Frozen Shoulder: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that makes your shoulder stiff and painful. In this condition, the tissue around your shoulder joint becomes thick and tight. As a result, moving your arm can be hard. Over time, the shoulder may become very hard to move at all. Although frozen shoulder can affect anyone, it is more common in people aged 40 to 60. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is not caused by arthritis or injury, but by changes in the joint capsule.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder symptoms usually develop slowly. However, they can last for months or even years. Common signs include:

Shoulder pain, especially when moving your arm

Stiffness in the shoulder joint

Limited range of motion

Pain that worsens at night

Difficulty doing daily tasks, like reaching overhead

At first, pain may be mild. But over time, it can get worse. Eventually, the pain may decrease, but stiffness often remains.

Causes and Risk Factors

Doctors do not know the exact cause of frozen shoulder. However, some factors can increase your risk. For example, you may be more likely to get frozen shoulder if you:

Are between 40 and 60 years old

Are female

Have diabetes

Have had shoulder surgery or injury

Have thyroid problems

Have heart disease

Have been immobile for a long time

Sometimes, frozen shoulder develops after an injury or surgery. But in many cases, it happens without a clear reason.

How Frozen Shoulder is Diagnosed

Doctors diagnose frozen shoulder by asking about your symptoms and checking your shoulder. First, your doctor will move your arm to see how much you can move it. Next, they may order tests to rule out other problems. These tests can include:

X-rays to check for arthritis or bone problems

MRI or ultrasound to look at soft tissues

However, most of the time, a physical exam is enough to diagnose frozen shoulder.

Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder treatment aims to reduce pain and improve movement. Although recovery can take time, most people get better with simple treatments. Common options include:

Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the shoulder

Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Hot or cold packs to ease pain

Corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling

Shoulder exercises at home

In rare cases, surgery may be needed. But most people do not need surgery. According to the CDC, early treatment helps prevent long-term stiffness.

Lifestyle Tips and Prevention

There are steps you can take to manage frozen shoulder and lower your risk. For example, you can:

Keep your shoulder moving as much as possible

Follow your physical therapist’s advice

Use gentle stretches daily

Apply heat before exercise to relax muscles

Rest your shoulder, but do not stop moving it completely

Although you cannot always prevent frozen shoulder, staying active can help. If you have had shoulder surgery or injury, start gentle movements early, as your doctor recommends.

When to See a Doctor

If you have shoulder pain or stiffness that does not improve, see a doctor. Early treatment can help you recover faster. In addition, seek medical help if:

You cannot move your shoulder at all

Pain keeps you awake at night

Home treatments do not help

Remember, a doctor can help find the cause and suggest the best frozen shoulder treatment for you.

Consult an orthopedic specialist for personalized advice on frozen shoulder.