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Adhesive Capsulitis Case Study

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Adhesive Capsulitis Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is the stiffness and pain of the shoulder joint or periarthritis (Sonu & Sushma, 2015). This pathology affects the glenohumeral joint involving a chronic inflammation that results in the thickening of the capsule and the synovium (Sonu & Sushma, 2015). This occurs in 2-5% of the general population, but mainly in middle aged individuals (Sonu & Sushma, 2015). There are two forms of adhesive capsulitis, primary and secondary. The primary form is the occurrence of adhesive capsulitis with no identifiable systemic condition or disease that explains the loss of range of motion (ROM) or the patient's pain (Sonu & Sushma, 2015). The secondary form is when a condition is associated with the patient's loss of ROM and/or the patient's pain …show more content…

Management strategies include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, slings, a home exercise program for ROM, and stretching exercises to prevent further loss of ROM thus promoting a faster return to normal range (Sonu & Sushma, 2015). There is no superior or definite treatment for this disorder, because every case is different (Sonu & Sushma, 2015). These treatments include massages, ROM exercises, strengthening exercises, stretching, and modalities including but not limited to heat application and ultrasound (Sonu & Sushma, 2015). That being said, the goals for treatment are to reduce inflammation and increase ROM (Sonu & Sushma, 2015). Of course, this pathology does have a protocol as to how to rehabilitate it in order to avoid any worsening. Days one through five include a hot pack for 15 minutes to relax the muscles, ultrasound therapy to break us adhesions, passive movements, self assisted exercises, and more. Days six through ten include the same exercises as before with increased repetitions, hold relax exercises, and

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