Treatment of the frozen shoulder can be frustrating and slow. Most cases will eventually improve, but it may be a process that takes months or years.
Initial treatment is directed at decreasing inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed. It is critical that physiotherapy stops until the pain goes away.
An injection of cortisone and long-acting anaesthetic (similar to Lignocaine) may bring the inflammation under better control, and allow the stretching program to be more effective.
If progress is slow, your doctor may recommend an arthroscopy of the shoulder while you are under anaesthesia. This procedure allows your doctor to loosen the shoulder joint capsule, and break up the scar tissue while you are asleep. In most cases, arthroscopy of the shoulder will increase the motion in the shoulder joint faster than allowing nature to take its course.