Medical Library Shoulder

Adhesive Capsulitis

Adhesive Capsulitis (or a frozen shoulder) is a rare condition that causes the soft tissue layers, known as the joint capsule, to become damaged. The shoulder range of motion becomes restricted and painful. Although the cause of a frozen shoulder remains unknown, minor traumas, diabetes, hyperthyroidism and other conditions such as post-surgical patients or psychiatric patients may be responsible. It is described as having three stages: freezing, freezing, and thawing. The condition is self-limiting and will eventually disappear on its own. It can take up to two years for this condition to be fully recovered.

A home exercise program, patient education, stretching, joint mobilization and patient education can all help speed up recovery. It may take up to two years for some patients with frozen shoulders to fully recover.