Adhesive Capsulitis
Adhesive capsulitis is characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and contracture of the shoulder joint capsule.
Clinical Stages
Freezing: Gradual increase in pain
Frozen: Decreased pain, loss of motion
Thawing: Gradual return of motion
Without intervention, adhesive capsulitis may take up to 18-24 months to resolve.
Ultrasound-guided glenohumeral joint capsule distension
An ultrasound-guided joint capsule distension is a rapid, non-surgical, office-based procedure which uses a high volume of sterile saline to mechanically stretch the joint capsule to reduce pain, increase motion, and restore function of the shoulder.
Joint capsule distension offers faster relief compared to traditional intra-articular corticosteroid injections and has fewer complications than surgical treatments such as manipulation under anesthesia and arthroscopic capsule release.
References:
Quraishi, NA. et al. Thawing the frozen shoulder: a randomized trial comparing manipulation under anesthesia with hydrodilatation. The journal of bone and joint surgery. 2007.
Park, S. et al. The effectiveness of intensive mobilization techniques combined with capsular distension for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Journal of physical therapy science. 2014.