Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: current concepts and treatment

Abstract

Primary adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder is a common cause of a painful shoulder in clinical practice. The pathogenesis remains unclear. Many patients continue to have significant long-term restrictions in their range of motion although few are functionally restricted. Prevention is the ideal treatment. Patients respond to treatment plans directed at pain relief and improving the range of motion, however, ongoing controlled therapeutic trials are necessary to better refine the selection of treatment for individual patients.