Adhesive Capsulitis
What is Adhesive Capsulitis?
Adhesive capsulitis, often referred to as a frozen shoulder, is characterized by a painful shoulder that eventually becomes restricted in active and passive ranges of motion. Patients with a frozen shoulder commonly present with stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, typically with movement. Overtime, the shoulder becomes difficult to move.
What Causes Adhesive Capsulitis?
Although the exact cause of a frozen shoulder is not clear, there are some factors that may increase your risk of developing this condition. It occurs more often in women than in men, between the ages of 40 and 60. In addition, people with diabetes, thyroid issues, women going through menopause, and prolonged immobilization of the shoulder are at an increased risk for developing a frozen shoulder.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of a frozen shoulder is typically a clinical diagnosis done by physical exam in clinic. Without treatment, a frozen shoulder will eventually resolve on its own although it may take 1-2 years. Treatment typically includes anti-flammatory medications like naproxen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling. A cortisone injection into the joint is also a common treatment modality. In addition to medications, physically therapy to work on joint flexibility is often required to restore motion. In some cases, where conservative treatment has failed, arthroscopic surgery is indicated to release the capsule.
