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Rat Model of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder
Published on: September 28, 2018
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Evidence for Combining Conservative Treatments for Adhesive Capsulitis
1Ochsner Therapy and Wellness, Driftwood Clinic, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, Kenner, LA.
Ochsner Journal
|March 21, 2024
Summary
Combining conservative treatments like suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) and corticosteroid injections with physical therapy can improve frozen shoulder outcomes. Optimizing these options is vital for effective adhesive capsulitis management.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Background:
- Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, presents significant clinical treatment challenges.
- Current first-line conservative treatments include SSNB, IACS injection, hydrodilatation, and physical therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review conservative treatment options for adhesive capsulitis.
- To evaluate the evidence for combining treatments to enhance patient outcomes (pain, ROM, function).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PubMed and Google Scholar databases.
- Search terms included "adhesive capsulitis," "frozen shoulder," and specific treatment modalities.
- Synthesis of pertinent articles on conservative care for adhesive capsulitis.
Main Results:
- Combining SSNB with physical therapy and/or IACS injection shows promise for improving shoulder pain, ROM, and function.
- Combining IACS injection with physical therapy also demonstrates benefits for shoulder pain, ROM, and function.
- Hydrodilatation and physical therapy may offer additive benefits for shoulder ROM when used adjunctively.
Conclusions:
- Adhesive capsulitis treatment optimization remains an ongoing clinical challenge.
- Conservative management, individually or in combination, is the mainstay for adhesive capsulitis.
- Understanding how to best utilize and combine these therapies is crucial for effective patient outcomes.

