New treatment for frozen shoulder patients

For Brenda, staying active has always been a way of life. Movement is part of who she is. Long walks, gym workouts, cooking, and caring for her French bulldog keep her moving, but when she developed a frozen shoulder, even simple tasks became agonizing. 

“I literally couldn’t even lean into the dryer or put my card in the ATM without excruciating pain,” she said. Nights, she added, were even worse, “I wasn’t sleeping at all. I had sharp, stabbing pain all night long.”

Brenda tried orthopedic care, physical therapy, and steroid injections, but nothing offered lasting relief.

That’s when she met Dr. Mark Elliott, orthopedic surgeon, and he referred her to Dr. Tyler Schmitz, orthopedic specialist at Ascension Sacred Heart Orthopedic Sports Medicine in Pensacola, who offers an innovative, minimally invasive treatment for frozen shoulder. From their first visit, Brenda felt at ease. “He’s kind, attentive, and he truly listens. He’s making a tremendous difference,” she said. “He explained everything so clearly. He didn’t sugarcoat it, and he didn’t talk down to me. I felt like I mattered and not just ‘number 27’ on a list.”

Dr. Schmitz guided her through every step and set honest expectations. He performed a novel, non-surgical approach he developed called a glenohumeral joint hydrodilation. This minimally invasive procedure is a clinic-based treatment that uses a nerve block followed by a high-volume saline injection to stretch the tight joint capsule. The procedure relieves pain, restores mobility, and avoids the need for anesthesia or surgery. 

“My goal is to help patients regain function and quality of life as safely and effectively as possible,” Dr. Schmitz said. “Education is part of healing; I never want patients to feel surprised or alone in the process.”

That same night, Brenda slept through the night for the first time in months completely pain-free.

With immediate physical therapy and at-home exercises, her mobility steadily improved. Soon she was lifting weights again, walking comfortably, and returning to the activities she loves. “I can open doors, carry groceries, even lift my 26-pound French bulldog into the tub again,” she said. 

Today, she stays committed to her daily PT routine to maintain her long-term results.The procedure got her back to doing what she loves faster than expected, and has motivated her to recommend this treatment to others, locally and across the country. “It was life-changing. I told Dr. Schmitz and Dr. Elliott, ‘You changed my life.’ If I could recommend this more than 100%, I would.”

Brenda is grateful to feel like herself again, and she credits Dr. Schmitz for helping her get there. 

Dr. Schmitz is an experienced sports medicine doctor who specializes in non-operative orthopedics and musculoskeletal medicine at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola, Florida. With expertise in both non-operative treatments and advanced techniques in sports-related injuries, Dr. Schmitz provides comprehensive care for athletes and individuals of all ages. Learn more about his services or schedule your care today.