CMTBC Registration Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In a patient with adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, the condition typically leads to significant restrictions in specific shoulder movements due to inflammation and stiffness in the shoulder capsule. Among the movements affected, lateral rotation, abduction, and medial rotation are most consistently noted to be restricted.

Lateral rotation and abduction are particularly impacted early in the condition and tend to remain restricted as adhesive capsulitis progresses. The inability to perform these movements is a hallmark of frozen shoulder, leading to functional limitations in various activities. Medial rotation, while not as commonly limited as lateral rotation and abduction, also becomes restricted due to the overall stiffness and adhesive quality of the joint capsule.

Other options may include movements that could be affected but are less characteristic of the primary restrictions seen in this condition. Adhesive capsulitis primarily results in a "capsular pattern" of restriction, which predominantly includes the inability to abduct and externally rotate, thus making the specified movements in this answer the most representative of the expected findings during an assessment.