Hydrodilation (?) for bursitis/frozen shoulder?

[Bluesheep8]

Hi, just wondered if any of you have had this procedure and what the results were. I (finally) saw a shoulder specialist on Friday after an ultrasound. He examined me as well as looking at the scans and said that it's frozen shoulder with possible bursitis being the cause. He recommended that I have a procedure with a local anaesthetic where high pressure saline is injected into the joint, followed by steroid injection(s) then it's vital to have physio within 48 hours. Apparently keyhole surgery is the next step if this doesn't work but I am reluctant to go down that road if it's avoidable. Has anyone had this saline thing? What was the outcome?

[Pilcrow]

Hi woolly, you kindly answered questions on my thread about shoulder problems a while back and it weirdly seems as though we're in the same boat. I too had been told I had bursitis - but was eventually diagnosed with frozen shoulder after it didn't improve and in fact got much, much worse.

I ended up having injections of steroids and saline - effectively the procedure you're talking about - done under ultrasound guidance. It's given me massive relief from the pain, though I still have twinges. But it's so much better. Range of movement - nope, maybe slightly better but not back to normal. It still hurts if pushed beyond my limits. But I'd been in so much pain that it felt almost miraculous. I realise not everyone has this so I know I was lucky. I'm actually using the arm (cautiously) in day to day activities now.

I was told to start physio within a week or so but frankly I didn't want anything aggressive after the first appointment when he manipulated the arm at the shoulder joint and I felt I'd instantly regressed - nerve pain and soreness came back and after a few nights of blissful sleep I found I was waking up in pain again.

I honestly think you have to weigh up what you want it to achieve. Do you want all the range of movement back? Or would you be happy with significant pain reduction and to wait for the frozen stage of the shoulder to wear off naturally, albeit over potentially quite a long period?

Sorry about the very long post! Happy to answer any other question you might have, if I can.

[Pilcrow]

Oh gosh, sorry, it's bluesheep, not woolly! Obviously my brain's confusing all things sheepy...

[Bluesheep8]

Hi again pilcrow, yes I remember that thread and recall that we're in a similar situation. Thank you for all that, I'm probably expecting too much but in terms of what I hope to achieve, I'd like the intermittent shooting pain to go away and be able to shave my armpit properly and fasten my bra at the back. I think it's worth giving it a go, from what you've said...will post afterwards, thanks again and I wish you well on the long road to recovery

[Pilcrow]

I know, bluesheep, I went back and remembered what a miserable time you'd had too. And yes, it all takes so long. Fwiw, I can slightly get my arm behind my back now but not lift it. Still a long way from fastening my bra normally! But considering I couldn't even get it a fraction behind without wanting to burst into tears from the pain, that's real progress.

I really do feel the procedure put me on the start of the road to getting better - my arm feels like part of me again now, if that makes sense. It'll still be a long process. TBH I don't even know whether I'll end up needing surgery because that hasn't even been mentioned as a possibility. I'm just focusing on trying to get over the frozen shoulder for now.

[Bluesheep8]

Hi pilcrow, it's heartening to hear that you're starting to see a little improvement at least, from what you've told me I think it's DEFINITELY worth a go as surely it Can't make things any worse (?)...the specialist I saw said it could take up to 5 years for anything approaching recovery so I've got to try everything I can. Don't mean this to sound in any way 'woe is me' but I also have multiple sclerosis so a bit of me not working properly is even more frustrating. MS has taught me the power of positivity so hopefully that'll help with this too, best wishes

[Bluesheep8]

Just re read your post and what you said about the saline procedure starting you on the road to recovery...that's a great way for us to look at it rather than hoping it'll be a magic and immediate cure. Also, the specialist was very surprised that no one had suggested physio to me before now so I am hoping that referral for that may happen too as I want to do everything I can to try to help myself....

[Pilcrow]

Gosh, you are having a hard time, I'm so sorry blue. I'd say it's worth a try, honestly. I'm just sitting here realising how much more I can use my arm now without the awful pain. It's not completely pain-free but it's more like a manageable ache, not the all-consuming agony. Which is worth a lot.

Also, to reassure you, the injection really wasn't painful. It was maybe very slightly uncomfortable for a couple of moments but no more than that.

One thing I have found helpful since having the injection is to do the gentle 'pendulum’ exercise under the shower every morning - the hot water really does seem to help with allowing the arm to move more freely.

Best of luck - do come back and update, won't you?