Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, can make everyday movements like reaching for an object or driving difficult due to pain and stiffness. As the condition progresses, restoring mobility becomes a priority. Two common frozen shoulder treatments, capsular release surgery and manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA), offer different approaches to improving movement. This article breaks down both options, helping you understand their benefits, limitations, and what recovery might look like.
What Happens During Capsular Release Surgery?
Capsular release surgery is a minimally invasive procedure designed to improve shoulder mobility by carefully cutting tight areas of the shoulder capsule. It’s typically done arthroscopically, using small incisions and a camera to guide the surgeon’s instruments. This precise approach helps release the tight areas, improving movement while leaving surrounding tissues largely undisturbed. As a result, recovery time is often quicker, and the risk of complications is lower.
This procedure is often the preferred treatment for patients who haven’t responded to physiotherapy or who have more severe cases of frozen shoulder. It’s particularly beneficial for those requiring significant movement restoration and wanting to avoid the long-term stiffness that can follow other treatments. Dr Bryan Tan, an experienced shoulder specialist in Singapore, prefers capsular release surgery, especially in severe cases, as it has lower complication rates yet offers a high rate of success in the long term.
How Does MUA Work?
Manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) is a non-invasive procedure where the patient is sedated, and the shoulder is manually manipulated to break up adhesions (scar tissue) that limit movement. The aim is to quickly improve range of motion and provide immediate relief from stiffness and pain.
While MUA can offer faster results than capsular release surgery, it carries some risks. The forceful manipulation may cause fractures, tissue tears, or other complications. Additionally, the relief may not be permanent, and stiffness could return, potentially requiring further treatment.
Effectiveness and Recovery: Which Offers Better Results?
Capsular release and MUA are both effective treatments for frozen shoulder. Dr Bryan prefers capsular release as a treatment option due to the potentially serious complications associated with MUA. Ultimately, the best approach depends on the patient’s condition, overall health, and the surgeon’s assessment of risk versus benefit.
Risks and Considerations for Each Procedure
Both frozen shoulder treatments carry their own individual risks. Capsular release, being minimally invasive, has lower risks compared to traditional open surgery, but complications like infection, anaesthesia issues, or damage to surrounding tissues are still possible.
Factors to Help You Decide
It’s essential to consult an orthopaedic specialist in Singapore, who can assess your condition and recommend the most suitable course of treatment.
Your lifestyle and how shoulder issues affect your daily activities should also be considered. For those who rely on shoulder movement for work or exercise, capsular release surgery may offer more reliable, long-term results. Your surgeon will guide you in making the right choice.
Both capsular release surgery and MUA are effective treatments for frozen shoulder, with each offering benefits depending on the patient’s condition. Rather than one being universally better than the other, the decision between the two depends on the surgeon’s assessment of the individual case, taking into account factors such as severity, patient health, and potential risks.
If you are struggling with frozen shoulder and need guidance on your treatment options, Dr Bryan Tan, an experienced orthopaedic surgeon, can help you explore your treatment options and find the most appropriate approach for your recovery.
Contact Dr Bryan Tan’s clinic today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward regaining your shoulder mobility.
Dr Bryan Tan