The term "frozen shoulder" is commonly used to refer to a painful condition of the shoulder that severely limits range of motion, making the joint appear to be frozen. While the title is common, it isn't technically accurate, and health-care practitioners tend not to use it. Rather, "adhesive capsulitis" is the proper term for this condition. In this article we use both, bearing in mind it is adhesion in the joint capsule that is the primary pathology.

As the name suggests, the problem originates from adhesion in the glenohumeral joint capsule. It is important to note that numerous problems in the shoulder may be painful and limit range of motion in ways similar to adhesive capsulitis. I have seen demonstrations of massage techniques claiming to address frozen shoulder in which the client clearly did not present the characteristics of adhesive capsulitis. Instead, the client's condition indicated another shoulder pathology, such as sub-acromial impingement. Proper and accurate assessment is critical for effective treatment.

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