Which statement best describes adhesive capsulitis?

Which statement best describes adhesive capsulitis?

• A. Acute swelling after injury
• B. Joint infection signs
• C. Gradual loss of ROM in the shoulder
• D. Pain that worsens with rest

Answer: (C)

Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is defined by a slow, progressive loss of both active and passive shoulder motion due to thickening and contracture of the joint capsule. The hallmark is a gradual decrease in range of motion across multiple planes, especially external rotation, often spreading over months and accompanied by pain with movement. This condition typically evolves through phases and may be linked to prior immobilization or systemic factors like diabetes, but it is not driven by acute swelling, infection, or rest-pain patterns. So the description of a gradual loss of shoulder range of motion best captures adhesive capsulitis.

Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is defined by a slow, progressive loss of both active and passive shoulder motion due to thickening and contracture of the joint capsule. The hallmark is a gradual decrease in range of motion across multiple planes, especially external rotation, often spreading over months and accompanied by pain with movement. This condition typically evolves through phases and may be linked to prior immobilization or systemic factors like diabetes, but it is not driven by acute swelling, infection, or rest-pain patterns. So the description of a gradual loss of shoulder range of motion best captures adhesive capsulitis.