Abstract

Idiopathic adhesive capsulitis (IAC; commonly referred to as “frozen shoulder”) usually affects patients 40-70 years old. The prevalence of IAC is not precisely known, but it is estimated that 3% of people develop the disease over their lifetimes. Men tend to be affected less frequently than women, and there is no predilection for race. IAC has been associated with several conditions. A higher prevalence exists among patients with diabetes, compared with the general population. The prevalence among patients with insulin-dependent diabetes is even higher (up to 36%), with increased frequency of bilateral shoulder involvement. Although the prognosis for full recovery of shoulder function is generally good among patients without comorbidity, the course of treatment can be lengthy and therapeutic interventions can be painful. The protracted recovery often involves a self-directed home program, even when patients receive physical therapy. The subject whose case is reviewed in this report was familiar with the condition and elected to self-manage it without medical consultation. His description of the intervention that provided relief is unique and may warrant attention as a potentially useful alternative to the painful active-assisted home exercises that are typically utilized for management of adhesive capsulitis. Verf.-Referat