Frozen shoulder release: Ten-step technique

Abstract

Frozen shoulder is a condition associated with painful restriction of shoulder joint movement. This condition has a prevalence of 2–5% in the general population, seen most often in females and the diabetic population. It is essentially a self-limiting condition passing through stages of freezing, frozen, and thawing. It has been reported that up to 90% of patients recover with conservative measures. Patients with more severe initial symptoms, younger age at the time of onset, and reduction in motion despite four months of compliance with therapy are most likely to require surgery. The author presents ten-step techniques for frozen shoulder release in cases of failed conservative trials in the management of frozen shoulder.