Experiences of undergoing hydrodistension for frozen shoulder
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patient experiences of hydrodistension for frozen shoulder: a qualitative study
IRAS ID
307480
Contact name
Gareth Whelan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
York & Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Frozen shoulder is a common condition associated with severe pain and reduced function of the shoulder. It has a significant and persisting impact on the physical and mental health of those affected. \n\nAn emerging treatment for the problem is hydrodistension, an injection-based treatment that involves injecting local anaesthetic, corticosteroid, and a volume of water into the shoulder joint, usually under image-guidance. The treatment has seen rapid adoption by clinicians over the past few years, however little is known about what it is like to have the treatment, what the recovery from the treatment is like, and what impact people think the treatment has on their condition. The aim of this study is to address this knowledge gap so that clinicians and patients can engage in evidence led shared decision making when considering the treatment.\n\nThe research will involve semi-structured interviews with those experiencing a frozen shoulder who elect to have a hydrodistension as treatment for the condition. Participants will be recruited from within the musculoskeletal or orthopaedic departments of participating Trusts. We propose two interviews per participant. The first interview will be conducted 2-4 weeks after the treatment and we will be asking about the decision to have the treatment, what it was like to go through the treatment, what recovery has been like, and if there has been any impact on the condition. The second interview will be conducted at 8-10 weeks, and we will be asking participants to reflect on whether they feel they have recovered from the treatment, what impact it has had on their life with frozen shoulder, and whether they will be seeking further treatment.\n
Frozen shoulder is a common condition associated with severe pain and reduced function of the shoulder. It has a significant and persisting impact on the physical and mental health of those affected. \n\nAn emerging treatment for the problem is hydrodistension, an injection-based treatment that involves injecting local anaesthetic, corticosteroid, and a volume of water into the shoulder joint, usually under image-guidance. The treatment has seen rapid adoption by clinicians over the past few years, however little is known about what it is like to have the treatment, what the recovery from the treatment is like, and what impact people think the treatment has on their condition. The aim of this study is to address this knowledge gap so that clinicians and patients can engage in evidence led shared decision making when considering the treatment.\n\nThe research will involve semi-structured interviews with those experiencing a frozen shoulder who elect to have a hydrodistension as treatment for the condition. Participants will be recruited from within the musculoskeletal or orthopaedic departments of participating Trusts. We propose two interviews per participant. The first interview will be conducted 2-4 weeks after the treatment and we will be asking about the decision to have the treatment, what it was like to go through the treatment, what recovery has been like, and if there has been any impact on the condition. The second interview will be conducted at 8-10 weeks, and we will be asking participants to reflect on whether they feel they have recovered from the treatment, what impact it has had on their life with frozen shoulder, and whether they will be seeking further treatment.\n
Summary of Results
Background Frozen shoulder causes severe shoulder pain and limits movement and can also affect people’s mental health. Hydrodistension, a treatment where fluid is injected into the shoulder joint, is commonly used in the UK. However, little is known about the experiences of people who receive the treatment.
Study Aim
This study aimed to understand the experiences of people undergoing hydrodistension for frozen shoulder.
Methods
We conducted interviews with 15 people who received hydrodistension. They were interviewed twice: 2-4 weeks and 8-10 weeks after treatment. The interviews were analysed to identify common themes in their experiences.
Results
Three main themes emerged:
Preparing for and Undergoing Hydrodistension
Decision-Making: People chose hydrodistension based on its perceived benefits, influenced by information from healthcare providers. Many expected it to improve shoulder movement and provide quick relief compared to other treatments.
During Treatment: Experiences varied; some found the procedure quick and painless, while others experienced discomfort or severe pain, particularly during the injection.
Physiotherapy After Hydrodistension
People found physiotherapy valuable for recovery, helping to manage pain and improve shoulder function over time. People wondered if an exercise programme could be offered as an alternative to formal physiotherapy.
Outcomes of Hydrodistension
Outcome of treatment: people could tell if the treatment had helped within a few days to weeks of having the treatment. It really helped some people but made no difference to others.
Side effects: Some people reported pain during the procedure and some people who diabetes reported problems with their blood sugars for a short time after the treatment.
Conclusion
Hydrodistension treatment is generally well-received by people with frozen shoulder, especially when they are well-informed and involved in treatment decisions. More research is needed to compare hydrodistension with other treatments and understand its long-term benefits and risks.REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/SW/0122
Date of REC Opinion
12 Oct 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion