Dallas Frozen Shoulder Surgeon

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) involves a thickening and tightening of the shoulder joint capsule caused by inflammation and scarring over time. This painful condition restricts movement in the most flexible joint, the ball and socket joint of the shoulder, and can lead to difficulty reaching overhead, behind the back, or forward away from the body, affecting internal rotation, external rotation, and forward flexion.

The progression of frozen shoulder typically occurs in three distinct stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. During the ‘freezing’ stage, patients experience things like increasing pain and a gradual loss of motion, often lasting several weeks to months. The ‘frozen’ stage, on the other hand, is characterized by a plateau of stiffness— pain may lessen, but significant limitations in movement persist, potentially lasting for many months. Finally, the ‘thawing’ stage involves a gradual return of motion, which can take several months to years.

Symptoms of frozen shoulder can sometimes overlap with other shoulder problems, such as rotator cuff tear, shoulder impingement, prior dislocated shoulder, or torn labrum, including superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears that may require Bankart repairs.

A Dallas frozen shoulder surgeon checking the shoulder condition of a female patient.

The Procedures & Treatment Options

The primary goal in treating frozen shoulder is to alleviate pain and restore function and range of motion, thereby helping to restore shoulder function. Dr. Steven Thornton, a board-certified Frozen shoulder surgeon and sports medicine specialist, typically emphasizes a conservative, non-surgical treatment approach in the early stages of the condition called adhesive capsulitis. These methods are important as they aim to manage symptoms, reduce pain, and facilitate natural healing. However, in cases where conservative treatment options prove ineffective or when significant functional limitations persist, surgical treatment options such as arthroscopic shoulder surgery may be considered to expedite recovery.

Frozen shoulder surgery involves arthroscopic capsular release or manipulation under anesthesia to release the tightened shoulder joint capsule, which may contain tight ligaments and stiff bands. The procedure breaks up scar tissue internally to improve shoulder mobility.

Your Dallas Frozen shoulder specialist has provided some general guidelines to help you recover faster and more efficiently on our resources page; however, you are encouraged to follow any specific guidelines provided by your doctor, as those take precedence.

Frozen Shoulder Injury FAQS

The exact cause is not always clear, but several risk factors include prolonged immobilization, diabetes, thyroid problems, and cardiovascular disease. It is important to note that it can also occur after surgery or trauma, especially following total shoulder replacement surgery, rotator cuff injuries, or shoulder arthroscopy, where scar tissue and tissue called adhesions may develop, leading to frozen shoulder.

Diagnosis with our Dallas frozen shoulder surgeon involves a physical examination to assess the range of motion, shoulder movement, and pain, and even imaging tests like X-rays or MRI to evaluate the shoulder bones, shoulder blade, and shoulder socket, as well as rule out other shoulder conditions such as rotator cuff tears or damage to the soft tissues and connective tissue.

Frozen shoulder progresses through three stages: freezing (pain and stiffness increasing), frozen (pain may lessen, but stiffness remains), and thawing (gradual return of motion).

Yes, frozen shoulder can resolve on its own, BUT it can take several months to years. Treatment can help relieve pain and speed up recovery.

Non-surgical treatments include things like pain management with NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, heat therapy, as well as activity modification.

Surgery should be considered when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief— especially after a prolonged period of stiffness and limited function.

Surgical options include manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), arthroscopic capsular release, and other procedures under the discretion and exceptional shoulder care of Dr. Steven Thornton, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon.

Recovery time varies, but patients who’ve undergone shoulder surgery such as frozen shoulder, labral tears, AC joint, or biceps tendon injury surgery, find that it typically involves several weeks of physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength.

What to Eat or Drink Following Your Procedure

You do not have dietary restrictions following frozen shoulder surgery unless specified by your doctor; however, there are some guidelines you can follow that may make recovery easier and support proper treatment.

After minimally invasive surgery, begin with clear fluids and light foods like crackers, plain rice, oatmeal or broth.
Ease into heavier foods, but avoid greasy meals for the first 48 hours to reduce the potential for nausea.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you experience severe nausea or vomiting, contact our office as soon as possible.

