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Publication Date
2025
Document Type
Poster
Degree Type
Graduate
Department
Kinesiology & Recreation
Mentor
Dr. Hayley Ericksen
Mentor Department
Kinesiology & Recreation
Abstract
Background: Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) happens when there is a gradual loss of AROM and PROM in the glenohumeral joint, occurs in 2-5% of the general population, and is rare in young, active individuals. Adhesive capsulitis occurs most often in females 40-60 years old. Patient: A 17- year-old female soccer player presented to the ATF self-splinting her arm against her body, complaining of shoulder pain. The patient reported falling on her shoulder during a game the night before and feeling a pop, as if her shoulder had shifted forward. She was initially diagnosed with a glenohumeral subluxation and was given a sling. Due to concern, the patient went to urgent care and her x-ray was normal. She wore a sling for two weeks and saw no improvement, so she went to an orthopedic specialist and her MRI came back normal. She wore the sling for a month and began physical therapy at a clinic, but her symptoms worsened, she lost most shoulder motion and the pain increased. Six weeks after the initial injury, she was diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis. Treatment: The orthopedic surgeon performed a manipulation under anesthesia, which improved the patient’s range of motion (ROM). Eight weeks after the initial injury, the patient began rehabilitation focusing on ROM, shoulder strengthening, soft tissue mobilization, and cryotherapy. The patient attended all sessions and completed exercises 5 days per week for 2 months. After week 16, the patient saw major improvements and was ready to return to play. Outcomes: The QuickDASH measure was used to track the patient’s function throughout rehabilitation. For the first 2 weeks of rehabilitation, the patient’s function worsened. By week 6, there was significant functional improvement. Between weeks 2 and 8, pain reduced from 8/10 to 0/10. As the patient progressed through rehabilitation, her ability to complete daily activities such as showering and dressing improved. Conclusions: This was an atypical patient and presentation of adhesive capsulitis. An accurate diagnosis was delayed, which may have contributed to the extended rehabilitation. Once diagnosed, pain and ROM improved with rehabilitation and full RTP was achieved 16 weeks after the initial injury. Adhesive capsulitis is not a very common condition seen in young athletes due to their age and activity level. It’s important to know and understand the signs and symptoms to make a proper diagnosis and not rule out a condition because the patient is atypical.
Recommended Citation
Kunz, Marissa; Kuehner-Boyer, Chelsea; and Stanek, Justin, "Frozen Shoulder in Female High School Soccer Player: A Level 3 Case Study" (2025). University Research Symposium. 472.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/rsp_urs/472