Adhesive Capsulitis or Frozen Shoulder

The first line of management for patients affected by the frozen shoulder is conservative, consisting of extensive rehabilitation to improve shoulder mobility, symptoms management (e.g.: modalities and drugs), and pharmacological intervention (e.g.: injections, etc.). In cases of persisting symptoms after an extended period of rehabilitation (at least 3-6 months), surgical intervention can be considered. Multiple procedures are available (e.g.: manipulation under anaesthesia, arthroscopic capsular release, open capsular release, etc.), and are always discussed between the patient and the medical-surgical staff. After surgery, a period of immobilisation/protection with the use of a sling or brace is typically recommended and rehabilitation should start as soon as indicated by the medical team. In Isokinetic, after being thoughtfully visited by one of our specialised doctors who will provide you with an accurate diagnosis, your recovery process will be structured in different stages and take place in four different environments, the pool, the gym, the movement analysis and retraining room and the pitch. In the early stages, the main goals are to manage your symptoms and focus on improving the limited range of motion. This is likely going to be the longest rehabilitation stage, as range of motion recovery in severe capsular restrictions can take some time. After having recovered optimal mobility, shoulder strength, and endurance recovery become the priority, together with the optimisation of the general movement quality to learn how to integrate the shoulder back into activities of daily living and sports. Finally, to complete the recovery process, on-field rehabilitation plays a fundamental role in allowing our patients to safely and effectively return to participate in their favourite activities and sports that require the utilisation of the upper limb (e.g.: throwing-, rackets-, falling-, lifting- related sports), maximising the recovery outcomes and reducing the likelihood of complications.