Shoulder · condition guide
Frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) makes the shoulder painful and stiff, because the lining of the joint thickens and tightens. It is most common between 40 and 60, and in people with diabetes or thyroid problems. It usually gets better with time; treatment eases the pain and helps you keep moving while it recovers.
- Most common age
- 40 to 60
- Usual course
- 1 to 3 years
- Surgery needed?
- Rarely
For patients of Dr. Mandar Deb, orthopaedic surgeon, Kolkata. Based on AAOS OrthoInfo and NHS guidance. Sources
The condition
What is frozen shoulder?
The shoulder joint sits in a capsule of soft tissue. In a frozen shoulder the capsule becomes inflamed, then thickens, tightens and forms bands of scar tissue, so the joint has less room to move.
The cause is often unclear. It is more common in women, in people with diabetes or thyroid problems, and after a period when the arm was kept still, for example after an injury, a fracture or surgery.
Signs
What does frozen shoulder feel like?
- A dull, aching pain over the outer shoulder, sometimes down the upper arm
- Pain that is worse at night and disturbs sleep
- Stiffness in every direction: reaching up, out to the side and behind your back
- Everyday tasks become hard, such as combing your hair, dressing or reaching a shelf
The typical sign is that the shoulder won’t move fully even when someone else gently moves it for you. That helps tell it apart from a rotator cuff problem, where the shoulder is weak but can usually be moved by someone else.
How long it lasts
The three stages
Frozen shoulder runs a slow course. Most people get back normal or near-normal movement, but the whole cycle can take one to three years.
- 01 · 6 weeks to 9 monthsFreezing
Pain slowly increases and the shoulder loses movement.
- 02 · 4 to 6 monthsFrozen
The pain may ease, but the stiffness stays and daily tasks are hard.
- 03 · 6 months to 2 yearsThawing
Movement gradually comes back.
Diagnosis
How is it diagnosed?
Mainly by examination: the shoulder is moved in every direction, first by you and then gently by the doctor. In a frozen shoulder both are limited.
An X-ray rules out other causes such as arthritis. An MRI or ultrasound isn’t needed to diagnose a frozen shoulder, but it can check for a rotator cuff tear when that is suspected.
Treatment
How is it treated?
Without surgery: most people
- Pain relief: regular painkillers or anti-inflammatory medicines, as advised.
- A steroid injection into the joint, which can ease the pain, especially in the early, painful stage.
- Physiotherapy and home stretches: gentle and regular, often with warmth beforehand. Don’t force it with heavy gym exercises; that can make the pain worse.
- Hydrodilatation: if progress stalls, fluid injected into the joint stretches the tight capsule.
- Good control of diabetes or thyroid problems, which helps recovery.
Surgery: when it doesn’t improve
If the shoulder stays stiff and painful despite months of treatment, it can be freed under anaesthesia: the tight capsule is released by keyhole surgery (arthroscopic capsular release), sometimes together with a gentle manipulation. Physiotherapy straight afterwards keeps the movement gained; recovery takes about six weeks to three months. More on release for stiff shoulder
See an orthopaedic doctor if…
- Shoulder pain and stiffness aren’t easing after a few weeks
- Pain wakes you at night
- You can’t lift the arm or reach behind your back
- The shoulder stiffened after an injury, a fracture or surgery
Emergency: pain in the shoulder or arm together with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating can come from the heart. Go to the nearest emergency department now.
Questions
Frozen shoulder FAQs.
What patients ask most about a frozen shoulder.
How long does frozen shoulder last?
Usually one to three years from start to finish, through three stages: freezing, frozen and thawing. Treatment eases the pain and helps keep movement while it recovers.
Does frozen shoulder go away on its own?
It usually does improve with time, and most people get back normal or near-normal movement. Some stiffness can remain, more often in people with diabetes.
Is frozen shoulder linked to diabetes?
Yes. It is much more common in people with diabetes, and also with thyroid problems. Keeping blood sugar well controlled helps recovery.
Should I keep moving a frozen shoulder?
Yes, gently. Regular stretches within the limits of pain help, ideally guided by a physiotherapist. Avoid forcing it with heavy or gym exercises, which can make the pain worse.
Will I need surgery for a frozen shoulder?
Rarely. Most people improve with pain relief, injections and exercises. Keyhole release is considered when the shoulder stays stiff and painful despite months of treatment.
Where can I see Dr. Mandar Deb for a frozen shoulder?
At his weekly OPDs in Newtown, Rajarhat, Dum Dum and South Kolkata, and in Basirhat twice a month. Book by calling the clinic; days, times and numbers are on the Clinics page.
References
Sources
This guide follows patient information from these organisations. It is general information; Dr. Deb’s advice for your own shoulder comes first.
-
01
OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
Patient information written and reviewed by orthopaedic surgeons.
Frozen Shoulder -
02
NHS, the UK’s National Health Service
Public health guidance from the NHS website.
Frozen shoulder