Is an MUA or a Capsular Release better?

MUA is faster and involves no incisions, while Capsular Release is more precise and allows the surgeon to see inside the joint. Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your specific stiffness.

How long will I be off work?

For desk-based roles, 1 week. For roles involving lifting or overhead reaching, you may need 4-6 weeks to ensure you have enough strength and control.

Will I be in a sling?

No. In fact, we want you to avoid a sling. The goal is to keep the arm moving as much as possible from day one.

How much does private frozen shoulder surgery cost?

At Kinvara Hospital, an MUA starts from approximately £2,200. An arthroscopic capsular release package typically ranges from £3,800 to £4,800.

When can I drive again?

Usually within 10-14 days, once you have enough range of motion and strength to safely handle the steering wheel and gears.

Is frozen shoulder caused by an injury?

It can be (post-traumatic), but it often happens 'idiopathically' with no clear cause. It is more common in women and patients with diabetes or thyroid issues.

Can I have both shoulders done at once?

We usually advise against this as you will need one 'good' arm to help with the intensive physiotherapy exercises for the treated side.

Usually, an X-ray is sufficient to rule out arthritis, but an MRI is helpful to ensure there isn't an underlying rotator cuff tear causing the stiffness.

What is 'Hydrodilatation'?

It is a non-surgical procedure where a mixture of saline and steroid is injected into the joint under pressure to 'stretch' the capsule from the inside out.

Will the stiffness come back?

If you follow the physiotherapy program, the risk of it returning is low. However, once you have had a frozen shoulder in one arm, there is a higher chance of developing it in the other.

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Frozen Shoulder in Rotherham

CQC Good RatedConsultant-Led CareAll-Inclusive PricingNo GP Referral0% Finance Available

At Kinvara Private Hospital in Rotherham, our upper limb specialists are experts in 'unlocking' the shoulder through both non-surgical and advanced surgical interventions. Serving patients in Sheffield, Doncaster, and the wider Yorkshire region, Kinvara Hospital offers a consultant-led pathway to recovery.

Medically Reviewed By

Mr Vasu Karri, MBBS, BSc(Hons), MSc, FRCS(Plast) • Updated 2026-01-17

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Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) causes severe pain and stiffness. When physiotherapy fails, we offer Manipulation Under Anaesthetic (MUA) or keyhole 'Capsular Release' to physically unlock the joint. This condition affects many people across Yorkshire, impacting their daily activities and quality of life. Early intervention and expert treatment are essential for achieving optimal outcomes.

At Kinvara Private Hospital in Rotherham, our experienced orthopaedic consultants provide comprehensive frozen shoulder treatment services using the latest minimally invasive techniques and evidence-based protocols. Our patient-centered approach ensures you receive personalized care tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle goals.

Serving patients across Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, and the wider Yorkshire region, we understand the impact that shoulder conditions can have on your daily life. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes through expert diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and comprehensive rehabilitation support.

When to Consider Surgery

Many frozen shoulders resolve on their own, but it can take 2-3 years. You should consider a procedure if:
• You have had constant shoulder pain and stiffness for more than 6 months.
• Your stiffness is significantly impacting your ability to work or care for yourself.
• Physiotherapy and home exercises have failed to improve your range of motion.
• Steroid injections have not provided lasting relief.
• You are in the 'Frozen' stage and want to 'fast-track' your recovery to the 'Thawing' phase.

Our All-Inclusive Promise

Fixed-price packages for MUA and Arthroscopic Capsular Release
All consultant, anaesthetic, and hospital facility fees included
Initial post-operative physiotherapy sessions included in the price
Steroid or hydrodilatation injections available if surgery is not required
Transparent pricing with 0% finance options

The Three Stages of Adhesive Capsulitis

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three distinct phases, and the choice of treatment often depends on which stage you are currently in:
1. The Freezing Stage: Increasing pain and progressive loss of motion. Treatment focuses on pain management and steroid injections.
2. The Frozen Stage: Pain may slightly improve, but the stiffness is at its peak. This is often when surgical intervention is most effective.
3. The Thawing Stage: Movement slowly begins to return, but this can take months or even years without help.
[Image of a thickened and inflamed shoulder capsule in frozen shoulder]
At Kinvara Hospital, we use diagnostic imaging to rule out other issues like rotator cuff tears or arthritis. If your shoulder has been 'stuck' for more than 4-6 months despite physiotherapy, we discuss the benefits of 'releasing' the capsule to bypass the lengthy thawing phase.

At a Glance

Surgery Duration

20 - 45 minutes

Anaesthetic

General + Nerve Block

Hospital Stay

Day Case

Immediate Result

Increased Range

Physio Intensity

High (Starts Day 1)

Full Recovery

2 - 4 months

Benefits of This Procedure

Immediate restoration of a functional range of motion during the procedure
Rapidly eliminates the deep 'freezing' pain that affects sleep
Shortens the overall recovery time by years compared to waiting for 'thawing'
Keyhole (arthroscopic) release allows for precise division of the tightest tissues
Allows for a faster return to work and driving than conservative management
Consultant-led care ensures the underlying cause of the stiffness is addressed

The Procedure

We offer two primary surgical ways to 'break' the cycle of stiffness.

1
Manipulation Under Anaesthetic (MUA): While you are asleep, the surgeon gently but firmly moves the shoulder to break the scar tissue adhesions.
2
Arthroscopic Release: 2-3 tiny keyhole incisions are made to insert a camera.
3
Capsular Division: A specialized tool is used to precisely cut (release) the thickened, tight joint capsule.
4
Synovectomy: Any inflamed tissue inside the joint is removed to reduce post-op pain.
5
Nerve Block: A regional block is often used so the patient can start moving the arm pain-free immediately after waking.
6
The surgeon performs a final manipulation to ensure 100% of the possible range is achieved.

The Importance of Early Movement

Recovery Timeline

Day 1

You must start moving the arm immediately. The goal is to 'keep' the motion the surgeon achieved while you were asleep.

Week 1-2

Intensive physiotherapy. You will likely see your therapist 2-3 times a week to perform passive and active stretches.

Month 1

Most patients have returned to light daily activities and driving. Pain is significantly lower than pre-surgery.

Month 3

Full range of motion is usually stable. Strength exercises are introduced to support the new mobility.

Key Recovery Points

The 'surgery' is only 50% of the cure; your commitment to daily exercises is the other 50%
You will need to stretch 4-5 times a day for the first few weeks to prevent the capsule from 're-freezing'
Ice and anti-inflammatories are crucial to keep the joint 'quiet' during the rehab phase
Avoid 'heavy' lifting or sudden reaching for at least 6 weeks

Risks and Complications

These procedures are highly effective, though risks include:

Recurrent Stiffness

Moderate (10-15%)

The shoulder may try to stiffen up again if physiotherapy is not strictly followed.

Bone Fracture

Extremely Rare

An extremely rare risk during MUA, specifically in patients with very thin bones (osteoporosis).

Nerve Irritation

Low

Temporary tingling in the arm due to the manipulation or the nerve block.

Infection

Very Rare (<1%)

Minimized by the use of keyhole techniques and a sterile hospital environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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