Quick Summary  

• Shoulder stiffness can make it difficult to lift the arm and perform everyday movements.
• Many patients experience shoulder pain while sleeping and difficulty lifting the shoulder in the morning.
• Dr. M. Mithran initially recommends physiotherapy to improve shoulder movement.
• If flexion and abduction movements do not improve after physiotherapy, Dr. Mithran may consider Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA).
• Dr. Mithran uses short sedation during the procedure to help release adhesions that restrict shoulder movement.
• The manipulation takes around 15–20 seconds, according to Dr. Mithran.
• Dr. Mithran recommends continuing physiotherapy from the following day.

What Symptoms Can Shoulder Stiffness Cause?  

Shoulder stiffness can make simple arm movements difficult. Dr. M. Mithran explains that many patients find it difficult to lift their arm to the side.

Patients may experience shoulder stiff and pain symptoms, especially while sleeping at night or when they try to lift the shoulder after waking up.

Common complaints include:

• Difficulty lifting the arm to the side
• Shoulder pain while sleeping
• Difficulty lifting the shoulder in the morning
• Restricted flexion
• Restricted abduction

Dr. Mithran also explains that this condition commonly affects elderly people and occurs frequently among people with diabetes.

When Should You Consider Stiff Shoulder Treatment?  

Dr. Mithran initially recommends physiotherapy for patients with shoulder stiffness. Physiotherapy can provide a certain level of improvement in shoulder movement.

However, some patients may continue to have difficulty with flexion and abduction even after physiotherapy. When these movements do not improve, Dr. Mithran may consider a minor treatment procedure based on the patient’s condition.

This approach helps patients understand when they may need stiff shoulder treatment beyond physiotherapy.

What Is Manipulation Under Anesthesia for Shoulder Stiffness?  

Dr. Mithran calls this procedure Manipulation Under Anesthesia.

Before the procedure, Dr. Mithran gives the patient short sedation. He then provides proper fulcrum support to the shoulder and carefully moves it to release the adhesions that restrict movement.

Dr. Mithran explains that moving the arm without sedation can cause significant pain. The short sedation allows him to perform the maneuver more comfortably.

How Does Manipulation Under Anesthesia Improve Shoulder Movement?  

During the procedure, Dr. Mithran gives the shoulder proper support and performs the manipulation.

As he moves the shoulder, he can feel and hear the tightness releasing. Once the tightness releases, the patient shows improved shoulder movement.

Dr. Mithran demonstrates this improvement immediately after completing the maneuver in the video.

What Happens During the Shoulder Stiffness Treatment?  

Dr. Mithran follows a simple sequence during the procedure:

Shoulder Stiffness Treatment Procedure Explained by Dr. Mithran  

Treatment Step	What Dr. Mithran Does
Initial assessment	Dr. Mithran checks the patient’s shoulder movement and symptoms.
Physiotherapy	He initially recommends physiotherapy to improve shoulder movement.
Short sedation	He gives the patient short sedation before the manipulation.
Shoulder support	He provides proper fulcrum support to the shoulder.
Adhesion release	He manipulates the shoulder to release the adhesions restricting movement.
Movement check	He checks the shoulder movement after releasing the tightness.
Physiotherapy continuation	He recommends continuing physiotherapy from the following day.

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How Long Does the Manipulation Procedure Take?  

Dr. Mithran describes the maneuver as a simple procedure that takes around 15 to 20 seconds.

After completing the maneuver, the patient can start moving the shoulder again. Dr. Mithran recommends continuing physiotherapy from the following day.

Can a Tight Shoulder Improve After Treatment?  

A tight shoulder can restrict arm movement and make it difficult to lift the arm.

In the video, Dr. Mithran demonstrates improved shoulder movement immediately after releasing the tightness. He then recommends continuing physiotherapy to help the patient work on shoulder movement.

Patients should follow the physiotherapy plan that their doctor recommends after the procedure.

What Can Help With Stiff Shoulder Pain Relief?  

Patients looking for stiff shoulder pain relief should discuss persistent shoulder pain and restricted movement with an orthopaedic specialist.

Dr. Mithran explains that physiotherapy can provide improvement for some patients. If flexion and abduction remain restricted despite physiotherapy, he may consider Manipulation Under Anesthesia.

The doctor can assess the patient’s symptoms and decide whether the procedure suits their condition.

Why Choose Muthu Hospital Madurai for Shoulder Treatment?  

Muthu Hospital Madurai provides orthopaedic care for patients with shoulder and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Dr. M. Mithran works as an Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon at Muthu Hospital. He specialises in knee, hip and total joint replacement, along with orthopaedic trauma and fracture care.

With over 2,500 successful joint replacements, Dr. Mithran received the Best Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon of South India – 2025 award. He also performs bilateral joint replacement surgeries.

Muthu Hospital has served Madurai since 1953 and provides orthopaedic care including trauma, fracture, knee and hip replacement, and spine care.

If shoulder stiffness, pain or restricted movement affects your daily activities, consult an orthopaedic specialist to understand the appropriate treatment for your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Stiffness  

What is shoulder stiffness?  

Shoulder stiffness means that you have difficulty moving your shoulder normally. You may find it difficult to lift your arm or perform movements such as flexion and abduction.

Can physiotherapy help shoulder stiffness?  

Yes. Dr. Mithran explains that physiotherapy can provide improvement for some patients. If restricted movement continues, he may consider another treatment approach.

What is Manipulation Under Anesthesia?  

Manipulation Under Anesthesia involves short sedation followed by controlled shoulder manipulation. Dr. Mithran uses the maneuver to release adhesions that restrict shoulder movement.

How long does the procedure take?  

Dr. Mithran describes the procedure as taking approximately 15–20 seconds.

Can shoulder movement improve immediately after manipulation?  

In the video, Dr. Mithran demonstrates improved shoulder movement immediately after releasing the tightness. He recommends continuing physiotherapy from the following day.

What should I do if shoulder pain and stiffness continue?  

If shoulder pain and stiffness continue to affect your arm movement, consult an orthopaedic specialist. A doctor can assess your symptoms and discuss a suitable treatment approach.

Consult Dr. M. Mithran for Shoulder Stiffness Treatment  

If shoulder stiffness, pain or restricted movement makes it difficult for you to lift your arm or perform daily activities, consult Dr. M. Mithran at Muthu Hospital Madurai.

Dr. Mithran can assess your shoulder movement and discuss suitable treatment options. Depending on your condition and response to physiotherapy, he may consider Manipulation Under Anesthesia to release adhesions and improve shoulder movement.

Consult Dr. M. Mithran to understand the right treatment approach for your shoulder stiffness and restricted movement.

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About the Author  

Dr. M. Mithran  

Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon

Dr. M. Mithran is an Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon at Muthu Hospital Madurai. He specialises in knee, hip and total joint replacement, along with orthopaedic trauma and fracture care.

With over 2,500 successful joint replacements, Dr. Mithran received the Best Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon of South India – 2025 award. He also performs bilateral joint replacement surgeries.

Muthu Hospital has served Madurai since 1953 and provides orthopaedic care including trauma, fracture, knee and hip replacement, and spine care.