What to expect from shoulder arthroscopy for frozen shoulder

The surgeon makes small openings around the shoulder and uses a camera to view the joint. Tightened parts of the capsule may be released, and inflamed or damaged tissue can be assessed. The exact work depends on your examination and imaging. Anaesthesia helps you remain comfortable during the operation, while a nerve block may also be discussed for early pain relief.

The shoulder can feel sore and guarded afterwards. Improvement in movement is usually built gradually; the procedure does not replace the rehabilitation needed to teach the joint and muscles to move confidently again.

Before surgery, arrange help with dressing, washing, meals, and transport because one arm may be difficult to use at first. Follow the fasting and medication instructions from your surgical team. Afterward, use the sling only as directed and begin the prescribed exercises at the advised stage. Physiotherapy often focuses on gentle range of motion before strengthening.

Keep dressings and wounds clean and attend follow-up appointments. Do not force a stretch, lift heavily, or return to driving until your clinician confirms that your movement, strength, and pain control make it safe.

Seek prompt advice for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever, or pain that is worsening rather than settling. Contact the team urgently if the hand becomes unusually pale, blue, cold, or numb, or if you develop new weakness or severe breathing difficulty. Sudden chest pain or fainting needs emergency care.

Ask which tissues will be treated, whether a nerve block is suitable, when exercises should start, how long a sling is expected, and which activities must wait. Clarify how pain medicines should be taken and who to call if stiffness or wound symptoms change.