Hydro-dilatation for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)

Ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation is a modern technique used to address adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder syndrome.

What is frozen shoulder syndrome?

Frozen shoulder syndrome is a condition characterized by pain and restricted shoulder movement. It is caused by adhesions and contraction of the joint capsule of the shoulder, significantly affecting the patient's daily activities.

Frozen shoulder syndrome is divided into stages:

Pain stage (freezing process): Characterized by increasing pain in the shoulder, especially during movement. The range of motion starts to decrease, making everyday activities challenging. This stage can last from a few weeks to several months.
Stiffness stage (frozen shoulder): In the second stage, pain may decrease, but the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff. The range of motion is significantly limited, making daily activities even more difficult. This stage can last from 4 to 12 months.
Recovery stage: In this stage, gradual improvement is observed as the range of motion begins to improve, and pain continues to decrease. Full recovery can take several months and, in some cases, up to two years.

What causes frozen shoulder syndrome?

Risk factors for frozen shoulder syndrome include:

Diabetes
Thyroid disorders
Previous shoulder surgery
Shoulder pathology, such as tendon tear and calcific tendonitis

What is hydrodilatation for treating frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder syndrome can be treated with a minimally invasive technique called hydrodilatation. Hydrodilatation involves injecting a mixture of saline solution and local anesthetic into the joint capsule to expand it and neutralize adhesions. If inflammation is present in the joint capsule, corticosteroid injection may also be administered for relief.

Hydrodilatation facilitates the restoration of the shoulder's range of motion, and a physical therapy program following the treatment can enhance the results.

What is the significance of ultrasound guidance in hydrodilatation for frozen shoulder?

Ultrasound guidance ensures the precise and safe placement of the needle within the joint capsule. This method is supervised by a specialized Radiologist, guaranteeing both the safe positioning of the needle and the avoidance of vital structures. Throughout the hydrodilatation procedure, the path of the needle within the capsule is continuously monitored, ensuring both safe placement and the avoidance of critical structures. The use of ultrasound guidance allows for optimal therapeutic results.

Testimonials

I visited Ms. Plagou for a health problem I had with my right Achilles tendon. I congratulate her for her scientific expertise and her unique approach with patients. I thank her very much, and she deserves many congratulations, as do her polite associates.

Nestoras N.
As a surgeon I must simply say, UNBELIEVABLE!! Within 15 minutes I was completely rid of the intense discomfort in my shoulder that had been bothering me for several years. My shoulder feels as it was 10 years ago. Zero pain, incredibly free movement. Congratulations, Mrs. Plagou.

Dr. Dimitrios Alexopoulos
I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Athena Plagou. With the Barbotage method she applied, she relieved me from terrible pains I had been suffering from for several months due to calcifications in my shoulder.

Before I learned about Dr. Plagou, I had tried cortisone injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and anti-inflammatory medications. Unfortunately, nothing yielded results.

I underwent the Βarbotage procedure in her clinic, very easily and painlessly. When it was over, I had stopped feeling any pain, and it has been three years since then without the slightest discomfort.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Mary P.
State-of-the-art clinic and equipment, exceptional doctor with extensive experience and impressive specialization.

Eirini D.
Ms. Plagou is an excellent scientist with accurate diagnoses, distinguished in her field, and an exceptional person at the same time. She deserves congratulations!

Dr. Chrysovalantou Souhlaki
I had been suffering from Calcific Tendonitis in my left shoulder for over three months, resulting in severe pain. Before I learned about Ms. Plagou, I had tried anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, physiotherapy, all without success, and I was on the verge of serious surgery with doubtful outcomes.

I underwent Barbotage in her clinic very easily, quickly, and painlessly. As soon as the brief procedure was over, my pain ceased, I slept well, and I quickly resumed all my activities.

I want to thank Ms. Plagou both for the impeccable handling of my problem stemming from her excellent scientific training, as well as for her kindness and friendly demeanor.

Zoe K.
I am very grateful to Dr. Athena Plagou. With her high specialization and professionalism, she accurately diagnosed and successfully treated the tendonitis I suffered from in both of my shoulders.

Other specialists I had consulted previously had suggested arthroscopy, which I did not want to undergo due to my age (86) and because the treatment was not guaranteed.

With the special method used by Dr. Plagou, the fluid causing the pain was absorbed, and the pain was immediately relieved without recurrence for the past four months. Besides her high specialization and effectiveness, Dr. Plagou is also very friendly and fully explains to patients the cause of the problem and the treatment process. Her assistant is also very friendly and efficient. Sincere thanks again.

Nikos K.
Her experience, her thoroughness and her love for what she does make her one of a kind. My daughter suffered for months with pain in her wrist. Having visited several orthopedists, having done magnetic resonance imaging and x-rays, only Mrs. Plagou found that she had fluid in her wrist and referred us to a pediatric rheumatologist.

I recommend her. Her assistant is also extremely helpful and kind.

Katerina A.
I want to publicly thank my colleague Athena Plagou for her immediate and effective intervention to treat the problem in my shoulder. The Barbotage method she applied, and in which she is specialized, quickly relieved me from the painful symptoms of Calcific Tendonitis. The return to my daily routine was immediate.

Dr. Vicky Bizimi
For 4 months, I suffered from terrible pain that extended from my shoulder to my wrist, making every movement difficult. I underwent various treatments without any results.

Finally, I visited Ms. Plagou. After an ultrasound, she told me that my condition was treatable. She performed fluid aspiration and injected anti-inflammatory medication into the shoulder joint.

Two days later, the pain completely subsided, and I truly couldn't believe that my hand had fully recovered. I am extremely satisfied with the result and overall with how informative the doctor was and how kind and helpful her assistants were.

Yolanda B.