Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a common, yet little known, shoulder problem. Often referred to as tendonitis or bursitis, frozen shoulder is inflammation in the capsule of the shoulder that results in both stiffness and pain, along with loss of motion.

There are no known causes for frozen shoulder and the condition is never found in any other body joint…

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) has three different phases to each occurrence.

During the first phase, the shoulder begins to stiffen up and movement of the arm or shoulder gradually becomes more and more painful. This phase is usually called the “freezing phase”.

The last phase is just the opposite. This is the “thawing” phase and the shoulder will slowly become less stiff and painful, and movement is gradually restored to normal conditions.

The middle phase is called the “frozen” phase because, during this period of time, the patient has little to no ability to move the affected arm and shoulder. Any attempts at movement will be very painful.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is one that physicians call self-limiting. This means that it will eventually resolve itself and there are usually no medicinal treatments recommended. Ibuprofen, ice, heat, and stretching exercises are normally the only treatment prescribed and are sufficient for speeding up the progress of the condition.

Occasionally, when the condition persists for long periods of time with no relief, physicians will recommend more extreme treatments like surgery. It should be noted that surgery is used as a last resort only as there is a danger for permanent injury to the shoulder during surgery for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis).

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