Adhesive capsulitis is a self-limiting condition. Close follow-up is required to facilitate adherence to physiotherapy regimens. Although the disease course can be frustrating for patients to endure, the vast majority will make a full recovery, usually within 18 to 24 months.[80]Levine WN, Kashyap CP, Bak SF, et al. Nonoperative management of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. Sep-Oct 2007;16(5):569-73.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17531513?tool=bestpractice.com
However, there have been reports of lingering pain and stiffness for up to 7 years.[1]Griggs SM, Ahn A, Green A. Idiopathic adhesive capsulitis: a prospective functional outcome study of nonoperative treatment. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2000 Oct;82(10):1398-407.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11057467?tool=bestpractice.com
[2]Shaffer B, Tibone JE, Kerlan RK. Frozen shoulder: a long-term follow-up. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1992 Jun;74(5):738-46.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1624489?tool=bestpractice.com
[3]Wong CK, Levine WN, Deo K, et al. Natural history of frozen shoulder: fact or fiction? A systematic review. Physiotherapy. 2017 Mar;103(1):40-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27641499?tool=bestpractice.com
Early intervention and goal-directed therapy can decrease the duration of symptoms, and operative intervention can improve otherwise refractory cases.
Recurrence
Previous history of adhesive capsulitis has been shown to be a risk factor for occurrence in the contralateral shoulder.[8]Hannafin JA, Chiaia TA. Adhesive capsulitis: a treatment approach. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2000 Mar;(372):95-109.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10738419?tool=bestpractice.com
However, the exact recurrence rate in the ipsilateral shoulder is unknown.