Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Recovery Guide

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. The shoulder capsule becomes thick and tight restricting movement, greatly affecting daily activities and quality of life.

Causes and Risk Factors

Frozen shoulder is often caused by inflammation and thickening of the joint capsule. The exact cause is not always clear but may include:

• Shoulder injury, surgery, or immobilization

• Diabetes mellitus (increased risk)

• Thyroid disorders

• Cardiovascular diseases

• Prolonged inactivity or immobilization

• Age (common in 40-60 years) and female gender

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Common symptoms include:

• Gradual onset of shoulder pain, worsened at night

• Progressive stiffness and limited shoulder movement

• Difficulty performing overhead or behind-the-back tasks

• Reduced range of motion in all directions

Diagnosis is primarily clinical but imaging like MRI or ultrasound may be used to rule out other conditions and assess inflammation.

Stages of Frozen Shoulder

1. Freezing Stage (Painful Stage): Gradual onset with increasing pain and decreasing motion, lasting 6 weeks – 9 months.

2. Frozen Stage: Pain may reduce but stiffness remains severe, lasting 4–12 months.

3. Thawing Stage: Gradual improvement in motion and less pain, can last 6 months to 2 years.

Treatment Options

  ⇒  Non-Surgical

• Pain relief: NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections

• Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises to restore motion

• Heat/cold therapy: To reduce pain and muscle spasm

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

  ⇒  Surgical

• Arthroscopic capsular release may be recommended for severe cases unresponsive to conservative therapy.

Exercises and Physical Therapy

Daily, supervised exercises are essential for recovery and include:

• Pendulum stretches

• Towel stretches

• Cross-body reach

• External and internal rotation exercises

A physiotherapist tailored the program accelerates functional improvement and prevents recurrence.

Recovery Time and Prognosis

Frozen shoulder often resolves gradually with proper treatment but can take up to 2–3 years. Most regain near-normal shoulder function but some may experience residual stiffness or discomfort.