Frozen Shoulder

Definition

of local soft tissue origin, with marked restriction of glenohumeral movement.

When to refer

1. Unsure of diagnosis.
2. Failure of first line management.

Investigations

• FBC
• ESR Xray target area
• Fasting sugar HBA1c if any suspicion of diabetes. (Frozen shoulder is morre common in people with diabetes)

First line management

1. Encourage shoulder exercise and provide adequate analgesia.
2. Consider physiotherapy and NSAID treatment.
3. Consider one local steroid injection with shoulder exercises afterwards. (see injection - shoulder)

Special points

1. Diabetes mellitus may be associated with frozen shoulder.

Document Information
Expiry Date: 11/04/04
Author: Kennedy Tom Dr
Organisation: Arrowe Park Hospital