Patients become frustrated because they often do not realise that the "freezing phase" usually lasts about four to six months and this phase in particular, is often resistant to treatment.

However, the period of time when the shoulder is actually frozen or quite stiff, which is usually 3-4 months after the shoulder becomes painful and progressively loses motion, is often amenable to treatment. The methods of treatment include physical therapy, medication and nerve blocks.

The "thawing phase", which is approximately 3-4 months following the "frozen phase", and a total of six months after the initial problem starts, is the time when therapy is most important and can often greatly improve the motion and use of the shoulder.

An injection of cortisone and long-acting anesthetic may bring the inflammation under better control, and allow the stretching program to be more effective. In some cases, injecting a long acting anesthetic along with the cortisone right before a stretching session with the Physiotherapist can allow the therapist to break up the adhesions while the shoulder is numb from the anesthetic.

A similar procedure, performed by a radiologist,  may be performed while doing a special x-ray procedure called distention arthrography. 

Distention arthrography consists of injecting the joint with a combination of steroids and anesthetic  followed by a distention. This is performed by the radiologist and monitored by x-ray. The joint is distended with fluid (normal saline) until the capsule stretches and distends. With the anaesthetic working, the radiologist moves the arm in all directions, releasing the scar tissue (adhesions), thus freeing up the arm.  This may result in immediate pain relief and improved mobility in some. The procedure is done in a radiology practice and without a hospital stay.
 

The needle is gently placed into the shoulder joint under direct visualization with x-ray. A contrast medium is injected to confirm correct placement in the joint.

Other treatments such as manipulating the shoulder and arthroscopic release may be necessary. At arthroscopy a definite diagnosis can be achieved.

These treatments aid in treating the frozen shoulder since they may allow for an earlier recovery by stretching out and releasing the capsule which has tightened in the shoulder and consequently results in diminished motion in the shoulder. While the shoulder may again become tight, the majority of people undergoing this arthroscopic procedure obtain long term benefit.