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UpgradeThe reason you are going to have a capsular release is because you have a stiff shoulder and the aim of the operation is to improve the movement in your shoulder. A stiff shoulder may sometimes be called a 'frozen shoulder'; or you may have developed stiffness following an injury or a previous operation to your shoulder.
The reason you are going to have a capsular release is because you have a stiff shoulder and the aim of the operation is to improve the movement in your shoulder. A stiff shoulder may sometimes be called a 'frozen shoulder'; or you may have developed stiffness following an injury or a previous operation to your shoulder.
As you are aware, having a frozen shoulder can be a very painful condition and it limits the amount you can move your arm. You may have already tried a course of physiotherapy and/or had an injection in your shoulder to help pain relief. You probably find it difficult lifting your arm up, turning it outwards and putting it behind your back.
The capsule is the lining of the shoulder joint, and it is normally a fairly loose membrane to allow you to stretch your arm in all directions easily.
When you have a 'frozen shoulder' the capsule tightens up and therefore limits the amount of movement you can do, this can also make it painful to move. Surgery involves cutting through the tight capsule and therefore 'releasing' it. This should give you more movement and less pain.
After the operation, it may take up to 6 weeks for the post-operative soreness of your shoulder to settle down. It is vital that you get your shoulder moving with the help of a physiotherapist after the operation; otherwise it will stiffen up again.
The operation is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic, usually as a day case. This means you will go home on the day of your operation. Some patients who have other medical conditions may require an overnight stay in hospital.
The procedure is carried out as keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery. An arthroscopy is an operation using a specially designed small telescope linked to a TV camera which allows your surgeon to look inside your shoulder joint. There will be 2 - 3 small scars on the back, side and front of your shoulder. This allows the surgeon to examine the shoulder joint and then use very small instruments to release the capsule where it has tightened up the most.
You will probably have some discomfort, bruising and swelling to your arm after your surgery, which is normal. The anaesthetist may put an injection into the side of your neck to numb your shoulder. This may last for up to 24 hours. You will be given painkillers after the surgery to take home with you, as good pain relief is essential after this operation.
The benefit of this operation is increased shoulder movement and hopefully decreased pain.
As with most types of surgery, there are risks and complications which can occur unrelated to the capsular release.
These include:
Rare complications that can occur specifically with a capsular release are:
These risks are very small but if any occur, further treatment or an operation may be necessary.
If you and your surgeon agree that a capsular release is necessary, you will be asked to attend a pre-assessment clinic a few weeks before your surgery. This ensures you are fit for the operation and allows the team to record baseline information (such as your blood pressure) and check if you are suitable for the operation to be performed as day surgery.
During this clinic appointment, the pre-operative assessment nurse will discuss your stay in hospital and organize any other tests. These may include a blood test, urine test, an ECG (heart tracing) and x-rays. Another purpose of this clinic is for you to ask any questions about the forthcoming surgery. We must seek your consent for any procedure or treatment beforehand.
Staff will explain the risks, benefits and alternatives where relevant before they ask for your consent. If you are unsure about any aspect of the procedure or treatment proposed, please do not hesitate to ask for more information.
You may be given a provisional date at Pre-Assessment Clinic and this will be confirmed by letter.
This operation is generally carried out as a day case procedure unless you have any other medical conditions which may require you to stay over night.
If you are having your operation as day surgery, you will need to have someone to collect you from the hospital and stay with you overnight to check that you are okay.
An arthroscopic wound does not usually need stitches. There will be a small dressing/plaster over the wounds whilst they heal. Your shoulder may initially appear swollen and during this time your wounds may leak a blood stained watery fluid; this usually settles after 24 - 48 hours. You may find that your shoulder and the surrounding area bruises, which again is normal.
Keep all wounds dry until completely healed, which is normally within five to seven days.
You can shower and wash but protect the wound with a waterproof dressing. Avoid using spray deoderant, talcum powder or perfume near the scar.
You may have your arm supported in a sling for 24 hours after your operation. This is for comfort only and is not there to stop you moving your arm. You need to move your arm as soon as possible ensuring adequate pain relief. When you are sat you can rest your arm on a pillow.
Sleeping can be uncomfortable if you try to lie on your operated side. We recommend you lie on your back or the opposite side. Pillows can be used to provide support and comfort.
Driving is a potential hazardous activity. People will vary as to how soon they are able to perform this task safely. We would advise you not to drive until you have enough movement and stretch in your arm to control the car safely. Check your insurance policy - you may need to inform the insurance company of your operation.
The first 6 weeks following surgery are very important. Most of your recovery of movement happens during this time. You will be given exercises by a physiotherapist to begin stretching your shoulder immediately whilst you are still in hospital. Your exercises are important if you are going to get the most out of your shoulder after the operation. It is quite normal to experience aching, discomfort or stretching during and after your exercises but please be guided by your level of discomfort, you can do too much!
The following exercises are examples of exercises you can begin after the operation. Try to do 5 repetitions of each exercise and you should do them every 2 hours if you can.
1. Lying on your back, use your good arm to help lift your operated arm up to the ceiling and behind your head as far as you can to stretch your shoulder.
2. Slide your hand up the wall as far as you can on a cloth to stretch your shoulder. Use your other hand to help if you need to.
3. Slide your hand up the wall sideways on a cloth to stretch your shoulder outwards.
4. Lying on your back with hands behind your neck and elbows pointing towards the ceiling. Move elbows apart and down to touch the floor/bed.
5. Stretch your operatated arm over to the opposite shoulder by pushing at the elbow with your good arm.
6. Bend your elbow and support the forearm against a door frame or corner. Rotate your body away from the arm until the stretching can be felt in the shoulder.
7. With arms behind your back grasp the wrist of your operated arm and gently pull it up your back.
8. Stand in a doorway with your elbow close to your body and bent at a right angle. Place your hand against the wall and rotate your body away to feel a pull at the front of your shoulder.
As already mentioned, you should be starting to stretch your shoulder immediately after the operation. You will also have frequent appointments to see a physiotherapist to help progress your exercises to make sure your shoulder gets moving and to monitor your progress. Some movements may improve more than others. Sometimes the twisting movements do not greatly improve (such as putting your hand behind your back).
You will be seen in the Orthopaedic Clinic at approximately six weeks following your operation by a member of your surgeon’s team. This may be your surgeon’s specialist physiotherapist to check your progress.
This depends upon your symptoms. Most people are comfortable by 6 weeks after surgery. Try and use your arm for daily activities as soon as you can.
Most people feel able to return to light work (no heavy lifting) around two to four weeks following a arthrolysis release. You may feel that if your work involves heavy/overhead work that you would return after four to six weeks.
If your wound changes in appearance, weeps fluid or pus or you feel unwell with a high temperature contact your GP.
One Health waiting times from consultation to treatment are 3 - 7 weeks on average.
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One Health waiting times from consultation to treatment are 3 - 7 weeks on average.
