Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

A frozen shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) is when the joint loses significant range of its motion. This can be caused by inflammation, scarring, or a thickening or shrinkage of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint. Injury may include tendinitis or bursitis. The risk is also increased after a long-term immobility of the shoulder, as well as in patients who have diabetes, arthritis in the shoulder or who have had chest or breast surgery.

Diagnosis

If the motion of the shoulder is limited the movement will be examined and underlying diseases will be diagnosed according to history, blood tests, x-rays and examination. The x-ray test specifically used for this diagnosis is known as arthography.

There are certain conditions that may mimic a frozen shoulder, which include arthritis. If it is due to tendon injury, the doctor will be able to move the joint when the patient is relaxed more than the patient would have been able to do on their own.

Treatments

This will require anti-inflammatory medications or cortisone injections into the shoulder and physical therapy. If it is not treated aggressively the frozen shoulder may become permanent. The physical therapy may take months for recovery depending on the scarring of tissue surrounding the shoulder. When being treated, patients should be careful not to reinjure the shoulder which means avoiding sudden motions or heavy lifting.

Surgery may be required for frozen shoulders that are resistant to treatment, which breaks up the scar tissue but comes with the risk of breaking the arm bone.