Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder becomes stiff, painful, and difficult to move. It usually develops slowly, over months, and can last for a long time—sometimes up to a few years. This condition is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60 and is more likely to affect women than men. If you’re dealing with frozen shoulder, understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments can help you manage the condition and get back to your daily activities.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint where the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into the shoulder blade (scapula). The joint is surrounded by a capsule made of connective tissue that keeps the bones in place and allows the shoulder to move freely. In frozen shoulder, this capsule becomes thickened, tight, and inflamed, which restricts movement and causes pain.
Frozen shoulder happens in three stages:
- Freezing Stage (Painful Stage): This stage starts with pain, especially when you move your shoulder. The pain may get worse at night and make it hard to sleep.
- Frozen Stage (Stiff Stage): In this stage, the pain may start to decrease, but the shoulder becomes very stiff. This limits the range of motion, making everyday tasks like reaching for something overhead or behind your back harder to do.
- Thawing Stage (Recovery Stage): During this phase, the shoulder gradually becomes more flexible and movement improves. Recovery can take several months to a few years, but most people see significant improvement during this time.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of frozen shoulder is unclear, it is thought to happen when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickened. Certain factors make someone more likely to develop frozen shoulder:
- Diabetes: People with diabetes, especially those with uncontrolled blood sugar, are at a higher risk of getting frozen shoulder.
- Age and Gender: Frozen shoulder is most common in people aged 40 to 60 and is more often seen in women.
- Shoulder Injury or Surgery: If you’ve had a shoulder injury or surgery that required you to keep your shoulder still for a long time, you may be at risk.
- Other Health Conditions: Conditions like arthritis, thyroid problems, and cardiovascular diseases can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
The main symptoms of frozen shoulder are pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the arm. The condition typically progresses through three stages:
- Pain: The first symptom is often pain around the outer part of the shoulder. It can be dull and aching and may be worse at night, making it difficult to sleep.
- Stiffness: As the condition gets worse, the shoulder becomes more stiff. Moving the arm becomes harder, and you might not be able to lift your arm or reach behind your back.
- Limited Range of Motion: In the later stage, movement in the shoulder becomes very restricted. Activities that were once simple, like getting dressed, can become challenging.
- Trouble Sleeping: Due to pain, especially when lying on the affected side, many people have trouble sleeping during the early stages of frozen shoulder.
Diagnosing Frozen Shoulder
A doctor can usually diagnose frozen shoulder based on your symptoms and a physical exam. During the exam, the doctor will check how far you can move your shoulder. They might also use X-rays or an MRI to rule out other problems like arthritis or a tear in the rotator cuff.
Treatment Options
Treatment for frozen shoulder focuses on reducing pain and improving shoulder movement. Although it can take time to heal, there are several ways to manage the symptoms and help the recovery process.
- Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments. A physical therapist will teach you exercises to improve your shoulder’s flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the joint. These exercises can help you regain your range of motion over time. The therapist may also use heat or cold to relieve pain.
- Pain Relief
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen can help with mild to moderate pain. If the pain is more severe, your doctor might suggest stronger pain medications or a corticosteroid injection. This injection goes directly into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Heat and Cold Therapy
Applying heat or cold to the shoulder can help manage pain. Heat helps relax muscles and improve blood flow, while cold therapy reduces inflammation and numbs pain. Alternating between heat and cold can be helpful in controlling symptoms.
- Surgery (In Rare Cases)
If other treatments don’t help after several months, surgery may be considered. Surgery for frozen shoulder is rare and usually done when the condition doesn’t improve with time and physical therapy. There are two main options:
- Arthroscopic Surgery: This is a minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon uses small incisions and a camera to remove or loosen the tight capsule around the shoulder joint.
- Manipulation Under Anesthesia: This involves gently moving the shoulder while the patient is under anesthesia to break up the stiff tissue and improve movement.
Frozen shoulder can be a frustrating and painful condition, but with the right treatment and patience, most people recover over time. The condition can take months or even years to fully heal, but physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes surgery can help speed up the recovery process. If you have frozen shoulder, work with your doctor and physical therapist to find the best treatment plan for your needs. With the right care, you can gradually regain shoulder mobility and return to your normal activities.