Caring for Incisions

You may remove the surgical dressing on post-operative day 3.
Swelling and light bleeding are normal following shoulder surgery. If your bandages become saturated with fluid, wrap sterile gauze around the area.
Although you may take a shower 24 hours after discharge, your incisions must stay dry to prevent infection. Cover the shoulder area with waterproof plastic, and avoid immersing the area in water. Do not take baths or get in pools.
Avoid applying topical products like ointments, creams or lotions unless explicitly instructed by your Dallas Frozen shoulder doctor.
Your stitches will be removed within 1-2 weeks. Based on your doctor’s direction, you will be able to shower normally at that time, but you will still need to avoid immersing your incisions in water.

Pain and Medication Guidelines

The following are general aftercare guidelines for the use of medications. Your doctor will provide specific instructions as they pertain to your health, prescriptions and procedure.

The numbing medication used during your surgery will begin to lose effect within 6-10 hours. Shoulder pain typically peaks on day 2-3. Swelling is to be expected during this time.
You have been prescribed pain medication by your doctor. Take it as directed based on your doctor’s specific instructions and the label on the bottle.
Prescription pain medication side effects can include drowsiness and dizziness. Do not attempt to engage in activity that requires alertness while taking these medications.
Nausea is a common side effect of prescription pain medications. If you experience severe nausea or vomiting, contact our office as soon as possible.
Do not drive until you’re cleared to do so by your doctor.
Patients who are at risk for blood clots should discuss this with their doctor. A temporary order for low-dose aspirin may reduce this risk.

Your Mobility Following Frozen Shoulder Surgery

Rest with the operative shoulder supported in your sling until cleared to remove the sling. Keep your arm propped with a pillow under the forearm when seated or lying down.
Use the provided sling as directed to support the shoulder; however, prolonged immobilization should be avoided to prevent re-stiffening. Your Dallas Frozen shoulder doctor will provide specific instructions based on the outcome of your surgery.
For the first 1-2 weeks, refrain from activities that may strain the shoulder, such as forceful reaching, lifting or stretching.
Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or long-distance travel for at least two weeks following discharge.
Do not drive until cleared by your doctor. Most patients can resume driving approximately two weeks after surgery, but only with doctor approval.
You may need to seek special temporary accommodations at work to limit your activities. Our office will be happy to provide necessary documentation.

Proper Usage of Your Sling

Wear the prescribed sling as instructed to provide initial support unless directed otherwise by your Dallas frozen shoulder surgeon. Early removal may be encouraged to initiate motion exercises and prevent recurrence of stiffness.
The sling offers temporary protection and comfort but is not intended for prolonged use in frozen shoulder recovery; adhere strictly to your doctor’s guidance on its duration and removal.
If you have questions about adjusting your sling, contact our office for guidance. Do not make independent adjustments without fully understanding how your sling works.

Use a Cold Pack for Swelling

Apply cold therapy to the surgical site for 20-30 minutes every 2-3 hours to reduce swelling.
Always place a protective barrier, such as a towel or cloth, between the ice pack and your skin to prevent frostbite and keep the incision dry.

Movement and Stretching Guidelines

Early motion is critical to prevent re-adhesion of the capsule.
Mild discomfort or stiffness in the shoulder is expected during the early recovery phase but should not deter exercise. If a specific motion causes severe pain, discontinue that shoulder motion and contact our office.
Perform hand and wrist exercises 3-4 times daily to promote healthy circulation.
You may have been ordered to begin physical therapy by your doctor. Our office can help you coordinate your appointment with a physical therapist.

CALL US IF…

Reach out right away if you notice:

214 265 3271

Severe, persistent pain that does not improve with medication or radiates through your upper arm.
Fever, chills, infection, redness, off-color discharge.
Severe swelling, tingling, numbness or skin discoloration, particularly in the hand, fingers or forearm.
Respiratory distress or chest discomfort.
Bleeding or persistent fluid leakage at the incision site.

Frozen Shoulder can be limiting. Let our fellowship-trained Dallas frozen shoulder surgeon help you find relief and regain your shoulder’s stability

Contact Dr. Steven Thornton’s office or schedule an appointment online to learn about effective treatment strategies for shoulder injuries and start your journey towards a healthier shoulder.

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