The Significance of Early Detection Navigating Adhesive Capsulitis

 Sunita (name changed) was in her 40s when she was diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder. According to Sunita, her diagnosis was long pending. “I have been suffering from shoulder pain and arm weakness for almost 4-5 years before my diagnosis. Since the pain was never too intense or very regular, I never thought of having it checked out by a doctor,” claims Sunita. So, what happened that made her change her mind? Sunita woke up one morning with severe pain in her shoulder that nearly paralyzed her. “I could not move my arm above shoulder level. The intensity of the pain shocked me into consulting a doctor immediately,” she exclaims. 

Adhesive capsulitis/frozen shoulder is a very common condition in women aged 40-60. However, it can be easily misdiagnosed as shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tear, shoulder tendonitis, etc. Each of these conditions is unique and requires a different approach while treating. Therefore, Dr. Banarji B.H. at Dr. Banarji Shoulder Center in Bengaluru always recommends thorough testing before diagnosis.

Dr. Banarji discusses the various tests used to accurately diagnose adhesive capsulitis. "The key to correctly identifying adhesive capsulitis is a thorough physical examination. One of the cardinal signs of a frozen shoulder is loss of external rotation of the affected shoulder," says Dr. Banarji. A variety of tests are used to establish a differential diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis/frozen shoulder. The empty can test, Speed's test, drop arm test, and Neer and Hawkin's impingement tests are among them. These tests are designed to assess the strength and rotation of various muscles and tendons in the shoulders, thereby determining the precise position causing pain and stiffness. 

"After examining Sunita and performing the empty can test, Speed's test, drop arm test, and Neer and Hawkin's impingement tests, I diagnosed her with primary idiopathic adhesive capsulitis, which has no known cause. This is a very common occurrence among people who present with frozen shoulder symptoms," Dr. Banarji explains. Secondary adhesive capsulitis occurs when a frozen shoulder occurs as a result of an underlying condition or accident. 

Sunita is grateful to Dr. Banarji for taking the time to understand her medical history and asking her all the pertinent questions before delivering the final diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis. "Dr. Banarji was very patient and inquired about my shoulder pain, how long I had it, and so on. He also told me that if I do not treat my frozen shoulder, it will take at least 3-4 years to heal," Sunita says. Sunita found this completely unacceptable. "I couldn’t imagine enduring this pain for another 3-4 days, let alone years," she says. 

"I began Sunita's treatment with non-surgical treatments such as steroid injections and physiotherapy." Dr. Banarji says, "Fortunately, she responded well to physiotherapy and exercises, and we were able to see a remarkable reduction in pain and an increase in mobility in her shoulder within a couple of weeks."

Sunita has incorporated yoga and exercises into her daily routine based on Dr. Banarji's advice. The memory of the agonizing pain drives her determination to stay active and avoid another episode of adhesive capsulitis/frozen shoulder.

CONTACT US 

Dr. Banarji Shoulder Center

3/4, 8th Main (Water Tank Road), CHBS Layout, Vijayanagar, Bangalore - 560 040.
Emergency: 9731274396

Appointment Mob:7760659606,  +91 78297 23606

Email:drbanarji@orthobangalore.com