Die Schultersteife, medizinisch als adhäsive Kapsulitis oder Frozen Shoulder bezeichnet, ist eine schmerzhafte und funktionseinschränkende Erkrankung des Schultergelenks. Dabei kommt es zu einer entzündlichen Verdickung und Schrumpfung der Gelenkkapsel, was zu einer zunehmenden Bewegungseinschränkung führt – oft schleichend und ohne klaren Auslöser. The exact cause is not yet known.

The diagnosis is made clinically. Imaging is usually not necessary in the first instance.

The disease typically progresses in three phases:

1. Freezing phase (inflammation):Freezing phase (inflammation): often very painful initial phase, typically pain at night and at rest
2. Frozen phase (stiffening): Increasing restriction of movement
3. Thawing phase (thawing): The shoulder stiffness slowly recedes and mobility increasingly improves.

Frozen shoulder is a self-limiting disease in > 90% of cases.

Above all, painful, passive shoulder joint mobilization to improve shoulder joint mobility should be strictly avoided in every phase.

The gold standard in these situations is cortisone injections, which often bring about a rapid reduction in pain. The disease can last from months to years - it is crucial that the patient is patient and focused. Only in very rare cases of persistent frozen shoulder does the joint capsule have to be severed in an arthroscopic operation (capsulotomy).

If you notice that your shoulder is becoming increasingly stiff or you have persistent pain, early clarification is crucial. This means that the right therapy can be initiated in good time to positively influence the course of the condition.

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