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.
What are the symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?
- 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
What causes Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder develops when the capsule of connective tissue around the shoulder joint thickens, tightens, and forms scar-like bands, leaving less room for the arm to move. Why it starts is not fully understood, but it very often follows a period when the shoulder has been kept still: after an injury, surgery, or a bout of tendinitis. It is most common between forty and sixty and affects women more than men. Diabetes is the single biggest risk factor, and thyroid disease, heart disease, and Parkinson's are also linked.
When should you see a specialist for Frozen Shoulder?
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.
How is Frozen Shoulder treated?
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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.