Frozen shoulder, medically referred to as adhesive capsulitis, is a common disorder characterized by chronic pain and motion restriction of the shoulder joint. The shoulder capsule becomes inflamed, stiff, and sticks together due to abnormal bands of tissue called adhesions.
Pain is usually constant but progressively worsens at night or when the weather is colder, and along with restricted movement can make even small tasks impossible. This condition, for which an exact cause is unknown, can last from five months up to three years or more. In this clinic, physiatrists will initially evaluate the shoulder problem by physical examination. In some cases, further imaging tools may be necessary.
The physiatrists then guide the patients to a proper management modality. Treatment may be painful and consists of physical therapy, medication, passive and active exercise including home-based exercise, and in severe cases, referral to the Orthopedic Surgery department for surgical intervention may be necessary.
Pain is usually constant but progressively worsens at night or when the weather is colder, and along with restricted movement can make even small tasks impossible. This condition, for which an exact cause is unknown, can last from five months up to three years or more. In this clinic, physiatrists will initially evaluate the shoulder problem by physical examination. In some cases, further imaging tools may be necessary.
The physiatrists then guide the patients to a proper management modality. Treatment may be painful and consists of physical therapy, medication, passive and active exercise including home-based exercise, and in severe cases, referral to the Orthopedic Surgery department for surgical intervention may be necessary.