Diagnosis and Management of Adhesive Capsulitis

Date Posted:

February 2026

Study Title:

Frozen Shoulder: Diagnosis and Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis

Authors:

Achilova F, Daher M, Nassar J et al.

 

Adhesive capsulitis (AC, or ‘frozen shoulder’) is a common cause of shoulder pain and stiffness, affecting approximately 2-5% of the general population. It most commonly presents between ages 40-65 and is more prevalent in women. AC is associated with other conditions like Diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease.

Although classically described as a self-limited condition progressing through freezing, frozen, and thawing phases, contemporary longitudinal data suggest that a meaningful proportion of patients experience persistent pain and motion restriction beyond 1-3 years.

Diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis is primarily clinical and characterized by pain and global restriction of passive glenohumeral motion, particularly external rotation.

This review paper summarizes current evidence regarding epidemiology, diagnosis, nonoperative care, and surgical options for AC.