Shoulder Hydrodilitation Cardiff
Consultant-led treatment for frozen shoulder and adhesive capsulitis
Pro Sports Medicine provides ultrasound-guided shoulder hydrodilatation in Cardiff for patients experiencing pain and restricted movement caused by frozen shoulder.
The procedure is delivered by Dr Julian Chakraverty, a fellowship-trained Consultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist and Lead Doctor for Bath Rugby. Julian specialises in musculoskeletal imaging, sports radiology and advanced image-guided procedures.
Hydrodilatation is integrated with specialist shoulder assessment and rehabilitation through the complete Pro Sports Medicine pathway.
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition in which the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened and restricted.
Typical symptoms include:
Persistent shoulder pain
Significant stiffness
Reduced ability to lift or rotate the arm
Night pain and disturbed sleep
Difficulty dressing, driving or reaching overhead
Loss of both active and passive shoulder movement
Symptoms can develop gradually and may continue for many months. Treatment is tailored according to whether pain, stiffness or both are the main problem.
What is shoulder hydrodilatation?
Hydrodilatation—also called hydrodistension—is an image-guided procedure used to treat frozen shoulder.
A fine needle is positioned accurately within the shoulder joint using ultrasound guidance. Local anaesthetic, sterile saline and, where clinically appropriate, corticosteroid are then introduced into the joint.
The additional fluid gently expands the restricted joint capsule, with the aim of:
Reducing shoulder pain
Stretching the tightened capsule
Improving movement
Making rehabilitation more comfortable
Supporting a faster return to everyday activity
Research suggests hydrodilatation may provide earlier improvements in shoulder disability and external rotation for some patients, although long-term outcomes vary and may be similar to a standard joint steroid injection.
Consultant-led treatment by Dr Julian Chakraverty
Your procedure will be delivered by Dr Julian Chakraverty, Consultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist.
Julian is fellowship-trained in musculoskeletal imaging and intervention and has extensive experience performing advanced ultrasound-guided procedures. He is also Lead Doctor for Bath Rugby and works across professional rugby, football, cricket and elite athletics.
His experience combines consultant radiology expertise with an understanding of rehabilitation, physical performance and return to activity.
Who may benefit from hydrodilatation?
Shoulder hydrodilatation may be considered when:
Frozen shoulder has been confirmed clinically
Pain and stiffness are affecting everyday life
Movement remains significantly restricted
Physiotherapy alone has not provided sufficient improvement
A previous shoulder injection has not restored movement
Symptoms are preventing effective rehabilitation
A non-surgical treatment option is preferred
Hydrodilatation is not suitable for every cause of shoulder pain. An accurate diagnosis is therefore essential before proceeding.
What happens during the procedure?
Before treatment, your symptoms, medical history and previous investigations will be reviewed. Diagnostic ultrasound may also be used to assess the shoulder and exclude other relevant conditions.
During the procedure:
The skin is cleaned using a sterile technique.
Local anaesthetic is used to make the procedure more comfortable.
Ultrasound guides the needle safely into the shoulder joint.
The treatment solution is introduced gradually to expand the joint capsule.
Your movement and post-procedure rehabilitation plan are reviewed.
Hydrodilatation is an outpatient procedure, meaning you return home the same day. You may experience pressure or temporary discomfort as the capsule is expanded.
Rehabilitation after hydrodilatation
Hydrodilatation should not be viewed as a standalone treatment.
The period after the procedure provides an important opportunity to restore shoulder movement. Your rehabilitation may include:
Range-of-motion exercises
Progressive shoulder mobility
Manual therapy where appropriate
Rotator cuff and shoulder strengthening
Gradual return to work, gym training or sport
At Pro Sports Medicine, the procedure can be connected directly with our Specialist Shoulder Clinic and physiotherapy team, ensuring that treatment leads into a clear rehabilitation plan.
Risks and precautions
Hydrodilatation is generally well tolerated, but all procedures carry some risk.
Possible side effects include temporary soreness, bruising, a short-term flare in pain, bleeding, infection or an allergic reaction to the medication. Corticosteroid can also temporarily affect blood-glucose levels in patients with diabetes.
Please inform us before treatment if you:
Take anticoagulant or blood-thinning medication
Have diabetes
Have an active infection or feel unwell
Have known medication allergies
Are pregnant or may be pregnant
Have recently received another steroid injection
Your individual risks and suitability will be discussed before consent is obtained.
Why choose Pro Sports Medicine?
At Pro Sports Medicine, you benefit from:
A Consultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist
Ultrasound-guided procedural accuracy
Specialist frozen shoulder assessment
Advanced shoulder imaging
Integrated physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Professional-sport standards of clinical care
A complete pathway from diagnosis to recovery
Our approach is not simply to perform an injection. We establish the diagnosis, determine whether hydrodilatation is appropriate and provide a structured plan to restore movement and function.
Frequently asked questions
Is hydrodilatation the same as a steroid injection?
Not exactly. A standard steroid injection introduces medication into the joint. Hydrodilatation also introduces additional sterile fluid to expand and stretch the restricted shoulder capsule.
Is the procedure painful?
Local anaesthetic is used, although you may experience pressure or temporary discomfort as fluid is introduced. Most patients tolerate the procedure well.
How quickly will my shoulder improve?
Some people notice an early reduction in pain, while improvements in movement may develop over the following days or weeks. Results vary, and rehabilitation remains important.
Can I drive afterwards?
We recommend arranging transport home and avoiding driving immediately after the procedure. You should only return to driving once you have sufficient movement and control to operate the vehicle safely.
Do I need a referral?
Patients can contact Pro Sports Medicine directly. An assessment may be required before the procedure to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether hydrodilatation is appropriate.
Book Shoulder Hydrodilatation in Cardiff
For specialist assessment and ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation for frozen shoulder, contact Pro Sports Medicine in Cardiff.
Telephone: 02920 762000
Email: info@prosportsmedicine.co.uk
**Please note if you haven’t been referred by a medical professional, all injections will require an Initial assessment with our Sports Doctors or Physiotherapists to determine if the procedure is appropriate.
