- Know the major causes of shoulder and upper arm pain complaints.
- Be aware of historical and physical examination findings that help to discriminate among these diagnostic possibilities.
- Be familiar with the clinical situations that might lead to adhesive capsulitis and the importance of early remobilization for prevention.
- Become familiar with the aspects of history and the physical examination findings that support a diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis.
- Know the natural history of adhesive capsulitis and the need for regular assisted range of motion exercises to regain function.
Author
David L. George, MD
Associate Director of Medicine
Program Director for Transitional Year Residency
The Reading Hospital and Medical Center
Editor
Shou Ling Leong, MD
Assistant Professor
Director of Family Medicine and Community Clerkship
Penn State University College of Medicne
Reference
Dalton SE. The Shoulder. In: Klippel JH, Dieppe PA, eds. Rheumatology.
London:Mosby; 1998:4.7.1-4.7.13.
Siegel LB, Cohen NJ, Gall EP. Adhesive Capsulitis: A Sticky Issue. Am Fam Phys 1999;59:1843.