(Frozen Shoulder—Closed Manipulation)
Definition
Definition
Adhesive capsulitis is a tightening in the shoulder joint. It decreases the range of motion in the shoulder and causes pain. This condition is also known as frozen shoulder. It is caused by tightening of the soft tissue and formation of scar tissue.
During closed manipulation, the doctor moves the arm at the shoulder joint. This is done to break up adhesions and loosen the stiff joint. The goal of the procedure is to improve range-of-motion by breaking up scar tissue.
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Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
Your doctor may recommend closed manipulation if other methods of relief have failed. This procedure can relieve pain and stiffness for some people. In others, there is still some pain and swelling in the shoulder joint. If the closed manipulation is not successful, you may need arthroscopic surgery.
Possible Complications
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Pain
- Nerve injury
- Damage to soft tissue
- Instability or stiffness in joint
- Fracture
- Reaction to anesthesia used
Factors that may increase your risk of complications:
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Your doctor may do the following:
Leading up to the procedure:
- Arrange for a ride to and from the hospital, and for help at home after the procedure.
- The night before, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
Anesthesia
Your doctor may choose either:
- General anesthesia —You will be asleep during the surgery.
- Local anesthesia (less common)—The shoulder area will be numbed.
Description of the Procedure
The doctor will twist and move your shoulder upward and outward. The actions will break up scar tissue to improve range of motion.
Immediately After Procedure
If you had general anesthesia, you will be taken to a recovery room and monitored.
How Long Will It Take?
45-60 minutes
How Much Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.
Average Hospital Stay
Once you recover from the anesthesia, you will be able to go home.
Post-procedure Care
During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:
- Washing their hands
- Wearing gloves or masks
- Keeping your incisions covered
There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as:
- Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same
- Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks
- Not allowing others to touch your incisions
You will have pain and swelling for 1-2 weeks after the surgery. Your doctor may instruct you to begin physical therapy.
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:
- Cough, trouble breathing, or chest pain
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Pain becomes worse or swelling increases
- Tingling or numbness that will not go away, especially in arms and hands
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
Sports Med—American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine http://www.sportsmed.org/patient
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org/
References:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated November 17, 2014. Accessed December 17, 2014.
Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Palo Alto Medical Foundation website. Available at:
http://www.pamf.org/sports/king/adhesive_caps.html
Accessed December 17, 2014.
Ewald A. Adhesive capsulitis: A review. Am Fam Physician. 2011;83(4):417-422.
Examination under anesthesia. University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine website. Available at:
http://www.orthop.washington.edu/?q=patient-care/articles/shoulder/examination-under-anesthesia.html
Updated February 4, 2013. Accessed December 17, 2014.
Frozen shoulder. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Ortho Info website. Available at:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00071
Updated January 2011. Accessed December 17, 2014.
Shoulder arthroscopy. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00589
April 2011. Accessed December 17, 2014
Warner JP. Frozen shoulder: Diagnosis and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 1997;5:130-140.
Shoulder surgery. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Ortho Info website. Available at:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00066
Updated August 2009. Accessed December 17, 2014.
Last Updated: 12/20/2014