Hydro-Distention Injections for Frozen Shoulder (Hydrodilatation Treatment)

Hydro-distention (Hydrodilatation) refers to the mechanical benefit of injecting a joint capsule with an increased volume of fluid.

What is Hydro-distention?

Hydro-Distention is a term relating to ‘expansion / distention’ of tissues by injecting fluid (hydro).

Why does this help?

When joints or tendon sheaths become inflamed they can also develop adhesion’s (tissues stick together) which restrict normal movement.
By accurately injecting fluid into the capsule, the capsule is forced to expand (distention).
This distention helps break small adhesion’s and stretches the capsule to allow an improved freedom of movement.

Do Hydro-Distention injections work?

The mechanical principle is quite simple and logical, but outcomes vary. When fluid (typically saline ‘salt’ solution) is administered, if the capsule is intact, then the pressure will force expansion.
If however the capsule has a weak area, then the fluid can leak and there is no build up of pressure and consequently only minimal capsule expansion.

All injections offer some degree of distention. In small joints the distention occurs when steroids and local anaesthetic are administered. In large joints, in particular the shoulder joint, additional fluid needs to be added to gain distention.

All injections at the Injection-Clinic are guided

Guided injections ensure the fluid is administered into the target tissue. Hydrodilatation simply does not work unless the needle is placed within the capsule.