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HomeIntroductionAsymptomatic cuff failurePosterior capsular tightnessSlightly frozen shoulder Posterior capsular tightness Subacromial abrasionFailed acromioplastyPartial thickness cuff lesionsFull thickness cuff tearsFailed cuff surgeryCuff tear arthropathy

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Rotator Cuff Treatment.

Last updated Wednesday, January 26, 2005

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Posterior capsular tightness

In this condition the shoulder is limited in its range of internal rotation in abduction, cross-body adduction, internal rotation up the back, and flexion (in approximate order of decreasing frequency).

Slightly frozen shoulder

The symptoms and physical examination of this "slightly frozen shoulder" may be similar to those described for the "impingement syndrome" (Cofield and Simonet, 1984), including difficulties sleeping and reaching cross the body and up the back.

Posterior capsular tightness

The patient with posterior capsular tightness is informed that this condition is a common result of a mild injury to the rotator cuff, but that, in the absence of weakness or pain on isometric muscle testing, non operative management is usually successful. The most effective program is one that taught by the surgeon or therapist, but is carried out by the patient. The recommended treatment consists of gentle stretches performed five times a day by the patient (see figures 1-6). Each stretch is performed to the point where the patient feels a pull against the shoulder tightness, but not to the point of pain. Each stretch is performed for one minute, so that the patient invests about 30 minutes per day in their shoulder. Obvious improvement commonly occurs within the first month, but three months may be required to completely eliminate the condition. The rare refractory case may be considered for an arthroscopic capsular release as described by Harryman. (Harryman, Matsen, 1996)

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