Frozen Shoulder

We rely on our shoulder joints for countless daily activities, from getting dressed to cooking a meal. Frozen shoulder is a condition that can make performing these routine tasks both painful and difficult.

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder restricts range of motion in your shoulder joint. It happens when the connective tissue surrounding the joint becomes inflamed. Over time, the inflammation leads to the formation of scar tissue in the joint, causing pain and stiffness. The pain may lead you to use your shoulder less, which can further limit mobility. Over time, the joint may feel “frozen” in place.

The condition more commonly affects women and tends to be diagnosed in adults between the ages of 40 and 60. Shoulder injuries that require immobility for extended periods of time can also increase your risk for frozen shoulder.

Symptoms of frozen shoulder

The most common symptoms of frozen shoulder are pain, stiffness and loss of mobility in the shoulder area.

Frozen shoulder develops gradually across three stages:

Stage 1: Freezing. The shoulder becomes increasingly painful and stiff without an obvious cause. The pain may worsen at night, and range of motion diminishes.

Stage 2: Frozen. The pain may start to ease but the shoulder remains stiff. Movement may be very difficult.

Stage 3: Thawing. The ability to move your shoulder gradually improves as you recover.

Early intervention for frozen shoulder can improve outcomes and prevent complications. Consult a specialist if:

• Persistent shoulder pain is making it difficult for you to sleep or perform daily activities
• Your shoulder is becoming increasingly stiff
• Rest and at-home pain management strategies are not improving symptoms

Diagnosing frozen shoulder

To make a diagnosis, your orthopedic specialist will discuss your medical history and perform a physical exam to assess for pain and evaluate your range of motion. They may also recommend imaging tests:

• X-rays help rule out bone-related sources of pain like arthritis.
• MRIs provide detailed images of the shoulder joint and may help your care team look for other shoulder-related concerns.
• Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to evaluate range of motion in real time.

Treating frozen shoulder

Treatment depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms, your overall health and your activity level. We offer both nonsurgical and surgical options tailored to your individual needs.

Nonsurgical treatments

Treatment for frozen shoulder typically focuses on nonsurgical options that reduce pain and inflammation while preserving your mobility.

• Physical therapy exercises to help improve range of motion
• Anti-inflammatory medications to ease pain and inflammation
• Hot and cold compresses to reduce pain and swelling
• Corticosteroid injections to support pain relief

Surgical treatments

Your doctor may recommend a surgical approach if your symptoms are severe or do not resolve over time:

• Shoulder arthroscopy, using minimally invasive techniques, to remove scar tissue
• Shoulder manipulation under anesthesia to loosen the tissue
• A combination of both manipulation and arthroscopy

Postoperative rehabilitation can help you further regain strength and mobility. While recovery looks different for everyone, most patients gradually return to the activities they enjoy.