Mobilisation Under Anaesthetic MUA

What is Manipulation Under Anaesthesia (MUA)?

Manipulation Under Anaesthesia (MUA) is a specialised procedure used to treat frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) when conservative treatments are no longer effective.

In frozen shoulder, the joint capsule becomes inflamed, tight, and thickened. This leads to:

• Severe stiffness
• Pain during movement
• Difficulty lifting the arm
• Shoulder feeling “stuck” or not moving properly

During MUA:

• You are given regional or general anaesthesia
• The shoulder muscles relax completely
• The clinician gently moves the arm through controlled ranges
• Scar tissue and adhesions are broken down

This helps restore movement, especially if your shoulder feels frozen, tight, or stuck when reaching overhead or behind your back.

When is MUA Recommended?

MUA is usually considered when:

• Physiotherapy alone has not improved movement
• Shoulder stiffness is severe and persistent
• You cannot lift your arm or perform daily tasks
• Your shoulder feels blocked or restricted despite exercises

If your shoulder is not improving, feels locked, or you cannot sleep on it due to pain, MUA may be recommended alongside physiotherapy.

Common Causes of Frozen Shoulder

• Shoulder injury or trauma
• Post-surgery stiffness
• Prolonged immobilisation
• Diabetes or metabolic conditions
• Gradual onset without clear cause

Symptoms (Real-World Search Intent)

People often describe frozen shoulder as:

• Shoulder feels stiff and won’t move
• Pain when lifting arm overhead
• Difficulty reaching behind back
• Shoulder feels tight or locked
• Pain at night or when lying on the shoulder
• Loss of strength and movement

What Should I Do?

• Seek early physiotherapy to manage stiffness
• Keep the shoulder moving within pain-free range
• Follow guided stretching and mobility exercises
• Stay consistent with rehab

What Shouldn’t I Do?

• Avoid complete rest or immobilisation
• Do not push into sharp pain aggressively
• Avoid ignoring worsening stiffness
• Do not delay treatment if movement is reducing

Physiotherapy Before MUA

Pre-procedure physiotherapy is highly recommended to:

• Reduce stiffness before intervention
• Improve baseline mobility
• Decrease pain levels
• Prepare the shoulder for better outcomes

At ACE Physio Sports, treatment may include:

• Heat therapy
• Pain relief techniques
• Joint mobilisations
• Stretching programmes
• Myofascial release
• Strengthening surrounding muscles
• Education on procedure and recovery

This phase helps ensure smoother recovery after MUA.

Symptoms After MUA

After the procedure, it is normal to experience:

• Pain and soreness
• Temporary swelling
• Mild stiffness

Your shoulder may be supported briefly, but early physiotherapy starts immediately to maintain movement and prevent re-stiffening.

Physiotherapy After MUA

A structured rehabilitation plan is critical to success.

Weeks 1–3 (Early Phase)

Focus: pain control and restoring movement

• Cryotherapy and pain management
• Gentle mobilisation and stretching
• Passive and assisted range of motion
• Pendulum exercises
• Scapular activation
• Hand, wrist, and elbow exercises
• Sling guidance and posture education

Weeks 4–6 (Mobility & Control Phase)

Focus: maintaining gains and preventing stiffness

• Increased active movement
• Joint mobilisations
• Soft tissue release
• Rotator cuff strengthening
• Scapular stability training
• Movement retraining

Weeks 7–12 (Strength & Function Phase)

Focus: restoring strength and function

• Progressive strengthening
• Proprioception and control exercises
• Functional training
• Sport- or work-specific rehab

Weeks 12+ (Return to Full Activity)

Focus: long-term recovery

• Full range of motion
• Advanced strengthening
• Return to sports and activities
• Injury prevention strategies

Recovery & Long-Term Outcomes

With proper physiotherapy:

• Movement improves significantly
• Pain reduces progressively
• Strength returns over time
• Risk of stiffness coming back is reduced

Consistency is key. Without rehab, the shoulder can become stiff again.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports in Singapore

If you are looking for MUA physiotherapy in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports can help.

• Expert rehabilitation for frozen shoulder
• Personalised treatment plans
• Focus on long-term recovery, not just short-term relief
• Experience with post-procedure rehabilitation
• Conveniently located near East Coast Road

We focus on restoring pain-free movement, strength, and confidence in your shoulder.

Book Appointment

If your shoulder feels stiff, painful, or not improving despite treatment, early intervention is important.

Book your assessment with ACE Physio Sports today:

• 🌐 Website: acephysiosport.com
• 📞 Phone: +65 81535374

Get expert guidance for safe recovery after Manipulation Under Anaesthesia in Singapore.