Adhesive Capsulitis Risk Factors and Associations

Demographic and Systemic Risk Factors

The American College of Rheumatology notes that individuals under 40 years rarely develop adhesive capsulitis, with peak incidence occurring between ages 40-65 years 1
Women demonstrate higher prevalence of adhesive capsulitis, though the association is not universally statistically significant across all populations 1
Patients with polyarticular hand osteoarthritis face increased risk of adhesive capsulitis as part of generalized osteoarthritis patterns 1

Up to 67% of stroke patients with combined motor, sensory, and visuoperceptual deficits develop shoulder-hand-pain syndrome, which may contribute to adhesive capsulitis 2
Improper handling during rehabilitation, particularly overhead pulley exercises, significantly increases the risk of adhesive capsulitis in stroke patients 2, 3

Shoulder immobilization after any shoulder surgery or injury directly contributes to frozen shoulder development, highlighting the importance of early physical therapy 3
Failure to initiate formal physical therapy within 6-8 weeks post-injury or post-surgery may result in permanent shoulder dysfunction 3