Ultrasound-Guided Shoulder Hydrodilatation at The Health Suite
Why Choose Ultrasound-Guided (US-Guided) Hydrodilatation?
At The Health Suite, hydrodilatation is delivered under ultrasound guidance (US-guided) by an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist with specialist MSK expertise.
Benefits of ultrasound guidance include:
- Accurate placement into the shoulder joint
- Improved safety and precision
- Ability to assess surrounding structures in real time
- Confidence that treatment is delivered exactly where intended
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Appointment Length (Typical): 30–45 Minutes
1) Clinical Review
We confirm your symptoms, movement restriction, medical history and suitability for hydrodilatation.
2) Ultrasound Assessment
Where appropriate, ultrasound helps assess the shoulder and guide the procedure accurately.
3) The Procedure
- The skin is cleaned using a sterile technique
- A small amount of local anaesthetic may be used to improve comfort
- The injection is delivered into the joint under ultrasound guidance
- Fluid is introduced in a controlled manner to expand the capsule
You may feel pressure or a strong stretching sensation during the procedure. This is expected and usually settles quickly.
4) Immediate Aftercare Guidance
You’ll receive clear advice on movement, pacing, and what to do over the next 24–72 hours.
Hydrodilatation + Physiotherapy: Why Rehab Matters
Hydrodilatation works best when paired with the right rehabilitation approach.
After the procedure, we typically recommend:
- Guided mobility work and stretching
- A progressive plan to restore range and function
- Advice on sleep positioning and activity modification
- Follow-up to keep gains and avoid re-stiffening
(If you already have a physiotherapist, we can coordinate with them.)
When Will I Notice Improvement?
Some people notice improvement quickly; for others, it’s more gradual.
Common patterns include:
- First few days: soreness settles; movement may start to feel easier
- 2–6 weeks: range and function improve most with consistent rehab
- Ongoing: continued gains with the right progression
Your clinician will advise what to expect based on your stage of frozen shoulder and your baseline restriction.
Safety, Side Effects and Risks
Ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation is generally well-tolerated.
Possible side effects/risks include:
- Temporary pain flare for 24–72 hours
- Bruising or soreness at the injection site
- Infection (rare, but a recognised risk with any injection)
- Temporary increase in symptoms if you overdo activity too soon
We’ll talk you through the benefits, risks, and alternatives before proceeding.
Treatment options and pricing
Browse and click below to book any of our available service.
You’ll be advised on any recommended assessment and rehabilitation appointments, which are booked separately.
(If medication choices vary by clinical indication, include a one-line note here such as: “Any additional medication costs (if required) will be discussed before treatment.” Only include if relevant to your governance model.)
Physio Led Initial Consultation for Shoulder Hydrodilatation
Included in the Physio Led Initial Consultation for Shoulder Hydrodilatation
During the physio-led initial consultation, your shoulder is assessed in detail, including movement, pain, and function. The physiotherapist discusses whether ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation is suitable and creates a tailored rehab plan to optimise recovery and improve mobility.
Ultrasound-Guided Shoulder Hydrodilatation: Procedure Only
Included in the Ultrasound-Guided Shoulder Hydrodilatation: Procedure Only
Ultrasound-guided shoulder hydrodilatation gently expands the tightened joint capsule, reducing pain and stiffness from frozen shoulder. Performed by an expert physiotherapist, it improves mobility and works best alongside guided physiotherapy for lasting results.
Common Q&A about Shoulder Hydrodilatation
Our FAQ section is designed to address common questions you may have, from how our treatments work to what you can expect during and after your session.
Our team is always available to provide additional support if you need more personalised guidance, ensuring that you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Hydrodilatation aims to reduce pain and stiffness and improve movement, helping you progress faster with rehabilitation. Outcomes vary depending on the stage and severity.
Not exactly. Hydrodilatation is designed to expand the joint capsule using fluid under controlled pressure. A standard steroid injection is typically lower volume and focused on inflammation.
Most people tolerate it well. You may feel pressure or stretching during the distension phase, but comfort measures are used and the sensation usually settles quickly.
Many people have a single procedure. Occasionally, a repeat may be considered if progress stalls and it’s clinically appropriate.
Often yes, but it’s sensible to plan for the possibility of temporary soreness. If in doubt, arrange a lift.
A minimally invasive procedure where fluid is injected into the shoulder joint to expand the capsule and improve movement.
Under ultrasound guidance, a fine needle injects fluid into the joint capsule, gently stretching it while ensuring precise placement.
Yes, guided physiotherapy and stretching are crucial to maintain range of motion and maximise recovery.
Some improvement may be felt in a few days, but most gains in mobility occur over 2–6 weeks with consistent rehab.
Temporary soreness, bruising, or a flare-up of pain may occur. Infection is rare. Overdoing activity too soon can worsen symptoms.
Symptom checker
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please book an appointment with us. Symptoms can vary from person to person and from condition to condition.A proper diagnosis can only be made through a thorough medical examination.
Our clinicians will carry out a full assessment to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
Do you have shoulder pain that doesn’t improve with rest or basic treatments?
Persistent shoulder pain that limits your comfort throughout the day may be more than a simple strain and could signal a deeper issue worth assessing.
Is your shoulder stiffness getting worse or staying the same over time?
Ongoing stiffness — especially when reaching overhead, behind your back, or lifting objects — can indicate adhesive capsulitis (“frozen shoulder”).
Has your range of shoulder movement become restricted?
Difficulty moving your shoulder in one or more directions — despite stretching or physiotherapy — is a key sign that hydrodilatation might help.
Are simple activities like dressing, washing, or driving becoming harder?
Reduced mobility and discomfort during everyday tasks can suggest a deeper issue like joint stiffness that could benefit from professional treatment.
Have other treatments (physio, NSAIDs, injections) not fully relieved your symptoms?
If pain, stiffness or movement limitations persist despite conservative care, hydrodilatation offers a minimally invasive treatment option.
Does your shoulder pain affect sleep or daily life?
Pain that interrupts sleep or everyday activities — especially when lifting your arm or reaching across your body — can be linked to conditions like frozen shoulder.
What we treat
At The Health Suite Leicester, our private medical clinic offers expert care whenever you need it. Our team of experienced GPs and healthcare professionals provide personalised diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions, ensuring high-quality, professional care in a comfortable setting.
Click below to view useful info on a few of the common conditions we treat:
Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
Hydrodilatation targets the thickened, tight shoulder joint capsule that causes pain and restricted movement. A fluid injection gently stretches the capsule to improve mobility and reduce stiffness.
Severe Stiffness Limiting Daily Activities
When shoulder stiffness interferes with eating, dressing, or driving, hydrodilatation helps break up adhesions and widen the joint space, making daily tasks easier and less painful.
Shoulder Pain Not Responding to Conservative Care
If physical therapy, medication, or corticosteroid injections haven’t provided lasting relief, hydrodilatation offers a minimally invasive next‑step option to improve shoulder comfort and movement.
Loss of Shoulder Range of Motion
This procedure stretches the tight joint capsule that restricts mobility, often resulting in improved range of motion and flexibility when combined with follow‑up therapy.
Pain With Movement or at Rest
Hydrodilatation can relieve both pain during shoulder activity and discomfort at rest by reducing inflammation inside the joint and easing tight connective tissue.
many more
Our clinicians manage a broad spectrum of conditions, and individual assessment allows us to tailor care beyond the examples listed. We encourage you to book a consultation to discuss your symptoms and appropriate treatment options.
