Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is most common in adults ages 40-60, particularly after recovering from a medical procedure that prevents motion of the arm such as a stroke or mastectomy. The most common treatment for frozen shoulder is physical therapy to increase flexibility and range of motion. In a small number of cases, surgery may be utilized to loosen the joint capsule.

Symptoms of frozen shoulder include:

• Pain that feels like a dull ache in the outer shoulder 
• Loss of motion

Treatments

A large majority of people with a frozen shoulder are able to be treated without surgery. Common treatments include physical therapy, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or corticosteroid injections. In a small number of cases, manipulations under general anesthesia are required to overcome adhesion. 

To relieve minor shoulder pain, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which include naproxen sodium, aspirin, and ibuprofen, are an option. Some examples of these include Advil, Aleve, and Tylenol.