Frozen Shoulder Injection Therapy

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, can cause significant shoulder pain, night pain and progressive loss of movement.

For some people, particularly when the shoulder is in a painful and irritable stage, a corticosteroid injection into the shoulder joint can help settle symptoms and make movement and rehabilitation more comfortable.

At Solent Specialist Physiotherapy, frozen shoulder injection therapy is provided by Mike Gillingham, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist & Hand Specialist Physiotherapist, at our Fareham and Gosport injection clinics.

The Different Stages of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three overlapping stages:

Freezing stage – pain is often the main problem, frequently worse at night, and shoulder movement gradually becomes more restricted.

Frozen stage – pain may begin to settle, but stiffness and loss of movement are usually more prominent.

Thawing stage – movement gradually starts to improve and everyday activities become easier.

These stages are not always completely distinct, and the length of each phase varies from person to person. Some clinical guidance therefore also describes frozen shoulder more simply as pain-predominant or stiffness-predominant.

When Can an Injection Help?

Corticosteroid injection is often most useful when pain and irritability are prominent, particularly during the earlier painful or “freezing” stage.

Reducing pain and joint irritability at this stage can make sleep, everyday movement and rehabilitation more comfortable. As the condition becomes predominantly stiff rather than painful, the focus of treatment usually shifts more towards restoring movement and function.

It can be particularly useful when pain is a dominant feature and the shoulder is highly irritable. 

Corticosteroid is an anti-inflammatory treatment and for frozen shoulder, the injection is directed into the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint, where the inflamed and tightening capsule surrounds the shoulder joint.

Reducing joint irritability can make movement more comfortable and may create a better opportunity to begin or progress appropriate rehabilitation.

The decision to inject is based on the stage of the condition, your symptoms, examination findings, previous treatment and how the shoulder is affecting your everyday activities.

 Learn About Corticosteroid Injections →

Do I Need Imaging First? 

Not always. Frozen shoulder is usually diagnosed from the history and clinical examination, particularly when there is a characteristic restriction of both active and passive shoulder movement.

If the presentation is unusual, imaging may be helpful to exclude other causes of shoulder pain and stiffness such as glenohumeral osteoarthritis, significant rotator cuff pathology or previous injury. Mike will discuss whether he feels this is necessary and make the required referral.

If you already have relevant imaging, Mike can review this alongside your clinical assessment.

Injection Therapy and Rehabilitation 

Injection therapy is usually most useful when it forms part of a wider treatment plan.

Frozen shoulder changes over time, and rehabilitation needs to reflect the stage and irritability of the condition.

During a painful stage, treatment may focus on gentle movement and symptom control. As pain settles and stiffness becomes more prominent, rehabilitation can gradually progress towards restoring movement, strength and normal shoulder function.

Mike can guide this process and advise how quickly rehabilitation should progress following an injection.

Learn More About Frozen Shoulder →

Specialist Shoulder Injections in Fareham and Gosport

Assessment and injection therapy for frozen shoulder are provided at our Fareham and Gosport Injection clinics by Mike Gillingham, Upper Limb Specialist Physiotherapist.

Mike will assess whether the symptoms are genuinely consistent with a frozen shoulder presentation, whether corticosteroid is appropriate and how treatment should be integrated with rehabilitation or further investigation.

Explore Our Fareham Upper Limb Injection Clinic →        Explore Our Gosport Upper Limb Injection Clinic →