Frozen Shoulder Differentials

• Frozen Shoulder - Differential Diagnosis:

  • potential pathologies that can also present with reduced ROM/stiffness in the shoulder:
  • cervical radiculopathy - neck can refer to shoulder
  • acromioclavicular joint arthrosis
  • bicep tendinopathy - pulls on the labrum & capsule, causing limitations in movement
  • glenohumeral arthritis
  • fracture
  • calcifying tendinitis/synovitis
  • malignancy
  • rotator cuff related shoulder pain
  • polymyalgia rheumatica
  • osteoarthritis
  • avascular necrosis of humeral head
• Differential Diagnosis - Avascular Necrosis:

  • scan shows erosion to the humeral head, causing loss of joint integrity - this is an indication of avascular necrosis of the humeral head
  • avascular necrosis is not a case for physiotherapy and requires further referral and a possible shoulder replacement