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Adhesive Capsulitis -- Frozen Shoulder
- Characterized by pain and loss of motion or stiffness in the shoulder.Normally not seen below the age of 40, affects ~2% of the population and diabetics are at increased risk.
- Due to thickening and contracture of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint.
- Can occur after trauma to the shoulder if the shoulder is not moved early enough, but is also know to occur idiopathically.
- X-rays are only helpful to rule out other causes of the shoulder pain and are typically normal in Adhesive capsulitis.
- Typically will get better on its own over 2-3 years.
- Physical Therapy and home exercises aimed at restoring ROM can shorten the duration of pain and stiffness.
- Surgery can be done if there is no improvement with medical management and physical therapy.
- Prevention strategies include early ROM exercises in those with shoulder injuries especially in the elderly diabetic.