Adhesive capsulitis, also known as “frozen shoulder,” is a common shoulder condition characterized by pain and decreased range of motion. Adhesive capsulitis is predominantly an idiopathic condition and has an increased prevalence in people with diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism. Imaging is not necessary to make the diagnosis.
Traditionally, it was thought that adhesive capsulitis progressed through a painful phase to a recovery phase, lasting one to two years with full resolution of symptoms without treatment. Recent evidence of persistent functional limitations if left untreated has challenged this theory.
Nonsurgical treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, short-term oral corticosteroids, intra-articular corticosteroid injections, physical therapy.