For scapular pain due to frozen shoulder, suspension braking with a triangular scarf, sedative pain relief and muscle relaxant medication can be used. Manipulation under anaesthesia does work well, but the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the proper manipulation. The ideal manipulation should allow the biceps tendon and the lower part of the fibrocartilage capsule to be fully released and minimise trauma to other tissues.
There are two indications for surgical treatment.
One is in early cases, where non-operative treatment has failed and the main manifestation is biceps tendon involvement.
The other is in late stage patients, where non-surgical treatment has not been effective or where there has been unsuccessful manipulation to release.