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

Which of the following conditions may mimic a GH dislocation in symptoms?

1. Rotator cuff tear

2. Fractured clavicle

3. Proximal biceps tendon rupture

4. Adhesive capsulitis

The correct answer is: Adhesive capsulitis

Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, can indeed mimic the symptoms of a glenohumeral (GH) dislocation. Both conditions can present with significant shoulder pain, reduced range of motion, and instability perceptions in the shoulder joint. In adhesive capsulitis, there is a thickening and tightening of the shoulder capsule, which can lead to pain and restricted movement similar to what a patient may experience with a GH dislocation. This similarity in symptomatology makes it challenging for practitioners to initially differentiate between the two without a thorough clinical assessment. While rotator cuff tears, fractured clavicles, and proximal biceps tendon ruptures can also present with shoulder pain and limited movement, their symptom profiles usually have distinguishing features that can help differentiate them from a GH dislocation and adhesive capsulitis. For example, rotator cuff tears might present more with weakness during specific movements, and a fractured clavicle is typically associated with visible deformity or pain at the site of fracture. Adhesive capsulitis is the condition most likely to mimic the sensation of instability and the severe limitation of motion that can accompany a GH dislocation, particularly in the early stages where the pain and functional restrictions overlap significantly. This characteristic