Frozen Shoulder: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Frozen shoulder is a condition that slowly begins and eventually restricts people from performing their daily activities. What might seem like a minor stiffness of the shoulder can have progressed to discomfort and difficulty moving, thus complicating even the easiest of tasks, like buttoning a shirt or reaching for something on a high shelf or even sleeping comfortably. Frozen shoulder is not a rare condition yet largely misunderstood.

A simplified description of frozen shoulder, the symptoms, reasons, stages of development, treatments, and expectations of recovery can be seen below. This will help in understanding the developments taking place and the treatments available at each phase.

What is a Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, refers to the stiffness of this joint as well as pain and restricted movement. It should be noted that the shoulder joint is encased in a ligament known as the connective tissue capsule.

It is not a condition that occurs suddenly. Frozen shoulder symptoms take time to develop. They usually worsen before they improve. Freezing of the shoulder joint is usually experienced by one shoulder. However, in some people, the condition may affect both shoulders; though not at the same time.

Typical Cases of Frozen Shoulder

The symptoms of frozen shoulder may be progressive. The symptoms can be categorized into pain symptoms and movement symptoms.

Pain-related symptoms

• A dull or aching pain in the shoulder
• Pain radiating to the upper arm
• Pain or discomfort that tends to worsen at night
• Pain when lying on the affected side

Movement-Related Symptoms

• Raising arm with difficulty
• Difficulty turning round with back.
• Loss of motion with time
• Not alleviated by rest

In the initial stage, the suffering is usually dominated by the sensation of pain. Subsequently, stiffness emerges more clearly, despite the reduction in the degree of pain.

Stages Of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder aka adhesive capsulitis is a three-stage condition. Every stage has its own characteristics and takes varying periods of time.

Freezing Stage

• Gradual onset of pain
• Increasing stiffness
• Pain worsens with movement
• Daily activities become uncomfortable

This stage can last anywhere from six weeks to nine months.

Frozen Stage

• Pain may reduce but stiffness increases
• Shoulder movement becomes very limited
• Routine tasks are difficult
• Muscle weakness may develop due to reduced use

This stage can last four to twelve months.

Thawing Stage

• Gradual improvement in movement
• Pain continues to ease
• Shoulder function slowly returns

This stage can last six months to two years. With proper care, most people regain near-normal shoulder movement.

This phase may last for six months to two years. Most people regain near-normal shoulder function with appropriate care.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder 

Though it is difficult to determine the underlying reason for frozen shoulders, several known predisposing factors exist.

Common Health Conditions Connected to Frozen Shoulder

Since Frozen Shoulder is

• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Heart disease
• Parkinson’s disease

People with diabetes are more likely to develop frozen shoulders, and recovery may take longer. Learn more the Tips for Healthy Eating with Diabetes.

Injury Or Reduced Shoulder Movement

• Shoulder injury
• Fracture of the arm or collarbone
• Recovery after shoulder surgery
• Prolonged immobilisation using a sling

When the shoulder is not moved for a long time, the joint capsule can tighten, leading to frozen shoulders.

Age And Gender Factors

• More common in people between 40 and 60 years
• Slightly more common in women

How a Frozen Shoulder Is Diagnosed

The diagnosis depends largely on symptoms and physical examination. The doctor would check shoulder joint mobility and associated pain.

Procedures for Diagnosing

• Medical history review
• Physical Examination on Shoulder Movements
• Assessment of pain patterns

Some patients may need to undergo imaging procedures like X-rays and MRI scans to eliminate some problems like arthritis, or even rotator cuff injuries. Imaging is not capable of establishing a diagnosis for a frozen shoulder, though it can refute some causes of shoulder stiffness.

Methods Used for Treating Frozen Shoulder

The goals of treatment are pain management and restoring movement. Treatment modalities vary depending on the stage of frozen shoulder and its symptoms.

Pain Management

• Pain relieving drugs, as prescribed by your physician
• Anti-inflammatory drugs may help to reduce the swelling.
• Heat or cold application for relieving pain

Pain management is also important, especially during the initial phase, as it ensures easier participation in exercise activities.

