Adhesive capsulitis stage 4 is best described by which term?

Adhesive capsulitis stage 4 is best described by which term?

• A. Thawing
• B. Inflammatory phase
• C. Fibrotic collapse
• D. Complete resolution

Answer: (A)

In adhesive capsulitis, the later stage is characterized by a thawing process: inflammation has diminished and the capsule begins to loosen, allowing gradual return of shoulder motion. This phase reflects the recovery trajectory, with decreasing pain and progressively improving range of motion, though some stiffness may linger, especially in certain directions. It contrasts with the inflammatory phase, which is marked by more pain and active inflammation, and with a notion of fibrotic collapse, which implies ongoing contracture rather than recovery. Complete, full resolution is not always achieved, so thawing best fits the description of stage four as the recovery phase.

In adhesive capsulitis, the later stage is characterized by a thawing process: inflammation has diminished and the capsule begins to loosen, allowing gradual return of shoulder motion. This phase reflects the recovery trajectory, with decreasing pain and progressively improving range of motion, though some stiffness may linger, especially in certain directions. It contrasts with the inflammatory phase, which is marked by more pain and active inflammation, and with a notion of fibrotic collapse, which implies ongoing contracture rather than recovery. Complete, full resolution is not always achieved, so thawing best fits the description of stage four as the recovery phase.