Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a debilitating condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion in the shoulder joint. This case study explores the progression of frozen shoulders in a patient over a two-month period, detailing their presentation, treatment, and outcomes. The patient was treated at our Physiotherapy clinic in Etobicoke.
Patient Profile
The patient, a 49 year-old , presented with complaints of progressive shoulder pain and stiffness over the past 1-2 months.
Initial Presentation
Patient reported severe pain in her left shoulder, particularly at night, accompanied by significant stiffness and difficulty with routine activities such as brushing or washing hair, putting socks on, reaching the bra hook, and sleeping on the left side. On physical examination, she exhibited limited passive and active range of motion in all planes, consistent with a diagnosis of frozen shoulder.
Treatment Plan
Patient was initiated on a comprehensive treatment plan, including a combination of physical therapy including electro therapy, manual joint mobilization, soft tissue release, and home exercise program for pain management. She was advised to perform gentle stretching exercises regularly to improve shoulder mobility.
Progression Over Two Months
At the one-month follow-up, the patient reported modest improvement in pain levels, with a gradual increase in shoulder mobility as seen in the video. By the end of the second month, she demonstrated significant gains in range of motion, particularly in abduction, Flexion, internal rotation and external rotation. However, she continued to experience mild discomfort with certain sudden movements.
Follow-up Evaluation
Throughout the two-month period, the patient attended regular physical therapy sessions and adhered to her home exercise program. Progress was monitored closely, with adjustments made to her treatment plan as needed, including the addition of cervical and upper thoracic manual mobilization techniques. She has now started taking Acupuncture and massage therapy sessions to improve overall outcome.
Discussion
This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and multimodal management in the treatment of frozen shoulders. While the patient demonstrated favorable outcomes with conservative measures over the two-month period, the role of patient education, compliance, and ongoing support in achieving optimal results cannot be overstated.
The case study of this patient illustrates the gradual progression and successful management of frozen shoulder over a two-month period. By employing a comprehensive treatment approach tailored to the patient’s needs, significant improvements in pain and function were achieved, underscoring the importance of a proactive and multidisciplinary approach to care.
