ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Adhesive Capsulitis

What is adhesive capsulitis?

26 January 2026

It is a musculoskeletal condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder, and which over the years can lead to great difficulty in moving it or the inability to move it at all.

Also known as frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis most often affects women between 40 and 60 years of age. It is characterized by the formation of stiff bands or adhesions in the connective tissue, which, as they become thicker, progressively tighten the shoulder joint, limiting the range of motion.

It develops gradually in three phases, each of which can last several months:

  1. Freezing: Lasts from 6 weeks to 9 months, during which discomfort increases and the shoulder begins to become stiff and lack movement.
  2. Frozen (Stiffness): Although pain may lessen during this stage, the stiffness continues, making daily activities difficult.
  3. Thawing: In this phase, shoulder mobility improves until it is almost completely recovered, which can last between 6 and 24 months.

It is currently unknown what causes adhesive capsulitis, but studies reveal that the following diseases or conditions favor its appearance:

  • Previous damage to the shoulder or arm, such as fractures or a rotator cuff injury.
  • Diabetes.
  • Parkinson’s disease.
  • Cardiovascular diseases.
  • Thyroid conditions.
  • Events or surgeries that require the shoulder to be immobilized for a long period, such as a stroke or a mastectomy.
  • Tuberculosis.

Signs and symptoms Adhesive Capsulitis

The symptoms are gradual and characterized by:

  • Pain.
  • Stiffness.
  • Swelling (inflammation).
  • Limited movement.

Diagnosis and treatment Adhesive Capsulitis

Once the orthopedist analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination where they will move the shoulder in different ways to evaluate the range of motion, both actively and passively, and to determine if there is pain.

If deemed necessary, they may request imaging studies, such as:

  • Ultrasound.
  • X-rays.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Based on the evaluation and results, the specialist will determine the treatment to follow, which may include:

  • Analgesics (painkillers).
  • Anti-inflammatories.
  • Injected corticosteroids.
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation.
  • Surgical procedure (arthroscopy) to remove scar tissue and adhesions from the shoulder joint.

At the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center, we seek to improve the lives of patients restricted or immobilized by musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. We specialize in the care of the musculoskeletal system by integrating the latest medical, biological, and technological advances, in strict adherence to the highest international standards of patient care.

Related centers and departments Adhesive Capsulitis

Orthopedics and Traumatology Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Sources:

  • aaos.org
  • orthoinfo.aaos.org
  • revistaartroscopia.com
  • fisify.com
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • topdoctos.es
  • medigraphic.com
  • Serrano AAM, Abush TS. Capsulitis adhesiva. An Med Asoc Med Hosp ABC. 2017;62(1):37-43.
  • González SBV, Chávez SG, Lara LE. Hombro Congelado. Reporte de caso exitoso con rehabilitación, mediante mejoría en la calidad de la atención. Rev CONAMED. 2016;21(4):192-196.
  • Noa PBY, Vila GJM. Ejercicios propioceptivos durante la rehabilitación física del hombro congelado. Rev Cub de Med Fis y Rehab. 2019;11(2):1-16.
  • Santa María Gasca NE, Aguirre Rodríguez VH, Valdés Montor JF, et al. Concordancia diagnóstica de capsulitis adhesiva por resonancia magnética entre centros de imagenología y una clínica de reconstrucción articular con correlación quirúrgica. Acta Ortop Mex. 2019 Sep-Oct;33(5):277-284. doi:10.35366/OR195C.

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