Adhesive Capsulitis
About Us
Adhesive Capsulitis is more commonly called Frozen Shoulder
Introduction
What is frozen shoulder?
Real-life strategy to reach your goals.
Adhesive capsulitis, commonly referred to as frozen shoulder, is a medical condition marked by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, resulting in a notable restriction of motion. The condition typically advances through three distinct phases:
- 1
The freezing phase.
- 2
The frozen phase.
- 3
The thawing phase.
Each phase presents distinct challenges and necessitates tailored strategies for effective treatment and management.
We strive for diversity across the globe
Clinical Evaluations & Imaging
Identifying frozen shoulder typically requires both a thorough clinical assessment and the use of imaging techniques. During the examination, a healthcare professional evaluates the patient’s ability to move their arm in different directions, which helps gauge the severity of pain and stiffness. Imaging tools such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs might be employed to exclude other conditions that present with similar symptoms. A key indicator of frozen shoulder is the reduced ability to move the shoulder, both actively and passively, setting it apart from other shoulder-related conditions.
2-5%
General population
40 to 60
Most comon age group
Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, affects approximately 2% to 5% of the general population. It is more common in individuals aged 40 to 60 years, with a higher prevalence among women.
Additionally, people with underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus or thyroid disorders are at an increased risk.
For instance, studies suggest that individuals with diabetes are up to five times more likely to develop adhesive capsulitis.
Sources:
Treatment
Alleviate Pain and Restore Range of Motion
Treatment for frozen shoulder aims to alleviate pain and restore the shoulder’s range of motion. The approach can be divided into non-surgical and surgical methods.
Medications – Non-surgical
Pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, stronger pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed.
Physical Therapy – Non-surgical
A physical therapist can guide patients through range-of-motion exercises designed to improve shoulder mobility. Consistent participation in these exercises is crucial for recovery.
Steroid and Fluid Injection – Non-surgical
Injecting corticosteroids into the shoulder joint can help decrease pain and improve mobility, especially if administered early in the course of the condition. In addition, a procedure called hydrodilatation may be effective. This procedure involves injecting sterile water into the joint capsule to stretch the tissue and improve movement. It is sometimes combined with a steroid injection.
Surgical Treatments
- Shoulder Manipulation: Under general anesthesia, the healthcare provider moves the shoulder joint in different directions to loosen the tightened tissue.
- Arthroscopic Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be performed to remove scar tissue from inside the shoulder joint. This minimally invasive procedure involves making small incisions for instruments guided by a tiny camera.
Avoid Surgery and Reach Your Goals.
Physical therapy plays a pivotal role in treating adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder. With an experienced physical therapist, you can expect your course of PT to alleviate pain and restore mobility.
At Body Pros Physical Therapy, your therapist has the experience and expertise to assess each patient’s shoulder function and pain levels. As a result, treatment plans are customized. Each treatment plan will include the application of techniques such as stretching exercises, manual therapy, and education on proper body mechanics to reduce pain, avoid recurrence, and improve shoulder mobility.
In addition, early intervention and consistent effort in physical therapy can significantly enhance recovery outcomes.
In conclusion, frozen shoulder is a challenging condition that requires a comprehensive approach for effective management. Accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and dedicated physical therapy are essential components in restoring shoulder function and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.
