Tests for Frozen Shoulder: A Guide to Diagnosis

frozen shoulder test : Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, leading to a limited range of motion. Early diagnosis and testing are crucial for effective treatment, which often includes physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery. Several diagnostic tests for frozen shoulder are available, and they help determine the severity of the condition and guide treatment decisions. Below is an overview of the key tests used to diagnose frozen shoulder and assess its severity.

Special Tests for Frozen Shoulder

Orthopedic and physiotherapy special tests are commonly used to diagnose frozen shoulder. These tests help assess the range of motion in the shoulder and identify areas of stiffness and pain. The following are some of the most commonly used tests:

1. The Apley Scratch Test

The Apley Scratch Test is used to assess the range of motion and flexibility of the shoulder. The patient is asked to touch the opposite shoulder blade from above and below, which helps identify limitations in shoulder mobility. In frozen shoulder, this movement is often difficult due to restricted movement.

1. The Neer Test

The Neer Test involves raising the patient’s arm in front while the doctor stabilizes the scapula. Pain in the shoulder may indicate inflammation or stiffness in the shoulder joint capsule, a hallmark of frozen shoulder.

1. The Hawkins-Kennedy Test

In this test, the patient’s arm is raised to 90 degrees, and the doctor internally rotates the shoulder. If the test reproduces pain, it can indicate issues with the shoulder joint, including the possibility of frozen shoulder or rotator cuff problems.

1. The Cross-Body Adduction Test

This test involves the patient bringing their arm across their body at shoulder height, which can stress the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. If this test elicits pain, it may indicate frozen shoulder or other joint-related issues.

Orthopedic Tests for Frozen Shoulder

Orthopedic tests are primarily focused on assessing the shoulder joint’s structure and function. These tests help the clinician identify the root cause of pain and stiffness, which may be due to frozen shoulder or other conditions, such as rotator cuff tears or impingement syndrome. Key orthopedic tests include:

1. The Active and Passive Range of Motion Test

A crucial test for diagnosing frozen shoulder is the measurement of the active and passive range of motion of the shoulder. In frozen shoulder, both the active (when the patient moves their arm) and passive (when the examiner moves the arm) ranges of motion will be significantly reduced, especially in external rotation and abduction.

1. The Apprehension Test

This test involves moving the arm in different directions while the patient is in a seated position. If the patient experiences discomfort or feels as though the shoulder might dislocate, it may indicate instability or frozen shoulder. This test is more commonly used for shoulder instability, but can help rule out other potential conditions.

1. The Empty Can Test

The Empty Can Test helps determine whether there is damage to the rotator cuff. Although this test is not exclusive to frozen shoulder, it can help differentiate frozen shoulder from other shoulder conditions. Pain or weakness when the arm is lifted can indicate a rotator cuff problem.

Physiotherapy Tests for Frozen Shoulder

Physiotherapists often use specific assessments to determine the presence and severity of frozen shoulder. These assessments are designed to evaluate the functionality and strength of the shoulder joint. Some common physiotherapy tests include:

1. Shoulder Mobility Tests

Physiotherapists often perform shoulder mobility tests to assess both active and passive ranges of motion. In frozen shoulder, limited mobility is a key symptom, and these tests will help identify which movements are most restricted.

1. The Pain Provocation Test

In this test, the physiotherapist moves the shoulder joint in various directions to provoke pain. This helps in assessing the presence of frozen shoulder and distinguishing it from other causes of shoulder pain, such as rotator cuff tendinitis.

1. Strength Testing

Strength testing helps to assess the muscle strength around the shoulder joint. While frozen shoulder is primarily characterized by stiffness, weakness in the surrounding muscles may also occur due to reduced movement and compensatory behaviors.

Diagnostic Imaging for Frozen Shoulder

While physical and orthopedic tests can help diagnose frozen shoulder, diagnostic imaging may be used to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other shoulder conditions.

1. X-rays

X-rays are often used to rule out other potential causes of shoulder pain, such as arthritis or fractures. While they cannot directly diagnose frozen shoulder, they may show signs of joint degeneration or changes in bone structure.

1. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

An MRI provides a more detailed image of the shoulder joint and soft tissues. It can help assess the severity of frozen shoulder, especially if the condition has caused any damage to the joint capsule or surrounding tissues. It is particularly useful for ruling out other causes of shoulder pain, such as tendon tears.

How Curapod Can Be Integrated Into Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Curapod, a device that uses electrical stimulation, can play a significant role in managing the symptoms of frozen shoulder. Here’s how Curapod can complement the diagnostic and treatment process:

• Pain Relief: Curapod can provide relief from frozen shoulder pain by using electrical impulses to block pain signals and stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving endorphins.
• Muscle Relaxation: Curapod can also help relax the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, easing the stiffness and discomfort commonly associated with frozen shoulder.
• Enhancing Mobility: By promoting blood circulation and reducing muscle tightness, Curapod can support the physical therapy exercises necessary to regain shoulder mobility.

Several tests and assessments are essential for diagnosing frozen shoulder and determining the severity of the condition. These tests include physical and orthopedic assessments, range-of-motion tests, and imaging techniques. Along with these diagnostic tests, incorporating Curapod as part of the treatment strategy can help reduce pain, promote muscle relaxation, and enhance mobility, making the overall rehabilitation process more effective.

References (Cardiff Harvard Style)

1. Mayo Clinic, 2025. Frozen Shoulder: Symptoms and Causes. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frozen-shoulder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370892 [Accessed 28 February 2025].
2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), 2025. Frozen Shoulder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. Available at: https://www.aaos.org/diseases–conditions/frozen-shoulder/ [Accessed 28 February 2025].
3. Spine-Health, 2025. Frozen Shoulder Treatment and Exercises. Available at: https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/shoulder-pain/frozen-shoulder [Accessed 28 February 2025].
4. BMJ, 2025. Frozen Shoulder: A Review of the Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Available at: https://www.bmj.com/content/355/bmj.i5783 [Accessed 28 February 2025].