Manipulation Under Anesthesia (Mua) For Frozen Shoulder Shows Promising Results

If you suffer from a frozen shoulder or are considering surgery for frozen shoulder, Dr. Nikesh Seth offers manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). Research shows this approach can be highly effective for this challenging condition.

WHAT IS FROZEN SHOULDER

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is a common condition treated at Integrated Pain Consultants. It presents as pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint and usually gets worse over time (between one and three years). If your arm has previously been immobilized, such as from a stroke or mastectomy, you’re at a greater risk of developing a frozen shoulder.

TREATMENT FOR FROZEN SHOULDER

Traditionally, frozen shoulder treatment included range-of-motion exercises and numbing medications injected into the joint—in severe cases, surgery was recommended. There are three typical stages to frozen shoulder:

1. The freezing stage when the range of motion is limited.
2. The frozen stage when the shoulder gets stiffer but the pain subsides
3. The thawing stage where the range of motion gets better.

These stages can repeat, and for some patients, the symptoms are worse at night.

HOW MUA CAN REDUCE FROZEN SHOULDER PAIN

MUA includes mobilization, stretching, and traction exercises all performed under anesthesia (either general or moderate). MUA can be a great approach for several acute or chronic pain conditions, including frozen shoulder. Research published in ScienceDirect found that while frozen shoulder is still a bit of an enigma following shoulder surgery, MUA can greatly improve the symptoms.

Researchers prioritized the early results of MUA as it relates to shoulder function after shoulder surgery. A total of 39 shoulders in 37 patients who were diagnosed with frozen shoulder received MUA post-surgery.

In total, their improvement score (based on the median preoperative Constant score) increased from 24 out of 100 to 63 within 3 – 6 weeks after treatment. Three months later, the average score was 69. Nearly one year later, most maintained the improvement with 94 percent saying they were satisfied with MUA.

Reduce Your Frozen Shoulder Pain Today

If you have acute or chronic pain, MUA may be an effective addition to your treatment plan. Contact Integrated Pain Consultants today to learn more about your options.