Frozen Shoulder Disease

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Adhesive capsulitis which restricts shoulder motion in all directions. The disorder may complicate other inflammatory shoulder disorders.

System(s) affected: Musculoskeletal
Genetics: N/A
Incidence/Prevalence in USA: Unknown
Predominant age: Middle aged and elderly
Predominant sex: Female > Male

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Decreased range of motion in all directions
Diffuse shoulder tenderness

CAUSES

Alteration in the axillary fold of the shoulder capsule
Chronic bursitis
Trauma
Chronic bicipital tendonitis
Chronic rotator cuff tear
May occur following minor trauma, MI, cholecystitis, mastectomy

RISK FACTORS

Sedentary workers
Immobilization
Diabetes
Peripheral vascular disease
Cervical degenerative disc disease

DIAGNOSIS

LABORATORY

N/A

Drugs that may alter lab results: N/A
Disorders that may alter lab results: N/A

PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Morphologic changes of fibrosis and fibroplasia with or without inflammation

SPECIAL TESTS

N/A

IMAGING

Routine radiographs of shoulder, cervical spine
Arthrogram (if used) - decreased redundancy in axillary folds and obliteration of the space in axillary region
MRI plus ultrasound - to evaluate rotator cuff

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES

N/A

TREATMENT

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

Outpatient

GENERAL MEASURES

Prophylactic physiotherapy
Application of heat or ice
Gentle passive and active assisted range-of-motion to tolerance

SURGICAL MEASURES

Passive manipulation under general anesthesia and injection of steroids (controversial)
Operative arthroscopy

ACTIVITY

No restrictions except excessive weight. Passive exercise of the shoulder. Avoid forceful manipulation of the shoulder joint during exercises.

DIET

No restrictions

PATIENT EDUCATION

Techniques for passive active exercise

FOLLOW UP

PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE

Stretching, both active and passive

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

N/A

EXPECTED COURSE AND PROGNOSIS

Persistence in exercise program shows improvement in motion and decreased pain over 6-18 weeks

MISCELLANEOUS

ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

N/A

AGE-RELATED FACTORS

Pediatric: N/A
Geriatric: N/A
Others: N/A

PREGNANCY

N/A

OTHER NOTES

N/A

ABBREVIATIONS

N/A

Clinical Investigations

ROLE OF HOMOEOPATHY

Holistic healing that treats the person, not just the disease. Experience gentle, lasting wellness with expert constitutional care.