Thawing the frozen shoulder: the "patient" patient.

Abstract

Many different modalities have been advocated for the treatment of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), some of which can be associated with complications and morbidity. We retrospectively reviewed 50 patients with adhesive capsulitis treated by the senior author over a 10-year period. Treatment consisted of closely monitored home therapy using moist heat and antiinflammatory medication, and a physician-directed rehabilitation program. Without exception, every patient regained a significant amount of motion and returned to activities of daily living without pain.