Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder Treatment and Surgery in Wayne, Paramus, and Parsippany NJ

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, most commonly affects patients between the ages of 40 to 60. It results in a loss of both active and passive range of motion and can be quite painful. It is more common in women and in patients with diabetes. The most common presenting symptoms are pain and loss of range of motion. It is not usually associated with trauma but may develop after a period of shoulder immobilization or surgery. Imaging is usually not necessary, but an MRI may show a contracted capsule and loss of the inferior pouch. Conservative treatment usually consists of a cortisone injection and extensive formal physical therapy to regain range of motion. Participation in a rigorous therapy program is crucial in the recovery of frozen shoulder. Patients should notice a significant improvement in pain and function within the first six to eight weeks of therapy. In rare cases, surgical intervention may be warranted for an arthroscopic capsular release and lysis of adhesions.