by EBSCO Medical Review Board
(Frozen Shoulder—Closed Manipulation)

Definition

Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is a tightening of the tissue around the shoulder joint. It makes it hard to move the shoulder. Closed manipulation improves range of motion by moving the arm at the shoulder to break up scar tissue.

Frozen Shoulder
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Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is done to:

  • Ease pain and stiffness
  • Improve range of motion in the shoulder
  • Break up scar tissue

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
  • Nerve injury
  • Damage to soft tissue
  • Instability or stiffness in joint
  • Fracture

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The care team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before the procedure
  • Fasting before the procedure, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Whether you need a ride to and from the procedure
  • Tests that will need to be done before the procedure, such as images

Anesthesia

The doctor may give:

Description of the Procedure

The doctor will twist and move the shoulder upward and outward. The actions will break up scar tissue to improve range of motion.

How Long Will It Take?

45 to 60 minutes

Will It Hurt?

Pain and swelling are common in the first two weeks. Medicine and home care can help.

Average Hospital Stay

Most people leave the same day. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

Right after the procedure, the staff may:

  • Give you pain medicine
  • Raise the shoulder to ease swelling
  • Apply ice to the area
  • Put your arm in a sling to support the shoulder

Physical therapy will be started soon after the procedure.

At Home

It may take 3 months to heal. Physical activity will be limited during recovery. You may need to ask for help with daily activities and delay return to work.

Call Your Doctor

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain that you cannot control with medicine
  • Tingling or numbness that will not go away, especially in the arms and hands

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES

Ortho Info— American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons  http://www.orthoinfo.org 

Sports Med—American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine  http://www.sportsmed.org 

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Orthopaedic Association  http://www.coa-aco.org 

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation  http://www.canorth.org 

References

Adhesive capsulitis of shoulder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/adhesive-capsulitis-of-shoulder. Accessed September 29, 2020.

Frozen shoulder. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00071. Accessed September 29, 2020.

Le HV, Lee SJ, et al. Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: review of pathophysiology and current clinical treatments. Shoulder Elbow. 2017 Apr;9(2):75-84.

Shoulder arthroscopy. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00589. Accessed September 29, 2020.

Revision Information