What is the MCD Procedure for Adhesive Capsulitis?

Coping with a frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis can be frustrating and painful. This prevalent shoulder condition may hinder your ability to complete even basic tasks due to the intense pain and stiffness it causes. 

If you find yourself at your wit’s end seeking a lasting solution for pain relief, you might have encountered the MCD Procedure. But what exactly is the MCD Procedure, and how effective is it?

This blog will explore what causes frozen shoulder and whether the MCD procedure offers a minimally invasive solution to regain mobility and relieve pain. 

What is Frozen A Shoulder?

A frozen shoulder, medically referred to as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterised by a significant and painful limitation of motion in the shoulder joint.

The accompanying pain, swelling, and stiffness progressively hinder daily activities and disrupt sleep.

This condition arises as the capsule enveloping the shoulder joint contracts and develops scar tissue, impeding the shoulder bone’s free movement within the socket. 

This restriction gives the impression that the shoulder is “frozen” in position, hence the name frozen shoulder.

What Are Some Frozen Shoulder Treatment Options?

When treating frozen shoulder, various traditional treatment options are available. These may include:

Corticosteroid Injections

Cortisone injections, a common treatment for frozen shoulder, offer temporary relief by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. 

The injection delivers corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory agents, directly into the affected joint, providing a localised and quick response.

While cortisone injections can effectively manage symptoms and improve shoulder mobility, it’s essential to understand their limitations. 

They do not provide a permanent cure for frozen shoulder, as their impact is temporary. The underlying issues, such as scar tissue formation, are not directly addressed by cortisone injections.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese therapeutic technique, offers short-term relief for a frozen shoulder by manipulating the body’s energy channels by inserting fine needles. The practice is believed to enhance energy flow and alleviate pain temporarily.

It’s important to note that while acupuncture can provide symptomatic relief, it does not serve as a cure for a frozen shoulder, nor does it directly address the root cause of the condition, which involves the formation of scar tissue. 

Arthroscopic Capsular Release

Arthroscopic capsular release is a surgical procedure commonly used for treating frozen shoulder, and it has demonstrated a moderate success rate in restoring shoulder mobility. 

This minimally invasive surgery involves the release of the tight joint capsule to improve range of motion.

Despite its effectiveness, the procedure comes with certain considerations. The recovery period after arthroscopic capsular release is significant, and patients often need to undergo physical therapy to regain optimal shoulder function. 

The recovery process may involve periods of immobility or limited activity, potentially leading to a temporarily bedridden state.

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapists work with patients to develop tailored exercise regimens, incorporating stretches and strengthening exercises to enhance shoulder mobility and function. 

A physical therapist’s guidance and supervision are crucial in ensuring proper technique and progression in the rehabilitation process.

However, it’s important to note that while physical therapy is highly beneficial in managing symptoms and improving functionality, it may not be a definitive cure for frozen shoulder. 

The underlying causes, such as scar tissue, may require additional interventions beyond exercise.

What is the MCD Procedure?

The Manual Capsular Dissection (MCD) Procedure is a medical intervention designed to address a frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). 

Unlike the previously listed treatments, the MCD Procedure is a groundbreaking non-surgical intervention, boasting an impressive 98% clinical success rate in restoring range of motion and functionality to individuals suffering from frozen shoulders.

World Frozen Shoulder Clinics’ very own Dr. Allan Gary Oolo-Austin pioneered this revolutionary method, which is a significant medical breakthrough for effectively curing frozen shoulder.

In this procedure, healthcare professionals use a hands-on, manual approach to dissect and release adhesions within the shoulder joint’s capsule. Adhesions are fibrous bands of tissue that can cause stiffness and limit mobility in the shoulder.

Unlike surgical options, the MCD Procedure for Adhesive Capsulitis is non-invasive and does not involve cutting into the shoulder. 

How Does the MCD Procedure Work?

This technique aims to restore normal shoulder mobility by releasing the tight capsule, allowing for an improved range of motion without needing a prolonged recovery period.

Patients visiting a World Frozen Shoulder Clinic can anticipate the completion of the procedure within a session. 

The MCD (Manual Capsular Dissection) Procedure at a World Frozen Shoulder Clinic doesn’t require an operating room or general anesthesia. Whether patients have severe pain or just want to get back to normal, they can leave the clinic nerve pain-free and with restored mobility.

