Which intervention is listed as part of adhesive capsulitis management in the short term?

Which intervention is listed as part of adhesive capsulitis management in the short term?

• A. Corticosteroids + mobility and stretching in short term
• B. Bed rest with no movement
• C. Ultrasound only with no exercise
• D. Joint mobilization after surgery

Answer: (A)

In the short term, the goal is to reduce pain and begin restoring range of motion. Corticosteroid treatment helps decrease inflammation and pain inside the joint, which makes it feasible for the patient to engage in active and assisted mobility. When this is paired with targeted mobility and stretching exercises, the tight joint capsule gradually yields more motion, leading to meaningful ROM gains in the coming weeks. Bed rest with no movement is counterproductive because stiffness from adhesive capsulitis tends to worsen without activity. Ultrasound alone without any exercise doesn’t address the mechanical restriction of the capsule and typically isn’t effective by itself for short-term improvement. Joint mobilization after surgery isn’t applicable to nonoperative management of frozen shoulder and is not part of early, non-surgical care.

In the short term, the goal is to reduce pain and begin restoring range of motion. Corticosteroid treatment helps decrease inflammation and pain inside the joint, which makes it feasible for the patient to engage in active and assisted mobility. When this is paired with targeted mobility and stretching exercises, the tight joint capsule gradually yields more motion, leading to meaningful ROM gains in the coming weeks.

Bed rest with no movement is counterproductive because stiffness from adhesive capsulitis tends to worsen without activity. Ultrasound alone without any exercise doesn’t address the mechanical restriction of the capsule and typically isn’t effective by itself for short-term improvement. Joint mobilization after surgery isn’t applicable to nonoperative management of frozen shoulder and is not part of early, non-surgical care.