Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 9/17/2025

Diagnostic Features and Complications of Adhesive Capsulitis

Diagnostic Features

  • Bone scintigraphy demonstrates increased activity in adhesive capsulitis, as reported by the American College of Radiology 1, 2

Complications and Impact

  • Adhesive capsulitis can delay rehabilitation and functional recovery in stroke patients, according to the American Heart Association 3
  • The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation notes that adhesive capsulitis may contribute to depression, sleeplessness, and reduced quality of life, although this fact is also reported by Praxis Medical Insights, a more specific guideline is not available from other sources 4

REFERENCES

1

acr appropriateness criteria<sup>®</sup> shoulder pain-traumatic. [LINK]

Journal of the American College of Radiology, 2018

2

acr appropriateness criteria<sup>®</sup> shoulder pain-traumatic. [LINK]

Journal of the American College of Radiology, 2018

4

Shoulder Hand Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment [LINK]

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025