Also known as: Adhesive Capsulitis
Frozen shoulder is a condition characterised by stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It develops gradually in three stages and may take one to three years to resolve.
Frozen shoulder affects approximately 2–5% of the general population and up to 20% of people with diabetes. It occurs when the shoulder joint capsule becomes thickened, tight, and inflamed, with the development of adhesions (bands of scar tissue).
The condition progresses through three overlapping stages: freezing (increasing pain and stiffness over 2–9 months), frozen (pain may improve but stiffness peaks, lasting 4–12 months), and thawing (gradual return of motion over 5–24 months).
While frozen shoulder is self-limiting and eventually resolves, the duration can be prolonged and significantly impact quality of life. Treatment aims to manage pain and accelerate recovery of motion.
People with Frozen Shoulder often experience the following symptoms.
Gradual onset of diffuse shoulder pain that worsens over time, with progressive loss of range of motion. Pain is often worst at night.
Pain may diminish but the shoulder becomes profoundly stiff. Both active and passive range of motion are significantly limited.
Range of motion gradually begins to return over months. Function slowly improves, though some residual stiffness may persist.
Difficulty with overhead reaching, behind-the-back movements, dressing, and grooming. Cannot lie on the affected side.
Certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing Frozen Shoulder.
Common approaches to managing frozen shoulder. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized treatment.
Gentle stretching and range of motion exercises are the cornerstone of treatment. Aggressive stretching during the freezing stage may worsen the condition.
Anti-inflammatories, analgesics, and corticosteroid injections into the joint can manage pain and may accelerate recovery.
Injection of saline and corticosteroid into the joint capsule under imaging guidance to stretch the capsule and break adhesions.
For resistant cases, the shoulder is moved through its range of motion while the patient is under anaesthesia to break adhesions.
Diagnosis is clinical, based on the characteristic pattern of progressive pain followed by stiffness with loss of both active and passive range of motion. X-rays are typically normal. MRI may show thickened joint capsule but is mainly used to rule out other conditions.
See a doctor if you are developing increasing shoulder stiffness, if you cannot perform daily activities like dressing or reaching, or if shoulder pain is not improving after several weeks.
Steps that may help reduce the risk of developing or worsening frozen shoulder.
Maintain shoulder mobility during injury recovery
Early physiotherapy after shoulder surgery
Good diabetes management may reduce risk
Regular gentle shoulder exercises
If left untreated or poorly managed, frozen shoulder may lead to:
The total duration is typically 1–3 years, though it can be longer. Some studies suggest mild residual stiffness may persist beyond apparent resolution. Diabetic patients tend to have longer and more severe courses.
Yes, frozen shoulder is generally self-limiting and will eventually resolve. However, treatment can significantly reduce pain and may accelerate recovery of motion.
The exact mechanism is unclear but may involve glycation of collagen in the joint capsule, making it more prone to thickening and adhesion formation. Up to 20% of diabetic patients develop frozen shoulder.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.