Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Adhesive Capsulitis—Closed Manipulation

(Frozen Shoulder—Closed Manipulation)

How to Say It: ad-HEE-siv cap-soo-LIGHT-iss

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) is a tightening of the tissue around the shoulder joint. It makes it hard to move the shoulder. Closed manipulation improves range of motion by moving the arm at the shoulder to break up scar tissue.

Frozen Shoulder

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is done to:

Ease pain and stiffness
Improve range of motion in the shoulder
Break up scar tissue

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
Nerve injury
Damage to soft tissue
Instability or stiffness in joint
Fracture

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

Smoking
Drinking
Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity
Prior shoulder surgery

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The care team may meet with you to talk about:

Anesthesia options
Any allergies you may have
Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before the procedure
Fasting before the procedure, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
Whether you need a ride to and from the procedure
Tests that will need to be done before the procedure, such as images

Anesthesia

The doctor may give:

General anesthesia—you will be asleep
Local anesthesia—the area will be numbed (less common)

Description of the Procedure

The doctor will twist and move the shoulder upward and outward. The actions will break up scar tissue to improve range of motion.

How Long Will It Take?

45 to 60 minutes

Will It Hurt?

Pain and swelling are common in the first two weeks. Medicine and home care can help.

Average Hospital Stay

Most people leave the same day. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

Right after the procedure, the staff may:

Give you pain medicine
Raise the shoulder to ease swelling
Apply ice to the area
Put your arm in a sling to support the shoulder

Physical therapy will be started soon after the procedure.

At Home

It may take 3 months to heal. Physical activity will be limited during recovery. You may need to ask for help with daily activities and delay return to work.

Call Your Doctor

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
Nausea or vomiting
Pain that you cannot control with medicine
Tingling or numbness that will not go away, especially in the arms and hands

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

Ortho Info— American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.orthoinfo.org

Sports Med—American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.sportsmed.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org

References:

Adhesive capsulitis of shoulder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/adhesive-capsulitis-of-shoulder. Accessed September 29, 2020.

Frozen shoulder. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 29, 2020.

Le HV, Lee SJ, et al. Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: review of pathophysiology and current clinical treatments. Shoulder Elbow. 2017 Apr;9(2):75-84.

Shoulder arthroscopy. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 29, 2020.

Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM
Last Updated: 6/8/2021

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