Clots: More common in individuals with predisposing conditions
Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage: Uncommon but possible in arthroscopic procedures
Persistent Pain or Stiffness: Some patients may not achieve full motion post-surgery
Adverse Reactions to Anesthesia: Side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or allergic reactions can occur

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Surgical procedures typically last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.

A sling may be recommended for a few days to provide comfort and support. However, early movement is encouraged under the guidance of a physiotherapist to prevent the recurrence of stiffness and maintain shoulder flexibility.

Post-surgical pain is manageable with prescribed medications, ice therapy, and rest. Some discomfort is expected, especially during the early stages of rehabilitation, but pain typically improves within a few weeks as mobility returns and inflammation subsides.

Recurrence is uncommon but can happen if post-operative rehabilitation is not followed properly. Regular physiotherapy, gentle stretching exercises, and ongoing shoulder care help reduce the risk of stiffness returning.

Light activities can resume within 2–4 weeks, depending on job requirements. Strenuous activities and sports may take 3–6 months, as full recovery varies from person to person. A tailored rehabilitation program ensures a safe and effective return to normal activities.

Physiotherapy usually begins within 24 to 48 hours post-surgery. Early intervention is essential for preventing stiffness and promoting healing.