Conditions we diagnose and treat

Frozen Shoulder Treatment in London

Available at LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London, Harrow (HA2 7SJ).

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, happens when the capsule around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened and tight.

Call 0203 633 5040 Book online

5.0 59 Google reviews
5/5 Doctify
Bupa Fee-assured
CQC Registered
GMC / FRCR Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist

The shoulder becomes painful and then increasingly stiff, making everyday tasks such as dressing, reaching up or sleeping on that side difficult. At LSRI, Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, confirms the diagnosis and offers ultrasound-guided treatment to ease pain and help movement return.

How the condition develops

Frozen shoulder usually passes through three overlapping stages: a painful “freezing” stage, a stiff “frozen” stage, and a “thawing” stage as movement gradually returns. Without treatment, the whole process can take one to three years. Treatment aims to reduce pain and help you regain movement sooner.

Why choose LSRI

Consultant-led care from Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist with more than 20 years’ experience.
Diagnosis and ultrasound-guided treatment from the same specialist.
Two clinics: LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London in Harrow (HA2 7SJ).
No GP referral needed, and all major insurers accepted.
After Dr Sankaye has reported your scan, you can have a free 5-minute video consultation to go through the results.

Last medically reviewed by Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, on 2 October 2026.

Symptoms of frozen shoulder

A deep, aching shoulder pain, often worse at night
Stiffness that steadily limits movement in every direction, especially turning the arm outwards
Difficulty reaching behind your back, overhead or into a back pocket
Pain when the arm is moved suddenly

Frozen shoulder is more common between the ages of 40 and 60, in women, and in people with diabetes or thyroid problems. It can also follow a period of reduced shoulder movement, for example after an injury or operation.

How we diagnose frozen shoulder

The diagnosis is based on your symptoms and a careful examination of shoulder movement. Imaging is used to rule out other causes of a painful, stiff shoulder:

Ultrasound checks the rotator cuff tendons and bursa, and can show thickening around the joint.
X-ray rules out arthritis and calcium deposits.
MRI may be used if the picture is unclear. See our guide to the shoulder MRI scan.

What to expect at your appointment

Dr Sankaye reviews your symptoms and examines your shoulder movement.
The shoulder is scanned with ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other problems.
You discuss the options, including whether hydrodistension is right for you.
If you go ahead, the procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance.
You leave with aftercare advice and should start your exercises or physiotherapy within a few days.

Treatment options

Hydrodistension (hydrodilatation): under ultrasound guidance, a volume of saline, local anaesthetic and usually a steroid is injected into the joint to stretch the tight capsule. It is a well-established treatment and is combined with physiotherapy afterwards.
Steroid injection: can reduce pain, particularly in the early, painful stage.
Physiotherapy and home exercises: gentle stretching helps maintain and recover movement, and works best once pain is under control.

If your symptoms do not improve, Dr Sankaye can advise when a surgical opinion may be worthwhile. For more background, read our articles on hydrodistension or steroid injection for frozen shoulder and ultrasound-guided shoulder injections.

Questions about frozen shoulder

Will frozen shoulder get better on its own?

Usually, yes, but it can take one to three years and some stiffness may remain. Treatment aims to shorten the painful phase and help you move more freely sooner.

Is hydrodistension painful?

Local anaesthetic is used, and most people find it uncomfortable rather than painful. The shoulder may ache for a day or two afterwards.

I have diabetes. Can I have a steroid injection?

Often, yes, but steroid can raise blood sugar for a few days. Tell Dr Sankaye about your diabetes so he can advise you and you can monitor your levels.

How soon can I start physiotherapy?

Usually within a few days of the procedure. Keeping the shoulder moving is an important part of recovery.

Our clinics

Two clinics, one team

Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, sees patients at Harley Street in central London and at our Northwest London clinic in Harrow. Call one number to book at either clinic.