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WEST PALM BEACH, FL

Joint Capsule Hydrodilation Treatment Without Surgery

Non-Surgical Joint Capsule Hydrodilation Treatment

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Restore Function Without SurgeryBiologics Guided by EvidenceBoard-Certified Physician

Joint capsule hydrodilation — also called hydrodilatation or capsular distension — is an image-guided procedure in which fluid is injected under controlled pressure into a contracted joint capsule to stretch and release the tight, thickened capsular tissue that is restricting movement. It is most commonly used for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) but is applicable to any joint where capsular contracture is limiting range of motion — including the hip, ankle, and toe joints.

Under real-time ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, a needle is positioned within the joint space and fluid is delivered under gentle pressure until the capsule distends. This mechanical stretching of the contracted capsule restores joint space, breaks down adhesions, and reduces the pain and stiffness of the contracture. At Palm Beach Regenerative, hydrodilation is frequently combined with PRP — delivering the distension fluid and biological agent simultaneously in a single procedure session.

Application Joint / target Clinical context
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) Glenohumeral joint capsule Primary indication: most evidence; combined with PRP and/or corticosteroid
Hip capsular contracture Hip joint capsule Post-injury or post-surgical stiffness; selected cases
Ankle stiffness Tibiotalar joint capsule Post-traumatic stiffness or post-surgical contracture
Hallux rigidus / toe joint stiffness MTP joint capsule Combined with PRP for toe OA with significant capsular restriction
Post-surgical joint stiffness Any joint After arthroplasty, repair, or immobilization

Key points to remember:

  • Image-guided — ultrasound or fluoroscopy confirms intra-articular placement
  • Frequently combined with PRP — distension and biology delivered together
  • Distinct from dry needling or manipulation — controlled, precise capsular expansion
  • Most effective when capsular contracture (not bony impingement) is the primary cause of stiffness
  • Results vary; candidacy depends on degree of capsular involvement identified on imaging or examination
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Consultations Are Usually Available Within 1 to 2 Weeks

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●PATIENT OUTCOMES

Patient Experiences

No medical procedure can guarantee an outcome. What you should expect is an honest discussion of the evidence, a careful assessment of candidacy, and a recommendation based on your condition.

These testimonials reflect the real-life experiences of patients with the Regenexx protocol but are not necessarily typical of what you or any other patient might experience. Individual results of the procedures using Regenexx lab processes will vary depending on a number of factors, including your diagnosis, the severity of your condition, your overall health, and others. To better understand what large numbers of patients experience on average, please visit the Patient Results page, and inquire with a physician within the licensed Regenexx network near you.

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