What condition may a therapist suspect in a female patient experiencing right shoulder pain and stiffness without trauma?

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, which often occurs gradually without a specific trauma. This condition typically leads to a restriction in the range of motion and may present more commonly in individuals who are female, particularly in the middle age range.

In the case of a female patient presenting with right shoulder pain and stiffness without any recent trauma, it is reasonable for a therapist to suspect frozen shoulder. This condition results from inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule, which can lead to significant discomfort and movement limitations.

Furthermore, the nature of the pain in frozen shoulder often differs from that of other shoulder conditions. While other shoulder pathologies, such as rotator cuff tears or tendonitis, may also present with pain and limited range of motion, they usually have specific mechanisms of onset or may occur alongside more acute or chronic trauma histories.

Recognizing the typical signs and symptoms associated with frozen shoulder, along with the absence of trauma as a triggering factor, helps clinicians make informed decisions about diagnosis and subsequent treatment strategies.