Diagnosis & Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)There are three stages to frozen shoulder that can last many months, and typically its development is slow.
1) Freezing/inflammatory stage: Shoulder's range of motion starts to become limited during this stage, and pain occurs with any movement of the shoulder.
2) Adhesive/Frozen stage: Although pain may begin to decrease during this stage, the shoulder becomes stiffer, and range of motion diminishes greatly.
3) Thawing stage: Shoulder’s range of motion begins to improve during this stage.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) treatment optionsThe goal of most frozen shoulder treatments is to regain as much range of motion in the shoulder as possible as well as to control pain. There are both nonsurgical and surgical options for treating this condition.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) Nonsurgical Treatments and Arthroscopic Capsular ReleaseTreatments can include medications, therapy, steroid injections, shoulder manipulation and surgery.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce frozen shoulder pain. In some cases, Dr Kinzel may prescribe stronger medication or administer a steroid injection. A physical therapist can also assist with frozen shoulder exercises to help regain mobility in the shoulder.
If physical therapy does not resolve the problem, Dr Kinzel may recommend a manipulation under anesthesia and/or shoulder arthroscopy (arthroscopic capsular release). During a manipulation under anesthesia, you are briefly put to sleep. Dr Kinzel will gently manipulate your shoulder, causing the capsule and scar tissue to stretch, thereby increasing your range of motion. In the shoulder arthroscopy method, the surgeon releases the joint capsule with minimally invasive instruments, allowing the capsule to expand and regain motion.