Adhesive capsulitis: A sticky issue

The shoulder is a very complex joint that is crucial to many activities of daily living. Decreased shoulder mobility is a serious clinical finding. A global decrease in shoulder range of motion is called adhesive capsulitis, referring to the actual adherence of the shoulder capsule to the humeral he ad. Adhesive capsulitis is a syndrome defined as idiopathic restriction of shoulder movement that is usually painful at onset. Secondary causes includ e alteration of the supporting structures of and around the shoulder, and a utoimmune, endocrine or other systemic diseases. The three defined stages o f this condition are the painful stage, the adhesive stage and the recovery stage. Although recovery is usually spontaneous, treatment with intra-arti cular corticosteroids and gentle but persistent physical therapy may provid e a better outcome, resulting in little functional compromise.