Postoperative Shoulder Stiffness

Postoperative shoulder stiffness occurs when excessive scar tissue and capsular tightening develop during recovery after shoulder surgery.

Some stiffness is expected early in recovery, but excessive stiffness can limit long-term function if not appropriately managed.

Why stiffness develops

• Inflammation
• Scar tissue formation
• Prolonged immobilization
• Pain limiting movement
• Diabetes
• Prior surgery

Symptoms

• Loss of motion
• Pain with stretching
• Difficulty reaching overhead
• Limited external rotation
• Slow rehabilitation progress

Treatment options

• Physical therapy
• Home stretching
• Pain control optimization
• Corticosteroid injection
• Manipulation under anesthesia
• Arthroscopic capsular release

Treatment must balance restoration of motion with protection of the underlying surgical repair.

What this means for patients

Modern rehabilitation strategies aim to avoid unnecessary stiffness while still protecting healing tissues. Early recognition and individualized therapy are essential to optimizing recovery.