Final answer:
Disease processes that can cause severe stiffness in the shoulders and hip girdle include polymyalgia rheumatica, osteoarthritis, and bursitis. These conditions can lead to pain, decreased range of motion, and joint stiffness, and are commonly managed by orthopedists.
Step-by-step explanation:
The disease process that often presents with severe stiffness in the shoulders and hip girdle is commonly due to inflammatory conditions like polymyalgia rheumatica, an inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness around the shoulders and hips. However, other conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA) may also cause severe stiffness in these areas due to the breakdown of joint cartilage and bone, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Additionally, bursitis can cause joint stiffness and pain, with the most common types being subacromial bursitis at the shoulder and trochanteric bursitis at the hip. These conditions require thorough evaluation and may be managed by orthopedists.