Shoulder stiffness: management.

BACKGROUND

There are several causes of painful, stiff shoulders--each with a different method of treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This article summarises the methods available to treat the various causes of stiff shoulders.

DISCUSSION: Impingement and partial thickness rotator cuff tears can be treated by the general practitioner with a subacromial steroid injection. Calcific tendinitis can be aspirated under ultrasound guidance when the deposit is immature. Acute full thickness tears are best managed surgically. We recommend arthroscopic capsular release with appropriate postoperative rehabilitation program for frozen shoulder. With a well functioning rotator cuff, good results can be expected with shoulder replacement in advanced arthritis.