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    3. Orthopaedics
    4. Shoulder and Elbow Pain Treatment
    5. Frozen Shoulder Treatment

    Frozen Shoulder

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, our orthopaedic and musculoskeletal specialists provide expert frozen shoulder treatment to diagnose and manage stiff shoulder pain using advanced imaging and a collaborative, patient-centred approach. 

     

    Our team combines international expertise with evidence-based care to accurately assess the underlying cause of symptoms and develop a personalised treatment plan. Using diagnostic tools such as ultrasound and MRI, we aim to identify the stage and severity of frozen shoulder and guide you toward effective recovery, without unnecessary procedures. 

    • Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes a painful stiff shoulder with progressive loss of movement.. It develops when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thickened and tight, restricting mobility. 

      Frozen shoulder typically progresses slowly through three stages: 

      • Freezing Stage: increasing pain and stiffness with limited movement. This stage may last from 2 to 9 months. 
      • Frozen stage: pain may reduce, but stiffness becomes more pronounced, significantly limiting mobility. This stage may last 4 to 12 months. 
      • Thawing stage: gradual return of movement. This stage may last from 5 to 24 months. 

    • Symptoms of frozen shoulder often develop gradually and worsen over time, often beginning with stiff shoulder pain before progressing to significant restriction in movement. 

      Common symptoms include: 

      • Persistent or worsening shoulder pain, often worse at night 
      • Stiffness that limits your ability to lift, rotate, or reach with the arm 
      • Reduced range of motion, affecting everyday activities such as dressing 
      • Pain when moving or touching the shoulder 
      • Difficulty sleeping on the affected side 

      Symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the condition, but without appropriate frozen shoulder treatment, stiffness and pain may persist for many months. 

      If left unmanaged, symptoms can significantly impact daily function and quality of life. At Mayo Clinic Healthcare London, we prioritise early and accurate diagnosis to support effective management and improved outcomes.  

    • The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear, but it is commonly associated with inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule. 

      Risk factors and associated causes include: 

      • Previous shoulder injury or surgery 
      • Prolonged immobility (e.g. after injury or illness) 
      • Diabetes 
      • Thyroid disorders 
      • Cardiovascular disease 
      • Age (frozen shoulder is most common between people aged 40-60 years) 

      In some cases, frozen shoulder develops without an identifiable trigger. Stiff shoulder pain may begin gradually and worsen if the shoulder is not regularly moved. 

    • While mild shoulder discomfort can occur for a variety of reasons, persistent, or worsening symptoms may require specialist assessment. 

      You should seek medical advice if you experience: 

      • Ongoing stiff shoulder pain lasting several weeks 
      • Difficulty performing everyday activities such as dressing or reaching 
      • Pain that disrupts sleep 
      • Persistent limitation of shoulder movement 

      Early assessment can support more effective frozen shoulder treatment and may help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation with a specialist, including a review of symptoms, medical history, and any previous shoulder injuries. A physical examination is then performed to assess range of motion and pain levels. 

      Where appropriate, further investigations may include: 

      • Ultrasound imaging, to assess soft tissues around the shoulder 
      • MRI scans, to evaluate the joint capsule and exclude other conditions 
      • X-rays, to rule out arthritis or bone-related issues 

      These investigations help confirm a diagnosis of frozen shoulder and guide an appropriate, individalised treatment plan. 

    • Treatment for frozen shoulder focuses on reducing pain and restoring movement. At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, frozen treatment is tailored to the stage of the condition and the individual needs of each patient. 

      Treatment options may include: 

      • Pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation 
      • Physiotherapy, with guided exercises to improve mobility and function
      • Steroid injections, to reduce inflammation within the shoulder joint
      • Hydrodilatation, a procedure that gently stretches the joint capsule through the injection of sterile water 
      • Activity modification to support recovery
      • Arthroscopic surgery

      As frozen shoulder develops in stages, treatment approaches may evolve over time. Our multidisciplinary team works closely across specialities to ensure coordinated and effective care. 

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, patients benefit from access to internationally recognised expertise in orthopaedics and musculoskeletal care.

      Our approach is centred on coordinated, multidisciplinary care, bringing together consultant specialists, physiotherapists, and imaging experts to ensure accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment planning.

      With advanced diagnostic facilities and a central London location, we provide patients with convenient access to high-quality, evidence-based care focused on restoring function and reducing pain.

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare London works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Book an orthopaedic foot and ankle consultation

    If you are experiencing stiff shoulder pain or think you may need frozen shoulder treatment, our specialists are here to help. 

    Our orthopaedic and musculoskeletal specialists at Mayo Clinic Healthcare provide an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan designed to restore movement and reduce pain. 

    ​Request an appointment today or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to book your orthopaedic foot and ankle consultation at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London.

    Home
    1. Home
    2. Specialties
    3. Orthopaedics
    4. Shoulder and Elbow Pain Treatment
    5. Frozen Shoulder Treatment