College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What condition might a therapist suspect in a female patient in her 50s presenting with right shoulder pain and progressive stiffness?

1. Rotator cuff tear

2. Frozen shoulder/adhesive capsulitis

3. Subacromial bursitis

4. Shoulder instability

The correct answer is: Frozen shoulder/adhesive capsulitis

A female patient in her 50s presenting with right shoulder pain and progressive stiffness is highly indicative of frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis. This condition is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, which typically develops gradually. The age and gender of the patient align with the demographic frequently affected by adhesive capsulitis, as it commonly occurs in women and those in midlife. The progressive nature of the symptoms, particularly the increasing stiffness, is a hallmark of this condition. Patients often experience decreased range of motion, which can further exacerbate shoulder pain and lead to functional limitations. In contrast, while conditions such as a rotator cuff tear or subacromial bursitis can also cause shoulder pain, they typically present with different clinical features. A rotator cuff tear may present with weakness in arm elevation and specific pain patterns associated with certain movements. Subacromial bursitis may involve localized tenderness in the subacromial region and is often accompanied by impingement symptoms. Shoulder instability usually presents with a sensation of looseness in the joint, sometimes coupled with a history of dislocations, which is not aligned with the symptom pattern described. Overall, the combination of age, gender, and the specific symptoms makes frozen