Which statement best describes stage 1 adhesive capsulitis?

Which statement best describes stage 1 adhesive capsulitis?

• A. 0-3 months with sharp pain at end of ROM and sleep disturbance; early ER loss; intact RTC
• B. 3-6 months with full ROM and no pain
• C. 6-12 months with rapid ROM improvement
• D. Pain-free ROM with minimal symptoms

Answer: (A)

Stage 1 adhesive capsulitis is the freezing phase, mainly defined by painful movement that lasts for about 0–3 months. The pain tends to be sharp at end ranges of motion and often disrupts sleep. External rotation is one of the first motions affected, reflecting early capsular involvement, while strength remains preserved because the rotator cuff and other structures are still intact. The description above matches these features: the short duration (0–3 months), pain at end range with sleep disturbance, early external rotation loss, and an intact rotator cuff. Descriptions that imply longer timeframes with little or no pain, full ROM, or rapid improvement don’t fit the freezing stage and align more with later stages or other shoulder conditions. A pain-free, minimally symptomatic shoulder would suggest resolution or a non-pathologic state, not early adhesive capsulitis.

Stage 1 adhesive capsulitis is the freezing phase, mainly defined by painful movement that lasts for about 0–3 months. The pain tends to be sharp at end ranges of motion and often disrupts sleep. External rotation is one of the first motions affected, reflecting early capsular involvement, while strength remains preserved because the rotator cuff and other structures are still intact. The description above matches these features: the short duration (0–3 months), pain at end range with sleep disturbance, early external rotation loss, and an intact rotator cuff.

Descriptions that imply longer timeframes with little or no pain, full ROM, or rapid improvement don’t fit the freezing stage and align more with later stages or other shoulder conditions. A pain-free, minimally symptomatic shoulder would suggest resolution or a non-pathologic state, not early adhesive capsulitis.