Here are three steps aimed at relieving pain to enhance the experience and recovery for our patients:

1. Before and after the procedure, particular protocols are used to stimulate the shoulder muscles, ensuring immediate, controlled shoulder movement. 

This helps with the muscular imbalance in the frozen shoulder and speeds up the full recovery process.

2. Anesthesiologists carefully provide specialized capsular injections to assist in the non-surgical procedure. A unique IV sedative formula is also given, ensuring complete pain elimination throughout the operation. 

Nurses electronically monitor patients’ vital signs throughout the procedure and recovery room.

3. At World Frozen Shoulder clinics, a special Multi-probe device gently removes adhesions inside and outside the joint, restoring full mobility. Additional procedures are done to dissect adhesions restricting external and internal rotation. 

After the procedure, another step adjusts the arm bone (humerus) to make more space. Patients are then recommended to do particular exercises to heal nearby tissues, maintain improved movement, and bring back the full range of motion.

Post-MCD Care for Shoulder Mobility

We strongly recommend consulting with our physical therapy specialists before starting the exercises. They will guide you, explaining the proper way to do each movement and stretch, ensuring you get the most out of these exercises for frozen shoulder.

Due to mobility restrictions, we understand that adhesive capsulitis can make physical therapy challenging.

However, investing in strengthening and stretching your previously frozen shoulder is a wise choice for your long-term health. Expect some discomfort along the way; it’s a normal part of the frozen shoulder journey.

In the first four weeks after your MCD treatment, we suggest frequently incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises for your affected arm’s shoulder. 

These include arm raises, hand behind back, push to child’s pose, and overhead raises. We will outline the instructions for each.

This intense program will jumpstart the recovery of your shoulder’s range of motion and strength. Start with multiple daily sessions and gradually reduce the volume over four weeks.

By committing to this comprehensive shoulder motion physical therapy program, you will make significant progress in saying goodbye to frozen shoulder symptoms, restoring your range of motion, and experiencing long-lasting pain relief.

Week One

The initial week may present challenges, and completing the exercises for a frozen shoulder demands commitment. However, it’s important to note that keeping to this schedule may impact your sleep quality, especially on the first day.

Day 1 – Perform the exercises every hour, including during the night.

Day 2 – Engage in the exercises hourly during the day and every two hours at night.

Day 3 – Continue with hourly exercises and extend the interval to every three hours at night.

Days 4-7 – Shift to performing the exercises every three hours, eight times during the day. Night exercises are no longer necessary.

Following Weeks

Week 2 – Reduce the frequency to every six hours, four times daily.

Week 3 – Adjust to performing the exercises every 12 hours, twice daily.

Week 4 – Transition to completing the exercises once daily.

By diligently adhering to this progressive schedule, you will increase your chances of successful shoulder recovery. Remember, discipline and consistency are the keys to achieving long-lasting results.

The Ideal Sleeping Position

Sleeping in a way that helps alleviate shoulder pain and supports the recovery from frozen shoulder symptoms often means keeping the affected arm raised overhead. 

Many people find lying face down with a fully extended arm to be the most comfortable and beneficial sleeping position.

Prioritizing positions that keep the affected arm elevated during sleep is recommended.

Please be aware that these suggestions are given for educational purposes only. Consult your doctor for personalized and professional medical advice regarding your medical condition and treatment.

Remember that communication with your healthcare team is vital during this recovery phase. If you have any concerns or questions about symptoms experienced during recovery or are unclear about post-procedure instructions at any point, don’t hesitate! 

Contacting them ensures that you receive appropriate guidance for optimal healing.

MCD Procedure Available at World Frozen Shoulder Clinics

It’s important to note that not all doctors are trained in performing this advanced procedure. Therefore, finding a qualified frozen shoulder professional specializing in the MCD technique is crucial for successful outcomes.

You’ll find knowledgeable and experienced frozen shoulder specialists at World Frozen Shoulder Clinics.

Talk with us to learn if you are eligible for the life-changing potential of the Manual Capsular Dissection (MCD) procedure. 

Request a free consultation today.

Categorised in: Blog - World Frozen Shoulder Clinic