Assessment of Frozen Shoulder




Physical Examination
This video gives a 15 minute great summary of the key important procedures.




Spencer Technique for the  Frozen Shoulder
    Brandon Masi Parker shows the seven step Spencer technique for the shoulder.
Frozen shoulder/adhesive capsulitis refers to a stiff glenohumeral joint with decreased loss of range of motion, mostly abduction and rotation. The adhesive capsulitis pathology progresses through three stages: acute ("freezing, frozen and recovery. The best course of action for a frozen shoulder is prevention but if there is already a significant loss of ROM, the Spencer technique can work through some restrictions when used as a direct modality. This is one of many OMT modalities that can be applied. It is necessary to look beyond the glenohumeral joint to all shoulder joints & upper thoracics for a complete tx. The expectation for a slow progression of ROM should be made clear.

Also, OMT is often most successful when used as an adjunctive treatment with other forms of therapy.  Adhesive capsulitis patients may need to be sent for physical therapy, placed on NSAIDS or sent for orthopedic consultation for possible intra-articular injection or even surgery