Frozen Shoulder: Adhesive Capsulitis

Terming this pathology has been controversial: “Frozen shoulder” is sometimes referred to as “adhesive capsulitis” (coined by Neviaser¹). Recommended reading for historical context Adhesive capsulitis denotes an inflammation of the shoulder capsule and joint adhesions, and therefore should be limited to such situations (eg, idiopathic). Frozen shoulder is an applicable term for the description of pain with restricted motion (passive and active) regardless of under lying etiology (ie, all patients with adhesive capsulitis have frozen shoulder, but not all frozen shoulders are adhesive capsulitis).