Is frozen shoulder the same as adhesive capsulitis?
No, these are different terms. Frozen shoulder is a general term
used to describe any shoulder that is stiff. Adhesive capsulitis is a very
specific term for a condition that involves the spontaneous, gradual onset of
shoulder stiffness and pain caused by tightening of the joint capsule. Sometimes
it can be difficult to distinguish a frozen shoulder from one with adhesive
capsulitis, and this often leads to confusion between these two terms.
What is adhesive capsulitis?
Adhesive capsulitis is a condition in which there is pain and
stiffness or motion loss in the shoulder. The condition most often affects
people between 40 and 60 years old and is more common in women. Adhesive
capsulitis does not appear to be linked to arm dominance or occupation.
What causes adhesive capsulitis?
Adhesive capsulitis occurs as the area around the shoulder joint
thickens and contracts. However, the reasons for the condition are not fully
understood. It sometimes occurs after the shoulder is immobilized for some
period of time. Adhesive capsulitis is more common among people with diabetes
and affects 10% to 20% of diabetics. The increased likelihood of adhesive capsulitis
also is linked to the following medical problems:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cardiac disease or surgery
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
What are the symptoms of adhesive capsulitis?
Usually, there is a dull or aching pain in the outer shoulder
area. Sometimes the pain occurs in the upper arm. The most frequent symptom of
frozen shoulder is stiffness or restricted motion.
How is adhesive capsulitis diagnosed?
The diagnosis is established with a doctor’s examination and
based on the symptoms the patient is having. In some cases, magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) or X-rays can help to rule out other potential causes of the pain
and stiffness in the shoulder.
How is adhesive capsulitis treated?
There are various treatments for adhesive capsulitis. Even
though the condition usually gets better on its own, improvement can take two to
three years. Over 90% of patients improve with non-surgical treatments, including
the following:
- Physical therapy
- Heat
- Corticosteroid injections
- Anti-inflammatory medications
Surgery can be performed for patients who see no improvement
after non-surgical measures are taken. With surgical intervention, the goal is
to stretch or release the shoulder’s contracted joint capsule. One surgical
approach involves manipulation of the shoulder while the patient is under
anesthesia. The surgeon forces the shoulder to move and causes the joint capsule
to tear or stretch. Another surgical approach is arthroscopic surgery, in which
several small incisions are made around the shoulder. The surgeon uses a small
camera to view instruments that are inserted through the incisions. The
instruments cut through the joint capsule’s tight portions, allowing the
shoulder to move.
In many cases, both types of surgery are used to obtain the best results.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 5/8/2008…#14166
