Diagnosis:
Adhesive capsulitis, also referred to as frozen shoulder, is the condition often characterized by stiffness or pain in which the shoulder loses mobility due to inflammation in the shoulder joint. There is no certain cause for adhesive capsulitis; however, it often occurs after the shoulder has been in prolonged periods of immobility, such as in a sling after an accident. Symptoms of the shoulder joint typically worsen over time and gradually resolve on their own. If symptoms do not resolve treatment options are available. There are three stages of adhesive capsulitis:
Painful stage: pain occurs due to movement of the shoulder and the shoulder joint starts to lose mobility
Frozen stage: pain decreases considerably yet range of motion decreases drastically
Thawing stage: pain and range of motion gradually improve