Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

 

 

Specialist Shoulder Assessment and Treatment in Rochdale

 

Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that causes stiffness and progressive loss of movement in the shoulder. It often develops gradually and can significantly affect sleep, work and everyday activities.

Mr Robin Seagger is a fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon in Rochdale, specialising in the assessment and treatment of frozen shoulder and other causes of shoulder pain and stiffness.

 

 

What is frozen shoulder?

 

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the lining of the shoulder joint (the capsule) becomes inflamed, thickened and tight.

 

This leads to:

 

• Pain

• Progressive stiffness

• Marked restriction of shoulder movement

 

The condition often develops without a clear injury and typically progresses through distinct stages over time.

 

 

Who is affected?

 

Frozen shoulder is more common:

 

• Between the ages of 40 and 60

• In people with diabetes

• After shoulder injury or surgery

• In people with thyroid disease

 

It can occasionally affect both shoulders, although usually at different times.

 

 

Common symptoms

 

Symptoms of frozen shoulder typically include:

 

• Gradual onset of shoulder pain

• Increasing stiffness and loss of movement

• Difficulty lifting the arm, reaching overhead or behind the back

• Pain that is often worse at night

• Difficulty with everyday activities such as dressing

 

The stiffness can become severe, even when pain begins to improve.

 

 

How is frozen shoulder diagnosed?

 

Diagnosis is based on:

 

• A detailed history of symptoms

• Clinical examination showing restricted movement in all directions

• Imaging such as X-ray or MRI, primarily to exclude other shoulder conditions

 

It is important to distinguish frozen shoulder from rotator cuff tears, arthritis and other causes of shoulder stiffness.

 

 

Does frozen shoulder get better on its own?

 

Frozen shoulder often improves with time, but recovery can take many months or even years.

Some patients recover fully, while others are left with ongoing stiffness or pain.

 

Treatment aims to:

 

• Reduce pain

• Restore movement

• Shorten the overall duration of symptoms

 

 

Treatment options

 

 

Non-surgical treatment

 

Most patients are initially treated without surgery. Options may include:

 

• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication

• Targeted shoulder injections

• Gentle, guided physiotherapy (over-aggressive exercise can worsen symptoms)

 

Treatment is tailored to the stage of the condition and individual symptoms.

 

 

When is surgery considered?

 

Surgery may be considered when:

 

• Symptoms are severe and persistent

• Movement remains significantly restricted despite appropriate non-surgical treatment

• Pain and stiffness continue to affect quality of life

 

Surgical options may include:

 

• Arthroscopic capsular release (keyhole surgery)

• Manipulation under anaesthetic in selected cases

 

The aim is to restore movement while minimising pain and recovery time.

 

 

Why see a specialist shoulder surgeon?

 

Frozen shoulder can be difficult to diagnose and manage, and treatment needs to be carefully matched to the stage of the condition.

Mr Robin Seagger completed additional fellowship training specifically in shoulder surgery after qualifying as an orthopaedic surgeon.

 

His practice is focused almost entirely on shoulder conditions, allowing:

 

• Accurate diagnosis

• Appropriate timing of interventions

• Avoidance of unnecessary or premature surgery

• Use of modern arthroscopic techniques when needed

 

This specialist approach helps optimise recovery.

 

 

Local specialist shoulder care in Rochdale

 

Mr Seagger treats patients from Rochdale, Bury, Oldham, Heywood and North Manchester, providing specialist shoulder care locally without the need to travel into central Manchester.

 

Consultations and surgery take place at The Highfield Hospital, Rochdale, with access to imaging, physiotherapy and structured aftercare.

 

 

Arrange a consultation

 

If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain and stiffness, a specialist assessment can help confirm whether frozen shoulder is the cause and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.