What is adhesive capsulitis?

Adhesive capsulitis, also known as "frozen shoulder," is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful. The capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, limiting movement.

What are the symptoms of adhesive capsulitis?

The main symptoms include shoulder pain and stiffness, which gradually worsen over time. This makes everyday activities like reaching or lifting difficult, and the range of motion in the affected shoulder becomes severely restricted.

What causes adhesive capsulitis?

The exact cause of adhesive capsulitis is not always known. However, it can develop after an injury, surgery, or if the shoulder has been immobilized for a period. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes and thyroid disorders, also increase the risk.

How is adhesive capsulitis treated?

Treatment typically involves pain management, physical therapy, and exercises to restore range of motion. In some cases, corticosteroid injections or, less commonly, surgery may be considered to help improve movement and reduce pain.

When should I see a doctor for shoulder stiffness?

You should see a doctor if you experience persistent shoulder pain and stiffness that limits your daily activities. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition and prevent long-term complications.

Knowledge Graph · Condition

Adhesive Capsulitis

Frozen shoulder — inflammation and stiffening of the shoulder joint capsule.

Authoritative sources

Evidence base

Systematic Review · 2022 · Landmark
Menopause and Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery · Kingston K, Curry EJ, Galvin JW, Li X.
A systematic review linking estrogen loss during menopause to a higher rate of frozen shoulder, and cautiously suggesting HRT may help.
Systematic Review · 2024
A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Various Shoulder Disorders
Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation · Lowry V, Lavigne P, Zidarov D, Matifat E, et al.
Systematic Review · 2024
Pharmacological interventions for early-stage frozen shoulder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Rheumatology (Oxford, England) · Berner JE, Nicolaides M, Ali S, Pafitanis G, et al.
Meta-Analysis · 2023
Manual therapy and exercise for adhesive capsulitis: a systematic review with meta-analysis
The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy · Kirker K, O'Connell M, Bradley L, Torres-Panchame RE, et al.
Randomized Controlled Trial · 2023
Comparing Digital to Conventional Physical Therapy for Chronic Shoulder Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial
Journal of medical Internet research · Pak SS, Janela D, Freitas N, Costa F, et al.
Randomized Controlled Trial · 2023
Combined effect of graded Thera-Band and scapular stabilization exercises on shoulder adhesive capsulitis post-mastectomy
Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · Aboelnour NH, Kamel FH, Basha MA, Azab AR, et al.
Meta-Analysis · 2023
Efficacy of hydrodilatation in frozen shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
British medical bulletin · Poku D, Hassan R, Migliorini F, Maffulli N
Systematic Review · 2022
Rehabilitative treatments in adhesive capsulitis: a systematic review
The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness · Costantino C, Nuresi C, Ammendolia A, Ape L, et al.
Systematic Review · 2021
The efficacy of physiotherapy interventions in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis: A systematic review
Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation · Nakandala P, Nanayakkara I, Wadugodapitiya S, Gawarammana I

Where Adhesive Capsulitis appears on Kindr Health

Data hub

Menopause Statistics

Journal

Frozen Shoulder Perimenopause

This page is part of Kindr Health's public Knowledge Graph. Content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.