Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, causing pain and progressive loss of motion. It often develops gradually without a clear injury and is more common in people aged 40 to 60 and in those with diabetes or thyroid conditions. It typically moves through painful, stiff, and thawing phases.
Common symptoms
- Deep, aching shoulder pain, often worse at night early on
- Progressive stiffness in all directions of movement
- Difficulty reaching overhead, behind the back, or across the body
- Motion that stays limited even when someone else moves the arm for you
When to see a specialist
Frozen shoulder usually improves on its own over months to a couple of years, and most people never need surgery. First-line care includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and often a steroid injection to ease the painful phase. A surgeon becomes relevant mainly when severe stiffness persists despite many months of dedicated therapy, options then may include manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release.
Treatment options
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Common questions
- Does frozen shoulder always need surgery?
- No, the large majority of cases resolve with time, therapy, and sometimes injections. Surgery is typically a last resort for stiffness that will not budge after prolonged conservative care.
- How long does frozen shoulder last?
- The full course commonly runs from several months to two years or more, moving through freezing, frozen, and thawing stages. Treatment aims to reduce pain and shorten the stiff phase.
- What causes frozen shoulder?
- The exact cause is often unclear. It can follow a period of shoulder immobility, such as after injury or surgery, and is more common with diabetes and thyroid disorders.
This page provides general information only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified physician about your specific situation. Listings are not endorsements.