Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder causes pain and stiffness that can significantly limit shoulder movement and range of motion.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) occurs when the tissue around the shoulder joint becomes thickened and tight, making it harder to move the shoulder and causing pain. The exact cause isn’t always clear, but it often develops after a period of limited shoulder movement or in people with certain health conditions.
Causes & Risk Factors
Common causes and risk factors of frozen shoulder include:
- Shoulder immobility or limited use due to injury, surgery, or prolonged immobilization (such as wearing a sling)
- Diabetes, which significantly increases the risk
- Thyroid disorders, including both overactive and underactive thyroid
- Age and sex, most commonly affecting adults between 40-60, and more often women
- Other systemic conditions, such as heart disease or Parkinson’s disease
- Previous shoulder injury or surgery, which can trigger inflammation and stiffness
Frozen Shoulder Symptoms
Frozen shoulder typically develops gradually without a clear injury and worsens over time. Common symptoms include:
- Dull or aching shoulder pain
- Increasing stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Difficulty lifting the arm overhead or reaching behind the back
- Pain that may worsen at night or disrupt sleep
- Gradual loss of shoulder movement over weeks to months
Treatment for Frozen Shoulder
Treatment focuses on reducing pain and restoring movement. In many cases, symptoms improve over time, but recovery can take several months.
Common treatment options include:
- Physical therapy to improve flexibility and range of motion
- Anti-inflammatory medications to help manage pain and swelling
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and improve comfort
- Activity modification to avoid movements that worsen symptoms
In some cases, procedures or surgery may be recommended to release the tight joint capsule when conservative treatment is not effective. Early evaluation and treatment can help reduce stiffness and support recovery.
Meet Our Shoulder Team
As part of the Summa Health Orthopedics Institute, our shoulder team is led by board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons with advanced expertise in treating shoulder conditions and injuries. Working closely with therapists and other specialists, they provide personalized care focused on relieving pain, restoring function and helping patients return to the activities they enjoy.