What is Adhesive Capsulitis

Many of us take movement for granted. We use our fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, waists, knees, ankles, and numerous other joints and muscles on a daily basis and often do not stop to consider what life would be like if our ability to move was hindered. But for some victims of accidents or other trauma, a painful and serious condition known as adhesive capsulitis (or “frozen shoulder”) can develop.

How Is Adhesive Capsulitis Caused?

. It is classified into two categories:

• Primary adhesive capsulitis develops in the patient rather gradually over time. Patients with this category of adhesive capsulitis generally do not seek medical attention until they begin experiencing unusual, severe pain in their shoulder that does not go away and causes a significant loss in their range of motion.
• Secondary adhesive capsulitis occurs after a significant trauma event or accident, such as falling from a height and landing on one’s shoulder or being involved in a motor vehicle crash. In this instance, the injured individual typically learns that something is amiss when they do not have a full range of motion in their shoulder, even after a period of pain following the incident.

The precise cause of adhesive capsulitis is not completely understood; however, adhesive capsulitis is known to progress through three distinct stages:

• The “freezing” stage occurs when the patient notices progressively severe pain and a restriction on the shoulder’s range of motion. Most individuals with adhesive capsulitis do not see a doctor or medical professional at this stage because they believe the pain will heal and range of motion will return after time.
• The “frozen” stage is marked by a limited range of motion and constant pain (although the range of motion and pain are not necessarily worse than the freezing stage). Because of the patient’s limited use of his or her shoulder, muscle mass and strength may be lost. This period can last anywhere from 4 to 12 months.
• The “thawing” stage is marked by the gradual return of the shoulder’s range of motion and a lessening of the pain.

How Is Adhesive Capsulitis Treated?

There are a variety of treatments available for individuals suffering from adhesive capsulitis. These include medicines and injections, rehabilitation, and even surgery. Each treatment type has benefits and drawbacks, but each treatment type has also shown varying degrees of success in alleviating the pain and increasing the shoulder’s range of motion.

Can a Miami Personal Injury Attorney Help Me?

After an accident at work or a serious car crash, it is important that you are promptly evaluated at a doctor’s office or hospital to diagnose and, if appropriate, treat for adhesive capsulitis. Then contact the attorneys at Kaire & Heffernan, LLC. Adhesive capsulitis is a painful and life-changing condition that can result in large medical bills, time missed from work, and decreased earnings. If your adhesive capsulitis is caused by the negligence of another, we will fight for the compensation you deserve.

 

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