Frozen Shoulder
(Adhesive Capsulitis)
Definition |
Causes |
Risk Factors |
Symptoms |
Diagnosis |
Treatment |
Prevention |
Organizations
Definition
Frozen shoulder is a condition that results in loss of movement and/or stiffness of the arm at the shoulder joint. There is usually pain in the shoulder.
In frozen shoulder:
- Active range of motion is lost. This means you cannot move your arm.
- Passive range of motion is lost. This means another person trying to move your arm at the shoulder joint will find it stiff and difficult to move.
Frozen shoulder is progressive, meaning that it gets worse over time. It also may improve spontaneously. This improvement in mobility is called thawing.
Causes
Frozen shoulder is caused by tightening of the tissues that surround the shoulder joint.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems
- Disc problems in your neck
- Injuries
- Illness or injury that forces you to be immobile for a period of time
- Tuberculosis
- Heart and/or lung disease
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Painful shoulder
- Stiffness in shoulder
- Inability to move the arm at shoulder joint, either yourself or by someone else
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor will test the range of motion in your shoulder.
Tests may include:
- X-rays to rule out other possible causes of the stiffness
- Bone scan a series of pictures of bones taken after injection of a small amount of radioactive material that highlights the bones
- Arthrograms x-ray pictures taken after dye is injected into the shoulder area
Treatment
Treatment focuses on relieving pain and restoring function and range of motion to the shoulder.
Non-surgical Options
- Pain relievers ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and aspirin, to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain
- Muscle relaxants to help relax arm and shoulder muscles
- Physical therapy working with a physical therapist to stretch muscles and restore motion and function to the shoulder
- Heat and ice therapies to help relieve pain and reduce swelling
- Corticosteroid injections as prescribed and given by your doctor
Surgery
Surgery is an option if there is no improvement after several months. Surgeries include:
- Closed manipulation forceful movement of the arm at the shoulder joint to loosen the stiffness
- Arthroscopic surgery surgery to improve movement at the shoulder joint
Prevention
To help prevent frozen shoulder:
- Do regular strength training and range of motion exercises. This will help maintain a strong and flexible shoulder joint.
- Seek prompt treatment for a shoulder injury.
- Do activities that use your shoulder joint regularly.
Organizations
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org
SOURCES:
Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 21st ed. W.B. Saunders Company, 2000.
Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics, 9th ed. Mosby, Inc., 1998.
"The Painful Shoulder Part I: Clinical Evaluation." American Family Physician, May 15, 2000.
"The Painful Shoulder Part II: Acute and Chronic Disorders." American Family Physician, June 1, 2000.
Last reviewed September 2001 by Medical Review Board
