Feb 15, 2011 Table of Contents   Information from Your Family
Doctor  Adhesive Capsulitis  Am Fam
Physician. 2011 Feb 15;83(4):423.  See related article on
adhesive capsulitis.  What is adhesive capsulitis?  Adhesive
capsulitis (CAP-soo-LITE-us), or “frozen shoulder,” happens when
the ligaments in the shoulder get thickened, inflamed, and
scarred. This makes the shoulder painful and stiff. The symptoms
usually get worse over time. Reaching away, over your head, and
behind your back can be very painful. Lying on your shoulder at
night can also be painful and can make it difficult to sleep.
Who gets it?  Adhesive capsulitis is more common in women and in
people 40 to 70 years of age. People with diabetes and rotator
cuff problems are also at risk. Sometimes people get it for no
clear reason. If this is the case, your doctor may do blood work
or take x-rays to see what may be causing it.  How is it
treated?  People with adhesive capsulitis usually do not need
surgery. Most of the time the shoulder will heal on