Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) is a form of shoulder arthritis where the shoulder joint locks up due to inflammation

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) Causes

Adhesive Capsulitis is caused by inflammation of the shoulder joint capsule ligaments that hold the shoulder bones to each other. When the capsule becomes and everything inside it becomes inflamed, the shoulder joints experience a decrease in motion. Inflammation is often caused by direct trauma from injury, dislocated joint of the shoulder. Overuse can also cause the shoulder to become inflammed and if it is not properly rested, further inflammation can result in Adhesive Capsulitis.

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) Symptoms

Adhesive Capsulitis symptoms are generally obvious because the shoulder becomes stiff, sometimes swollen, and nearly always has a decrease in motion that is often quite significant. The disease is self-fulfilling as the decrease in motion creates shoulder stiffness which further reduces motion and activities like reaching up become nearly impossible.

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) Treatment

The first treatments are usually anti-inflammatory diet and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Hot and cold treatment is often an option for Adhesive Capsulitis, as are theraputic massages and rest. If these do not help, steroid injections followed by daily physical therapy to work on increasing the shoulder motion are the next form of treatment. It can take up to 9 months to see improvement.

If non-invasive treatments for Adhesive Capsulitis do not help relieve symptoms, surgery to remove scar tissue and other damaged tissue is an option.