Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Seomyeon

What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis, known in Korea as 오십견) happens when the capsule around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, then thickened and tight. The cause is often unclear, but it is linked with diabetes, thyroid disorders and periods of immobilisation after injury or surgery. It typically passes through a painful "freezing" phase, a stiff "frozen" phase and a gradual "thawing" phase.

Symptoms and when to see a doctor

Deep, aching shoulder pain, often worse at night and when lying on that side
Steadily reducing ability to reach behind your back, overhead or out to the side
Stiffness in both active and passive movement (a doctor cannot move it further either)

See a doctor if pain disturbs sleep or movement keeps decreasing. Rotator cuff tears and calcific tendinitis can look similar, so a proper exam and imaging matter.

What happens at the clinic

Exam: measurement of range of motion in each direction.
Imaging: X-ray to exclude arthritis or calcification; ultrasound or MRI if a tear is suspected.
Blood tests: sometimes checks for diabetes or thyroid problems.
Treatment: anti-inflammatory medicine, an image-guided steroid injection into the joint, or hydrodilatation (stretching the capsule with fluid).
Physiotherapy: gentle stretching within tolerable pain, plus a home program.

Treatment outlook

Most people regain much of their movement with time and treatment, although some mild stiffness can persist. Injections tend to help most in the painful early phase. Aggressive forced stretching during the painful phase can worsen symptoms, so programs are adjusted to the stage. For stubborn cases after many months, manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release can be considered.

Risks and side effects

Steroid injections can cause a temporary pain flare, raised blood sugar in people with diabetes, and rarely infection. Surgical release carries anesthesia and surgical risks, and rarely fracture during manipulation.

Choosing a clinic for frozen shoulder in Seomyeon

Look for an orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist who uses ultrasound to guide shoulder injections.
Ask how they ruled out a rotator cuff tear or calcific tendinitis.
Ask whether hydrodilatation is offered and how many injections they would consider over time.
Check that a structured physiotherapy and home-exercise plan comes with the injections.
If you have diabetes, ask how they will manage blood sugar after a steroid injection.

Local note

Frozen shoulder often needs repeat visits over weeks, so a clinic near your home or hotel helps. Seomyeon's metro interchange makes regular sessions convenient.

How long does frozen shoulder last?

Without treatment it commonly runs its course over 1–3 years. Treatment mainly shortens the painful phase and helps you regain movement sooner, though timelines vary considerably.

Does a steroid injection help frozen shoulder?

An injection into the joint can reduce pain and inflammation, especially in the early phase, making stretching easier. Effects are often temporary, so it works best combined with exercises.

What is hydrodilatation for frozen shoulder?

It is an image-guided injection of saline, often with steroid and local anesthetic, that gently stretches the tight capsule. It is usually followed straight away by physiotherapy to maintain the gained movement.

Is frozen shoulder the same as a rotator cuff tear?

No. A tear usually causes weakness with movement that a doctor can still move passively, while frozen shoulder restricts both active and passive movement. Ultrasound or MRI can distinguish them.

Is frozen shoulder treatment covered by insurance in Korea?

Consultations, imaging, many injections and physiotherapy for frozen shoulder are generally covered by National Health Insurance for enrolled patients. Some newer injections or therapies may be non-covered.

Seomyeon.Clinic

Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Seomyeon, Busan