Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Does lifting your arm feel like an impossible task? Does shoulder pain disrupt your daily routine and make simple activities feel like a challenge? You might be dealing with frozen shoulder, a condition that causes stiffness, discomfort, and restricted movement in the shoulder joint.

It is also known as adhesive capsulitis. The condition often develops gradually and may last for months or even years if left untreated. In this blog, we’ll discuss what frozen shoulder is, its symptoms and treatment options. Book your appointment with our Best Orthopaedic Doctor at CMRI Hospital, Kolkata and get the best and most effective treatment for your prostate-related issues. 

So, let’s get started with what it is. 

What is a frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, popularly known as shoulder stiffness. It is a condition where your shoulder gets stiff or movement becomes limited. It happens when the tissue surrounding the shoulder joint, called the shoulder joint capsule, becomes inflamed, thick and stiff.

The joint capsule contains ligaments that connect the top of your upper armbone (humeral head) to your shoulder socket (glenoid). These ligaments hold the joint, called a ball and socket joint, firmly in place.

This condition is called frozen shoulder because the more pain you feel, the less possibility you move your shoulder. Lack of movement causes your capsule to thicken and become tight. It makes your shoulder even more difficult to move—it’s like freezing in its position.

What are the symptoms of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)?

Frozen shoulder is a condition that develops slowly in three stages. Let’s discuss this in detail. 

Stage	Description	Symptoms	Tips for Management	Duration
Freezing	The shoulder becomes stiff and painful to move. Pain gradually worsens, often worse at night. Movement decreases significantly.	Gradual increase in pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, difficulty sleeping due to pain.	Apply heat or cold packs, gentle stretching exercises, over-the-counter pain relief, and seek medical advice.	6 weeks to 9 months
Frozen	Pain reduces, but shoulder stiffness persists. Daily tasks, such as dressing or reaching overhead, become more difficult.	Reduced pain but severe stiffness, difficulty with arm movement, inability to perform daily tasks.	Focus on physical therapy to maintain mobility; avoid overstraining; and consider corticosteroid injections if advised.	2 to 6 months
Thawing (Recovery)	Pain lessens, and shoulder mobility slowly improves. Strength and normal range of motion return gradually.	Pain fades, increasing range of motion, and regaining strength in the shoulder.	Regular physical therapy; continue stretching and strengthening exercises; patience is key.	6 months to 2 years

What are the causes of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)?

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not yet known. However, this condition occurs when inflammation causes the capsule of your shoulder joint to thicken and stiffen. 

Over time, thick scar tissue called adhesions develops. It leads to reducing the amount of synovial fluid in your shoulder. Synovial fluid plays an important role in keeping your shoulder joint lubricated and flexible. When it decreases due to inflammation, it becomes harder to move and rotate your shoulder properly.

What are the treatments for frozen shoulders?

The aim of frozen shoulder treatment is to manage shoulder pain and maintain as much shoulder mobility as possible. The treatment usually involves shoulder exercise, medication, therapy, and surgery and other procedures. Let’s talk about them one by one.

Exercise for Shoulder Stiffness 

These are simple yet easy-to-perform exercises for shoulder stiffness. These help to improve your shoulder flexibility and movement. Start slow and avoid forcing any movement that causes sharp pain.

So, let’s get stated!

1. Wall Climb

How to Perform:

• Stand facing a wall at arm's length.
• Just place your fingers on the wall. Slowly "walk" them upward, as far as you can comfortably go.
• Once you reach your limit, hold for a few seconds, then slowly lower your arm.
• Reps: You can repeat this 8-10 times or twice daily.

2. Pendulum Swing

How to Perform:

• Stand next to a table or chair for support.
• Lean forward slightly, letting the affected arm dangle straight down.
• Gently swing your arm in small circles (clockwise and anticlockwise).
• Gradually increase the size of the circles as your range of motion improves.

Reps: Do 10 swings in each direction, 1-2 times daily.

3. Towel Stretch

How to Perform:

• Hold a towel behind your back with one hand (above your shoulder) and the other hand (below your shoulder).
• Use the top hand to gently pull the bottom hand upward, stretching the shoulder.
• Hold the stretch for 10-15 seconds, then relax.

Reps: Repeat 10 times, once daily.

4. Cross-Body Stretch

How to Perform:

• Use your unaffected arm to lift your affected arm across your chest.
• Hold the stretch at shoulder level, feeling a gentle pull.
• Hold for 15-20 seconds, then release.

Reps: Perform 10 stretches on each side, twice a day.

Medications

• Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation.
• In severe cases, stronger prescription medications may be recommended by a healthcare provider.

Therapy:

• A physical therapist can guide you through range-of-motion exercises to restore shoulder movement.
• Consistency with these exercises is essential for recovery.

Other Treatments:

• Steroid Injections: Reduce pain and improve mobility, especially in early stages.
• Hydrodilatation: Sterile water is injected into the joint to stretch the tissue, sometimes paired with steroids.
• Shoulder manipulation: performed under anaesthesia to loosen tight joint tissues.
• Surgery: Rarely needed, but arthroscopic surgery may remove scar tissue for severe cases.

Most frozen shoulders improve naturally within 12 to 18 months.

The Final Word

In conclusion, frozen shoulder can be a challenging condition, but understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is key to managing it effectively. With proper care, including medications, physical therapy, and patience, most people recover fully. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment play a vital role in restoring shoulder mobility and reducing discomfort.

Whom to Consult for Shoulder Stiffness 

If you're experiencing shoulder pain, stiffness, or difficulty with movement, don't wait.You can consult the best orthopedic doctors at the CK Birla Hospital, Kolkata ( CMRI) Book your appointment (booking link).

FAQs

 

Is frozen shoulder curable?

Yes, frozen shoulder is treatable, and most people recover fully with the right treatment.

Does frozen shoulder heal on its own?

Yes, it can improve on its own over time, but treatment can speed up recovery.

Why is frozen shoulder common in diabetic patients?

Diabetes can affect the connective tissues and increase the risk of inflammation, making frozen shoulder more common.

How much time does a frozen shoulder take to heal?

It typically takes 12 to 18 months to heal, though treatment can speed up the recovery process.

Can frozen shoulders cause neck pain?

Yes, the stiffness in the shoulder can lead to neck pain or discomfort due to the interconnectedness of the muscles.