Evaluation and Treatment of the Frozen Shoulder

Presented by Theresa Parry

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Video Runtime: 75 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 43 Minutes

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a challenging diagnosis to treat in therapy. This course outlines the characteristics of adhesive capsulitis, including a passive capsular pattern at the shoulder, and then dissects the differences between primary and secondary adhesive capsulitis. These differences significantly affect the course of treatment. Several manual therapy techniques and other treatment principles will be highlighted. This course is designed for occupational therapists and physical therapists who treat shoulder conditions.

Meet your instructor

Theresa Parry

Theresa Parry is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse with a master of science in occupational therapy and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Theresa is a certified hand therapist and also became a certified orthopedic manual therapist of the upper quadrant through the International Academy of Orthopedic…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Understanding Adhesive Capsulitis

1. Understanding Adhesive Capsulitis

This chapter tackles the task of understanding the impairments in patients with adhesive capsulitis, including a capsular pattern of motion loss at the shoulder. Finally, this chapter will explore the differences in clinical presentation for those with primary adhesive capsulitis and secondary adhesive capsulitis.

Primary Adhesive Capsulitis

2. Primary Adhesive Capsulitis

This chapter unravels the pathology involved with primary adhesive capsulitis and describes the stages these patients progress through. We will explore the role of medical interventions, such as injections, as well as the appropriate therapy approach.

Secondary Adhesive Capsulitis

3. Secondary Adhesive Capsulitis

In this chapter, we start to explore the treatment techniques for patients with secondary adhesive capsulitis by establishing an understanding of levels of irritability as well as the principles of joint mobilization.

Secondary Adhesive Capsulitis Treatment: Joint Mobilization

4. Secondary Adhesive Capsulitis Treatment: Joint Mobilization

This chapter dives in further to the treatment of secondary adhesive capsulitis by explaining and demonstrating joint mobilization techniques to improve shoulder abduction, flexion, and external rotation.

Secondary Adhesive Capsulitis Treatment: End-Range Techniques

5. Secondary Adhesive Capsulitis Treatment: End-Range Techniques

This final chapter demonstrates end-range joint mobilization techniques for those who have only mild range-of-motion limitations left. The role of neuromuscular reeducation and targeted strengthening will also be discussed.