Rehabilitation of Adhesive Capsulitis

Course Description: Adhesive capsulitis is one of the most challenging shoulder disorders encountered by rehabilitation specialist.  The traditional rehabilitation approach has universally emphasized aggressive stretching / passive range of motion and joint mobilizations. As with lower back pain, a classification-based approach has been proposed to help clinicians design a proper rehabilitation program, establish an accurate prognosis, and deliver optimal interventions through an individualized approach.  This evidence-based approach represents a relatively recent paradigm shift in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis. This course, Rehabilitation of Adhesive Capsulitis, discusses the pathophysiology, risk factors, and the clinical versus medical diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis. Video-based manual therapy techniques, including joint mobilizations and soft tissue mobilizations, with specific indications are presented. The level of evidence for interventions including joint mobilizations, stretches, therapeutic exercise, cortisone injections, modalities, and patient education are reviewed. Finally, self-management strategies are provided to compliment rehabilitation interventions.