Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, commonly known as "frozen shoulder" or "frozen shoulder syndrome," is a self-limited painful condition that is quite common. In 1984, the prevalence of frozen shoulder was demonstrated at slightly greater than 2% in the general population. In the authors' practice, consisting primarily of orthopedic magnetic resonance imaging, this diagnosis is frequently seen in patients referred for evaluation of rotator cuff tear because the presenting symptoms are similar.