Thawing the Ice: The Clinical Diagnosis and Effective Management of Adhesive Capsulitis

Adhesive capsulitis (AC), commonly known as frozen shoulder (FS) or arthrofibrosis, is a condition characterized by progressive stiffness, loss of motion, and pain in the shoulder joint. It is a relatively common diagnosis that often has a prolonged clinical course, significant patient morbidity, and high socioeconomic burden. The etiology involves a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors leading to inflammation, fibrosis, and subsequent joint capsule contracture. Although many studies have examined various treatments for this condition, there is currently no consensus on an optimized treatment algorithm. This paper synthesizes current knowledge and emerging research to provide insights into the effective management of adhesive capsulitis, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and individualized treatment plans.