How to Tell the Difference: Key Symptoms
Distinct clinical differences between the two conditions:
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Loss of BOTH active and passive motion. Even when a doctor tries to lift your arm, the joint is physically blocked due to capsular tightness.
- Rotator Cuff Tear: Passive motion is usually preserved! You cannot lift your arm yourself (active weakness), but when a doctor lifts your arm for you, it moves with less restriction, though painful.
- Pain Timing: Frozen shoulder typically presents with agonizing night pain when lying on the affected side during its initial 'freezing' phase.
Diagnostic Evaluation & Shoulder Imaging
Physical examination includes specific tendon impingement tests (Neer's, Hawkins-Kennedy, Empty Can test) and capsular pattern checks. Shoulder MRI or ultrasound is ordered to assess whether a rotator cuff tendon has a partial or full-thickness tear.
Treatment & Rehabilitation Guidelines
Frozen shoulder is managed with intra-articular capsular steroid/hydrodilatation injections and stretching. Rotator cuff tears respond to subacromial injections, physical therapy, or keyhole arthroscopic repair for complete tears.
Why Choose Kalekar's Star Clinic in Wakad?
Detailed clinical differential diagnosis of shoulder pathology
Ultrasound-guided intra-articular capsular & subacromial injections
Structured shoulder physical therapy plans
Evening clinic hours (5–9 PM daily) in Wakad, Pune