FROZEN SHOULDER 

Frozen shoulder (also called adhesive capsulitis) is a condition in which the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened, and stiff, leading to pain and a gradual loss of shoulder movement.

​

​

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

The exact cause is not always clear, but it often develops after the shoulder has been immobilized or inflamed.

​

Common Risk Factors

Injury or Surgery

• Shoulder injury

• Rotator cuff problems

• Fractures

• Recovery after shoulder or breast surgery

• Prolonged use of a sling

​​

Medical Conditions

Frozen shoulder is more common in people with:

• Type 2 Diabetes

• Type 1 Diabetes

• Thyroid disorders

• Heart disease

• Parkinson's disease

​​

Age and Sex

• Most common between ages 40 and 60

• More common in women than men

​

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

The hallmark symptoms are:

​

Pain

• Dull, aching pain deep in the shoulder

• Pain often felt on the outer shoulder or upper arm

• Worse at night, especially when lying on the affected side

• Pain when reaching overhead or behind the back

​

Stiffness

• Progressive loss of shoulder movement

• Difficulty raising the arm

• Difficulty reaching behind the back (e.g., fastening a bra, tucking in a shirt)

• Difficulty reaching overhead (e.g., getting items from a shelf)

​​

Reduced Range of Motion

Both active movement (you move the arm yourself) and passive movement (someone else moves it for you) become restricted. This helps distinguish frozen shoulder from some other shoulder conditions.

 

The Three Stages

​

1. Freezing Stage

• Increasing pain

• Gradually worsening stiffness

• Can last 2–9 months

​

2. Frozen Stage

• Pain may lessen somewhat

• Stiffness becomes the main problem

• Daily activities become difficult

• Can last 4–12 months

• ​

3. Thawing Stage

• Movement gradually returns

• Symptoms slowly improve

• Can last 6–24 months or longer

​​

Common Activities That Become Difficult

• Putting on a coat

• Reaching into a back pocket

• Fastening a seatbelt

• Washing or brushing hair

• Reaching overhead

• Sleeping comfortably on the affected side

​

When to Seek Medical Assessment

See a healthcare professional if:

• Shoulder pain persists for weeks

• You are steadily losing shoulder movement

• Night pain is affecting sleep

• Symptoms follow an injury

• You develop significant weakness, numbness, or swelling

​

Frozen Shoulder vs. Rotator Cuff Injury

A key difference is that with frozen shoulder:

• Pain and stiffness are both prominent

• Both active and passive shoulder movement are restricted

       with many rotator cuff problems:

• Weakness and pain are more prominent

• Passive movement may remain relatively preserved