Management overview for adhesive capsulitis
Adhesive capsulitis is usually a self-limiting condition and people can expect to return to normal function in 18 months (on average). Some people may suffer a more prolonged course lasting 2 to 3 years. Assessment of the person’s mental health is important at each consultation.
A reasonable management approach is to discuss self-management with the person, including simple advice on activity modification, and use of analgesia as required.
Intra-articular (glenohumeral joint) corticosteroid injection only provides short-term analgesia (days to weeks)Kitridis, 2019. Often intra-articular corticosteroid injection is performed at the same time as arthrographic distension (hydrodilation) of the glenohumeral joint. Both procedures can improve pain and range of motion in the short termBuchbinder, 2008.
Neither nonoperative nor operative treatments alter the natural history of the disease in the long term but they may provide short-term pain relief and improved range of motion. There is no evidence of benefit from early operative treatments.