How Long Does Frozen Shoulder Surgery Take? Understanding the Duration, Recovery, and Key Considerations

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that leads to stiffness in the shoulder joint, severely restricting movement. While most cases of frozen shoulder improve with conservative treatments such as physical therapy and medications, some individuals may require surgery if symptoms persist for a prolonged period. If you’re facing surgery for a frozen shoulder, understanding how long does frozen shoulder surgery take, the recovery timeline, and other important factors can help you prepare for a smoother recovery.

When is Surgery Considered for a Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder progresses through three distinct phases:

• Freezing Stage: Characterized by pain and gradual loss of mobility.
• Frozen Stage: The pain tends to decrease, but stiffness persists, severely limiting shoulder function.
• Thawing Stage: A slow improvement in mobility over time.

While many individuals can manage the condition with physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and anti-inflammatory medications, surgery is considered when the condition does not improve after six to twelve months of conservative treatment. Surgery is particularly necessary when pain significantly interferes with daily life shoulder pain can have various causes, especially in women—even when no injury is involved. If you’re exploring non-injury-related causes, check out this helpful guide on the causes of shoulder pain in females without injury. If you’re unable to perform everyday activities due to a frozen shoulder, your doctor may recommend surgical intervention to restore shoulder function.

Types of Frozen Shoulder Surgery

There are two primary surgical approaches for treating frozen shoulder: Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) and Arthroscopic Capsular Release. The choice of procedure depends on the surgeon’s assessment of your condition.

Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA)

Manipulation under anesthesia involves the surgeon moving the shoulder joint while the patient is under general anesthesia. The goal is to break up the adhesions and scar tissue that limit movement. This procedure is less invasive and takes about 15 to 30 minutes. While MUA can be highly effective at restoring shoulder mobility, it carries a slight risk of injury to the bone or soft tissue if performed too aggressively.

Arthroscopic Capsular Release

Arthroscopic surgery is a more precise approach where small incisions are made, and a camera is inserted into the shoulder joint. The surgeon uses instruments to remove scar tissue and release tight ligaments in the joint capsule. This procedure typically takes between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the extent of the tissue damage. Arthroscopic surgery allows for a more targeted treatment of the stiffened tissues, minimizing damage to surrounding structures.

How Long Does Frozen Shoulder Surgery Take?

The duration of frozen shoulder surgery depends on the type of procedure being performed:

• MUA: Typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
• Arthroscopic release generally takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours.

Both procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you will return home the same day. The surgeon’s decision to choose one procedure over the other is based on factors such as the severity of the shoulder’s stiffness, the patient’s anatomy, and the presence of any complicating conditions like rotator cuff tears.

Recovery Timeline After Surgery

Recovery from frozen shoulder surgery involves several phases, each with specific goals and milestones. While the exact timeline may vary from person to person, here is a general outline of the recovery process:

Immediate Postoperative Period (0–2 Weeks)

The first couple of weeks after surgery focus on pain management and the prevention of further stiffness. You will be encouraged to begin gentle physical therapy within a few days to prevent the shoulder from stiffening again. A nerve block or pain catheter may be used during the early recovery stages to help manage pain.

Early Rehabilitation (2–6 Weeks)

During this phase, you’ll start to move your shoulder more actively with passive and active-assisted exercises. By around the third week, light strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff and scapular muscles will be introduced to aid in restoring range of motion.

Intermediate Rehabilitation (6–12 Weeks)

At this point, your shoulder’s range of motion should be nearly restored. You will begin more intensive rehabilitation, which includes resistance training to help strengthen the shoulder muscles and functional exercises such as lifting or reaching movements.

Advanced Rehabilitation (12+ Weeks)

By 12 to 16 weeks, most patients experience full recovery and can return to normal activities. However, individuals with underlying health conditions, like diabetes, or those who delayed surgery may require a longer rehabilitation period.

Factors Influencing Recovery Duration

The length of your recovery can be influenced by several factors:

1. Adherence to Physical Therapy: Consistent physical therapy is essential for restoring shoulder mobility and strength. Skipping therapy sessions or not following the prescribed exercises can delay recovery or lead to recurrent stiffness.
2. Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues can prolong recovery due to the body’s slower healing process. Be sure to discuss any preexisting conditions with your surgeon to better understand how they may affect your recovery.
3. Surgical Technique: Arthroscopic capsular release usually results in a quicker recovery compared to MUA because it targets the contracted tissue more precisely.
4. Preoperative Shoulder Stiffness: If the shoulder’s stiffness was severe prior to surgery, you may need more extensive rehabilitation to regain full motion.

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: A Cornerstone of Success

Rehabilitation after frozen shoulder surgery is critical to the success of the procedure. Here is an example of what a typical rehab plan might look like:

1. Weeks 1–2: Focus on passive stretching and gentle isometric exercises to begin restoring flexibility without stressing the joint.
2. Weeks 3–6: Transition to active-assisted movements and light resistance training to improve muscle strength and range of motion.
3. Weeks 6–12: Incorporate functional exercises and increase strength training intensity to further improve shoulder mobility and endurance.

Most patients attend physical therapy sessions 2–3 times a week and perform daily home exercises. It’s essential to stay committed to your therapy program, as lack of participation can negatively impact your recovery.

Risks and Complications

While rare, there are potential risks associated with frozen shoulder surgery:

1. Infection: Infections are minimized through proper sterile techniques and the use of antibiotics during surgery.
2. Recurrent Stiffness: Some patients may experience a return of stiffness, typically due to inadequate rehabilitation. This occurs in about 5–10% of cases.
3. Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury: More common with MUA, especially if too much force is used to manipulate the shoulder.

So, how long does frozen shoulder surgery take? Whether via MUA or arthroscopic release, is a relatively short procedure, typically taking less than two hours. Recovery, however, spans several months and requires dedicated rehabilitation to ensure long-term success. By adhering to a prescribed physical therapy regimen, maintaining regular follow-ups with your surgeon, and avoiding high-risk behaviors, you can maximize the benefits of your surgery and return to normal life as quickly as possible. Though the recovery process demands patience, for many people with frozen shoulders, surgery provides a crucial step toward regaining full shoulder function and improving quality of life.