FROZEN SHOULDER
Frozen Shoulder
(Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder is a painful condition in which the lining of the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened, and progressively tight. As the capsule contracts, shoulder motion becomes increasingly restricted. Although many patients eventually improve, recovery often takes many months, and treatment can significantly improve comfort and restore function.
Capsular Tightening
Loss Of Motion
Usually Nonoperative
Restore Motion
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and progressively contracts. As the capsule tightens, both active and passive motion become increasingly restricted.
Unlike many other shoulder conditions, the primary problem is not a torn tendon or damaged cartilage. Instead, the shoulder capsule itself becomes stiff and painful.
Dr. Streit's Clinical Perspective
Frozen shoulder is one of the few shoulder conditions in which stiffness—not weakness—is the primary problem. The diagnosis is usually made from the history and physical examination, particularly when both you and your physician are unable to move the shoulder normally.
Common Symptoms
Progressive Pain
Pain often begins gradually and may be worse at night.
Loss Of Motion
Both active and passive shoulder motion become restricted.
Difficulty Reaching
Simple activities such as reaching overhead or fastening a seatbelt become difficult.
Difficulty Sleeping
Many patients have significant night pain, especially early in the condition.
Difficulty Dressing
Putting on a jacket or reaching behind your back becomes increasingly challenging.
Gradual Progression
Symptoms typically worsen over weeks to months before improving.
Who Develops Frozen Shoulder?
Adults 40–60
Diabetes
Thyroid Disease
After Injury
After Surgery
Sometimes No Clear Cause
How Is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based primarily on your symptoms and physical examination. X-rays are commonly obtained to exclude arthritis or other structural problems. MRI may be recommended when another diagnosis is suspected or symptoms are atypical.
History
Physical Examination
X-rays
MRI (When Needed)
How Is Frozen Shoulder Treated?
Home Stretching
Regular stretching is often the foundation of treatment.
Physical Therapy
Guided therapy helps restore shoulder mobility.
Corticosteroid Injection
An injection may reduce inflammation and improve comfort, particularly early in the course of the condition.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory medication may help reduce pain.
Observation
Many patients improve over time, although recovery may be prolonged.
Surgery
Reserved for selected patients who fail appropriate nonoperative treatment.
What I Tell My Patients
"Frozen shoulder is frustrating because recovery is measured in months rather than days. Fortunately, the vast majority of patients improve without major surgery, but patience and consistent stretching are critical."
Related Resources
Concerned You May Have Frozen Shoulder?
A thorough shoulder evaluation can determine whether your stiffness is caused by frozen shoulder or another condition and help develop a treatment plan focused on relieving pain and restoring motion.
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