Pronounced: ad-HEE-siv cap-soo-LIGHT-iss
Adhesive capsulitis is a tightening in the shoulder joint. It decreases the range of motion in the shoulder and causes pain. The shoulder does not have full range of motion even when a therapist tries to move the shoulder. This condition is also known as frozen shoulder . It is caused by tightening of the soft tissue and formation of scar tissue.
During closed manipulation, the doctor moves the arm at the shoulder joint. This is done to break up adhesions and loosen the stiff joint. The goal of the procedure is to improve range-of-motion by breaking up scar tissue.
Your doctor may recommend closed manipulation if other methods of relief have failed. This procedure can relieve pain and stiffness for some patients. In others, there is still some pain and swelling in the shoulder joint. If the closed manipulation is not successful, you may need arthroscopic surgery.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a shoulder manipulation, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Your doctor may do the following:
Leading up to the procedure:
Your doctor may choose either:
The doctor will twist and move your shoulder upward and outward. The actions will break up scar tissue to improve range of motion.
If you had general anesthesia, the nurses will monitor you in the recovery room.
45-60 minutes
You will feel no pain during the procedure. You will have soreness after the procedure. The doctor will give you pain medicine.
Once you recover from the anesthesia, you will be able to go home.
You will have pain and swelling for 1-2 weeks after the surgery. Your doctor may instruct you to:
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.aossm.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
References:
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Last reviewed November 2009 by Robert Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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