Adhesive capsulitis is characterized by which deficits?

Adhesive capsulitis is characterized by which deficits?

• A. Shoulder pain and mobility deficits
• B. Shoulder pain and muscle performance deficits
• C. Shoulder pain and motor control deficits
• D. Shoulder pain and instability deficits

Answer: (A)

Adhesive capsulitis presents with shoulder pain followed by a progressive loss of motion due to thickening and contracture of the joint capsule. The defining impairment is mobility deficit—movement is limited across multiple planes, especially external rotation and abduction, even as pain persists. Muscle strength or power may be reduced secondarily from pain and disuse, but that’s not the primary issue. Motor control deficits and instability imply neuromuscular coordination changes or joint laxity, which are not the hallmark of this condition. So the best fit is shoulder pain with mobility deficits.

Adhesive capsulitis presents with shoulder pain followed by a progressive loss of motion due to thickening and contracture of the joint capsule. The defining impairment is mobility deficit—movement is limited across multiple planes, especially external rotation and abduction, even as pain persists. Muscle strength or power may be reduced secondarily from pain and disuse, but that’s not the primary issue. Motor control deficits and instability imply neuromuscular coordination changes or joint laxity, which are not the hallmark of this condition. So the best fit is shoulder pain with mobility deficits.