Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
What is Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)?
Frozen shoulder is the common name for a condition known as adhesive capsulitis. Frozen shoulder syndrome is a condition in which, over time, your shoulder socket becomes tight and stiff bands of tissue, called adhesions, develop around the socket. At its worst point, people who suffer from frozen shoulders are completely unable to move, rotate, or lift their arms at the shoulder.
Frozen shoulder causes are unclear. It develops mostly in people between the ages of 40 and 60 and is more likely to occur in women and men or women with diabetes. Frozen shoulder symptoms come on gradually over a period of months and include significant pain in the shoulder in addition to the gradual loss of mobility.
The full onset of frozen shoulder syndrome can take over two years and then may slowly begin to correct itself. Physical therapy can help improve the symptoms of frozen shoulder, but the results are often too slow and ineffective for most people who rely on proper shoulder mobility to enjoy everyday activities.
Why choose Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists?
The shoulder doctors at Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists have the training, expertise, and experience to assess, diagnose, and treat your injury or condition individually to your needs.
See a Specialist
To learn more about the treatment options available for frozen shoulder, please request an appointment online, or call 888-660-2663.
Appointment Resources
Once you have scheduled your appointment with one of our shoulder doctors, please use the link below to obtain our new patient forms and browse through our tips and preparation suggestions for your appointment.
“Dr. Kody truly was a Godsend! He correctly diagnosed me with frozen shoulder in five minutes, gave me a cortisone shot and I was pain-free in 48 hours. I had been misdiagnosed for five months. By the time Kody saw me, I was taking two Tylenol which didn't touch the pain and sleeping medicine! Needless to say, I have recommended several people to Dr. Kody with ANY kind of shoulder issue. Also telling my story to go to a doctor that specializes in orthopedics instead of other areas of medicine.” — Jeannine M.
“When I came in, I could hardly move my left arm and shoulder to about 45 degrees without severe pain, and the right, just a little bit further. Dr. Ellingsen and his staff were very kind and professional. They went right to work on the problem and had me scheduled for surgery to fix the problems with my shoulders. I can now move my shoulders with ease thanks to Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists and Dr. Ellingsen and Michael Dieter for their care.” — Birl M.
“Dr. Kody worked on my left shoulder, the surgery went well and the recovery was amazing. By the time I was sent to physical therapy, I was already weeks ahead of schedule. In fact, I only had 4 PT sessions because I had healed so fast. Today a couple of years later, my shoulder is great and I actually have more freedom of movement than I have had in years. There is no limitation to my activities other than those that age place on me. I would recommend Dr. Kody extremely highly for anyone looking for an outstanding surgeon.” — Dale C.