Ultrasound Treatment for Adhesive Capsulitis

Adhesive capsulitis (also known as frozen shoulder) is a condition that severely limits the range-of-motion in the shoulder. People who suffer from adhesive capsulitis are often referred to a physical therapist who may use ultrasound treatments in order to treat this condition.

Identification

• Adhesive capsulitis may occur after scar tissue forms in the shoulder. Other conditions that may cause adhesive capsulitis are inflammation of the shoulder and thickening of the shoulder capsule. Adhesive capsulitis may develop following a rotator cuff injury.

Risk Factors

• Some factors that may increase the risk of developing adhesive capsulitis are chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, diabetes or surgery to the chest or breast.

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy may be prescribed to help increase mobility and decrease the pain associated with adhesive capsulitis. Some treatments that may be used by the therapist are ice, range-of-motion exercises, electric stimulation and ultrasound.

Significance

• During an ultrasound treatment, sound waves penetrate the skin and into the joint capsule. This may help to relieve inflammation in the joint, and can also help to relieve pain in the shoulder.

Considerations

• Ultrasound treatments are generally comfortable, with most patients feeling only a slight warmth on the area being treated. Ultrasound treatments are usually given for five to 10 minutes, depending on the area being treated.