Adhesive Capsulitis
Causes and Treatment Options
Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is a condition in which the shoulder capsule, the soft tissue surrounding the shoulder joint, becomes inflamed and stiff.
Capsular inflammation can be caused by injury or overuse of the joint, but it can also occur spontaneously as part of an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks normal tissue.
Though adhesive capsulitis is generally easy to treat with physical therapy, it can become painful and debilitating if left untreated over time.
Common Causes of Adhesive Capsulitis
The condition is caused by inflammation around a joint, which causes scar tissue to form. Over time, scar tissue builds up and hardens around your joint. This can limit movement and cause discomfort. You might have heard adhesive capsulitis referred to as frozen shoulder because it’s common for patients with severe cases of frozen shoulder to be unable to raise their arms above their shoulders.
Is Surgery Necessary for Adhesive Capsulitis Treatment?
While adhesive capsulitis can be debilitating, we find that surgery is not necessary to recover from it. While there are a number of surgical procedures out there, most do little to alleviate pain or restore function.
Instead, a more conservative approach—one that relies heavily on physical therapy is beneficial for most patients. For more information about different approaches for treating adhesive capsulitis, reach out to PPT to find out of we get patients with AC back to full function.
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How Pinnacle Physical Therapy Can Help You
Pinnacle Physical Therapy has extensive experience with adhesive capsulitis patients. In fact, we’ve helped hundreds of people with their pain management needs. To find out how we can help you, contact us today at (501) 529-2010 or by filling out our online form.