Dr Gajan Rajeswaran
Consultant Radiologist
Specialist expertise: Musculoskeletal Radiology, Elite Sport, Radiology, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics.
Private Shoulder Hydrodistension
Shoulder hydrodistension is a highly effective procedure used to treat frozen shoulder, alleviating pain and improving the range of motion in the joint.
02036532002
At a glance
procedure duration: 20 minutes
an initial consultation or referral is required
payment options include self-pay and private health insurance
What is shoulder hydrodistension?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder capsule thickens and becomes tight, causing pain and stiffness. These symptoms are typically worse at night when lying on the affected arm, and can limit the joint’s range of motion. The condition is usually diagnosed with an X-ray and/or ultrasound, and a physical assessment performed by your GP or an orthopaedic consultant.
At Welbeck, our upper limb specialists offer an advanced, non-surgical treatment option called shoulder hydrodistension, also known as hydrodilatation. The procedure involves injecting a large volume of fluid into the joint capsule to stretch the tissue and disrupt adhesions to make it easier to move the joint.
In most cases, shoulder hydrodistension is combined with steroid injection to help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. This treatment can provide both immediate and potentially long-term pain relief and offers a less invasive alternative to surgery.
What does shoulder hydrodistension involve?
This simple treatment is performed in our state-of-the-art Orthopaedic clinic using a sterile technique, limiting the risk of infection to almost zero. With the use of ultrasound guidance to ensure correct and safe positioning, a fine needle is inserted into your shoulder.
Short-acting anaesthetic is administered first, then a steroid and a long-acting local anaesthetic are injected into the joint. Saline solution is then injected to stretch the joint, loosen adhesions and improve range of motion. You may feel a gradual build-up of pressure inside the shoulder as the fluid is injected, and some patients feel this pressure gently going down their arm.
Performed on an outpatient basis, this effective treatment is administered in around 20 minutes, and you’re able to return home on the same day, with no need for a hospital stay.
What are the risks of shoulder hydrodistension?
Shoulder hydrodistension carries a very low risk of complications. Infection occurs in fewer than 1 in 10,000 cases. One possible side effect is a steroid flare, which can cause localised pain for up to 48 hours after the injection. Taking pain relief medication is recommended to manage this discomfort.
How to prepare for shoulder hydrodistension?
There is no specific preparation required, and you can eat and drink as usual before your procedure.
In some cases, having an X-ray prior to the appointment can help rule out other potential causes of shoulder pain and conditions like osteoarthritis. Your consultant will advise as to whether this is necessary.
Recovery and aftercare
Your shoulder might feel heavy and tight for a few hours, or up to a few days, although some patients report immediate improvement in their symptoms.
It's crucial to start moving your shoulder soon after the procedure and arrange to see a physiotherapist to maximise the benefits of the treatment. While movement is recommended, you must avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 2 weeks.
You will likely have a small plaster on the injection site. You can shower as normal after your procedure, but avoid soaking in baths or hot tubs for at least 48 hours.
how soon can I drive after shoulder hydrodistension? It's not recommended to drive yourself home following the procedure due to potential discomfort and the effects of the injection. You can start driving again 48 hours after the procedure – although hydrodistension may make the shoulder feel a little uncomfortable, it should not stop you from driving safely
how long does it take to recover from shoulder hydrodilatation? Many patients feel an almost immediate benefit and improvement in range of movement after the procedure/ However, it can take up to a week to work in some patients, and an increase in pain for the first 48 hours is common. Physiotherapy should be sought within a few days of the injection to maximise its effect
when can I play sports again? You should allow your shoulder to settle for 48 hours after the injection, but following this, you can return to sports if you feel comfortable
How much does private shoulder hydrodistension cost?
For self-paying patients, private shoulder hydrodistension costs £725.
Why choose Welbeck?
At Welbeck, our orthopaedic consultants are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the care and treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Book private shoulder hydrodistension treatment
To book shoulder hydrodistension, you must be referred by either your GP or an orthopaedic specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our consultants, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
FAQs
How successful is hydrodistension for frozen shoulder?
While individual outcomes can differ, some studies show that hydrodistension has a 90% success rate for pain reduction and over 70% success rate for improved movement.
Will I need to have the treatment again in the future?
Most patients will only need to have this treatment once, but in cases of severe frozen shoulder where the response to treatment was inadequate, your consultant may recommend that you repeat the treatment after a few months.
When can I start exercising after treatment?
You should avoid strenuous exercise or exercise that involves the shoulder (e.g. swimming, weight lifting, racket sports, etc.) for 48 weeks after treatment. Following this, you can return to exercise and sports as soon as you feel comfortable.