Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and debilitating condition that severely limits shoulder movement due to inflammation, stiffness, and scarring within the shoulder joint. For many years, Manipulation Under Anaesthesia (MUA) was the standard treatment for frozen shoulder. However, as research has progressed, physiotherapy has emerged as a safer, more effective, and long-lasting treatment alternative and has become the preferred choice for managing frozen shoulder. It offers a holistic, personalized, and sustainable solution compared to MUA.
What is Manipulation Under Anaesthesia (MUA)?
Manipulation Under Anaesthesia (MUA) is a procedure in which the patient is put under general anaesthesia while the doctor forcibly manipulates the shoulder joint to break up adhesions and scar tissue that limit movement. The goal is to restore shoulder motion by physically stretching the joint and disrupting the internal restrictions.
Although MUA can provide rapid relief from stiffness, it comes with significant drawbacks that make it a less desirable long-term solution.
1. Invasive Procedure with Potential Risks
Manipulation Under Anaesthesia is an invasive procedure, and like any surgery, it carries inherent risks. These include fractures, joint dislocations, nerve damage, and even rotator cuff tears. The possibility of such complications can not only extend recovery time but also introduce more pain and long-term issues, making MUA a less appealing option for many patients, especially those with pre-existing health concerns (Itoi & Minagawa, 2019).
2. Temporary Relief
While MUA may offer immediate relief by breaking up the adhesions in the shoulder, the effects are often short-lived. The underlying causes of frozen shoulder—such as inflammation, muscle imbalances, and weakness—are not addressed by MUA. As a result, patients may experience a recurrence of symptoms, often requiring further procedures or continuous treatments (Dr. Mohd, 2018).
3. Lack of Personalization
One of the major shortcomings of MUA is that it is a standardized procedure. It doesn’t account for the individual variations in the severity of frozen shoulder or a patient’s overall health status. The lack of a tailored approach means that MUA may not be equally effective for everyone and might miss addressing the unique needs of each patient.
Why is Physiotherapy the Preferred Treatment?
In contrast to MUA, physiotherapy offers a non-invasive, individualized, and long-term solution for frozen shoulder. Here are the key reasons why physiotherapy has become the standard for managing this condition:
1. A Comprehensive, Holistic Treatment Approach
Physiotherapy goes beyond just alleviating pain. It focuses on treating the root causes of frozen shoulder, such as inflammation, muscle tightness, joint stiffness, and impaired mobility. A physiotherapist develops a customized treatment plan that may include a mix of manual therapy (like joint mobilization), strengthening exercises, stretches, and modalities such as ultrasound or electrotherapy to reduce pain and promote healing. This multi-faceted approach addresses the entire condition, leading to more sustainable and effective results (Feryawan & Nolan, 2022).
Furthermore, physiotherapy incorporates functional activities of daily living (ADL) rehabilitation into the treatment plan. This involves practicing specific movements and tasks that mimic real-life activities, such as reaching for objects, dressing, combing hair, and carrying items. By focusing on functional ADL rehabilitation, physiotherapy helps patients regain confidence and independence in performing daily tasks, improving their overall quality of life.
2. Gradual, Safe Progression
Unlike MUA, which forcibly manipulates the joint, physiotherapy promotes a gradual and safe recovery. Physiotherapists work closely with patients to increase the shoulder's range of motion and strength slowly, allowing the body to heal naturally. This controlled approach minimizes the risk of re-injury or further damage, ensuring that the shoulder joint recovers optimally over time. The careful progression also helps prevent overloading the joint during the healing process (Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 2023).
3. Long-Term Benefit
Physiotherapy’s benefits extend far beyond just managing symptoms. By strengthening the muscles around the shoulder and improving joint mobility, physiotherapy helps prevent future episodes of frozen shoulder. Regular physiotherapy also enhances posture and movement mechanics, reducing the strain on the shoulder joint and decreasing the likelihood of recurrence. This proactive approach not only restores shoulder function but also enhances overall shoulder health in the long term. (Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2023).
4. Personalized Care
Physiotherapists provide individualized care, tailoring each treatment plan to the patient’s specific condition, lifestyle, and goals. Factors such as the severity of the frozen shoulder, the patient’s age, occupation, and activity level are all considered to create a treatment plan that is both effective and sustainable. This personalized approach significantly improves the chances of a full recovery compared to the generic, one-size-fits-all method of .
5. Empowering Patients with Knowledge
Physiotherapists don’t just treat the condition—they empower patients to take charge of their recovery. They teach exercises and techniques that can be done at home, helping patients manage pain and maintain shoulder health long after the treatment ends. Physiotherapists also educate patients about posture, body mechanics, and injury prevention, which further promotes long-term recovery and reduces the risk of future flare-ups.
Evidence: Why Physiotherapy Outperforms MUA in Treating Frozen Shoulder?
Recent research consistently supports the effectiveness of physiotherapy in treating frozen shoulder. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy found that physiotherapy is equally effective as Manipulation Under Anaesthesia in improving shoulder range of motion and reducing pain. However, the study also emphasized that physiotherapy has a much lower risk of complications, making it a safer option for most patients (Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 2023).
Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery demonstrated that a well-structured physiotherapy program, combining manual therapy and targeted exercises, significantly improves shoulder function and alleviates pain in patients with frozen shoulder. The research also noted that physiotherapy is a more cost-effective treatment option compared to MUA, avoiding the risks and expenses associated with an invasive procedure (Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2023).
Conclusion: Choosing Physiotherapy for Lasting Relief
Although MUA may provide temporary relief for frozen shoulder, it is invasive, risky, and not a long-term solution. On the other hand, physiotherapy offers a safe, holistic, and personalized approach that addresses the root causes of the condition while promoting long-term healing and strength. With its gradual, patient-centred progression and focus on education and prevention, physiotherapy provides a more effective and sustainable treatment for frozen shoulder.
If you’re dealing with the pain and limitation of frozen shoulder, seeking the expertise of a qualified physiotherapist is your best step toward recovery. Physiotherapy not only helps alleviate your current symptoms but also supports long-term shoulder health, enabling you to live a pain-free, active life.
References:
- Itoi, E., & Minagawa, H. (2019). Manipulation Under Anesthesia for Frozen Shoulders. In Shoulder Stiffness (pp. 205-215). SpringerLink.
- Dr. Mohd. (2018). Treatment of Frozen Shoulder by Manipulation under Anesthesia with Intra-Articular Injection. International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research, 7(7), 328.
- Feryawan, P. M., & Nolan, J. (2022). Physical Therapy and Manipulation under Anesthesia for Patients with Frozen Shoulder. International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research, 7(1), 18.
- Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. (2023). Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Physiotherapy for Frozen Shoulder.
- Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. (2023). Comparative Study on Physiotherapy and MUA for Frozen Shoulder.
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