Shoulder Injection for Frozen Shoulder

If you’re struggling with stiffness and pain from a frozen shoulder that just won’t improve, a shoulder injection can help. This safe, targeted treatment reduces inflammation inside the joint making it easier and less painful to move your arm again.

We provide frozen shoulder injections using corticosteroid (steroid) medicine performed by an expert.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder (also called adhesive capsulitis) presents with:

• Severe stiffness and restricted movement
• Constant or night-time pain
• Difficulty lifting your arm above shoulder height

It typically develops gradually and can last for many months if untreated. A frozen shoulder steroid injection can help speed up recovery and make physiotherapy more effective.

How Does a Frozen Shoulder Injection Help?

A shoulder injection for frozen shoulder delivers anti-inflammatory medicine directly into the joint. This:

• Reduces inflammation
• Decreases pain within a few days
• Improves range of motion so you can move your arm more freely
• Helps you sleep better by easing night pain

When combined with gentle stretching and physiotherapy, results are often faster and longer-lasting.

What Is in a Frozen Shoulder Steroid Injection?

We use a carefully measured dose of a corticosteroid (to calm inflammation) mixed with a small amount of local anaesthetic (to make the shoulder more comfortable straight away). The injection is performed with a very fine needle and usually takes less than 10 minutes.

Expert injection ensures that you get the best possible outcome.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

1. Assessment: your doctor confirms the diagnosis of frozen shoulder and explains the procedure.
2. Injection: the shoulder area is cleaned and the steroid is injected into the joint
3. Aftercare: you may feel mild numbness or warmth for a few hours; soreness can follow for 1-2 days.
4. Relief: pain usually begins to settle within 3-5 days, and movement improves gradually over the next few weeks.

Most people can return to normal activity soon afterwards, though we recommend avoiding heavy lifting or gym work for up to 2 weeks.

How Long Does a Frozen Shoulder Injection Last?

• Pain relief often begins within a few days
• Improvement typically continues over 1-2 weeks
• Results can last from several weeks to a few months

The goal is to reduce inflammation enough to allow you to stretch, move and recover faster. Some people need a repeat injection if symptoms return later in the recovery process.

Aftercare and Recovery Tips

• Rest the shoulder for 24-48 hours
• Apply an ice pack for short periods if it aches
• Avoid strenuous lifting or overhead work initially
• Continue gentle shoulder exercises or physiotherapy once pain improves

Following these steps helps the frozen shoulder injection work more effectively and reduces the risk of stiffness returning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt? You may feel a quick sting from the local anaesthetic, but most people find the injection very tolerable.

Can I drive afterwards? Yes, as long as you can move your arm comfortably and feel in control of the wheel.

Can I have more than one injection? If needed, a repeat frozen shoulder steroid injection can be given after several weeks, depending on progress.