Physiotherapy and Exercises

Recovery involves mainly physiotherapy, where the aim of the exercises is to stretch the shoulder joint.

Common exercises include:

• Pendulum swings
• Towel stretch: Behind the back
• Walk the wall with your fingers.
• Cross-body shoulder stretch

Exercise should also be done regularly, though it is important to do it within one's comfort zone because otherwise, it might increase pain and delay healing.

Steroid Injections

• Used for relieving pain and inflammation.
• Useful in the initial stage of the freezing process
• It could increase comfort and facilitate movement

They can all be used along with physiotherapy for improved results.

Hydrodilatation

• Fluid injection into the capsule of a joint
• Assists in stretching the capsule
• May soften joints

Such a procedure is done under the supervision of a medical expert and can be considered effective in certain instances.

Surgery

Surgery is hardly ever needed and is usually recommended only if other treatments have failed.

Options include:

• Manipulation under anaesthesia
• Arthroscopic release of tight capsule

These are followed by physiotherapy exercises to promote movement.

Recovery and Outlook

The frozen shoulder is a slow process; one can heal from the frozen shoulder condition. People usually heal from the condition through proper attention.

What to Expect During Recovery

• Improvement, rather than immediate relief
• Stiffness can outlast the associated pain.
• Regular exercises enhance performance.
• Waiting is necessary

While early care will help reduce the pain and speed recovery, leaving the condition alone will cause it to resolve by itself.

Daily Tips For Managing Frozen Shoulder

Small changes in daily habits can make a difference during recovery.

• Maintain gentle shoulder movement
• Avoid sudden or forceful actions
• Use supportive pillows while sleeping
• Follow exercise routines consistently
• Take breaks during activities involving the shoulder

Listening to the body and avoiding strain helps prevent worsening of symptoms.

Frozen Shoulder And Mental Wellbeing

Chronic pain and limited movement can affect emotional health. Sleep disturbance and frustration are common.

Helpful steps include:

• Maintaining a regular sleep routine
• Practising relaxation techniques
• Staying active within comfort limits
• Seeking guidance if stress increases

Addressing mental wellbeing supports overall recovery.

When To Seek Medical Advice

Medical attention should be sought if:

• Shoulder pain lasts more than a few weeks
• Movement continues to reduce
• Pain interferes with sleep
• Home remedies do not help

Early assessment helps rule out other conditions and start appropriate treatment.

Conclusion 

Frozen shoulder stiffness is an experience that requires patience, but understanding its significance makes it less arduous. In this respect, early detection of symptoms, proper management following a planned schedule, and adherence to exercises would work wonders for smooth progress. Most individuals would be able to recover and carry on with their daily activities effortlessly without any subsequent complications, although this would be accompanied by quite some waiting periods for proper healing to occur.

Management of situations like frozen shoulder would go on to accentuate support structures related to healthcare management too. This would ensure that in circumstances where proper health insurance covers are available, most doubts and apprehensions concerning consultations, therapies, and procedures would be dispelled automatically. This would be particularly beneficial to most families residing in India, including NRI Indians who manage to retain health support networks within their native lands with NRI health insurance coverage, we at Niva Bupa act as facilitators toward ensuring smooth sailing without any extra stress to individuals accordingly.

FAQ’s

1. How long does frozen shoulder usually last?

Frozen shoulder can last from one to three years, depending on the individual and the stage at which treatment begins. While the condition improves gradually, regular exercises and medical guidance can help shorten recovery time.

2. Can frozen shoulders heal on its own without treatment?

In many cases, frozen shoulders do improve over time even without treatment. However, pain relief methods and physiotherapy can make daily life more comfortable and help restore movement faster.

3. Is frozen shoulder the same as arthritis?

No, frozen shoulders are different from arthritis. Arthritis affects the joint surfaces, while frozen shoulder involves tightening of the joint capsule, leading to stiffness and restricted movement.

4. Does frozen shoulder only affect older adults?

Frozen shoulder is more common in people between 40 and 60 years of age, but it can affect younger individuals as well, especially after injury, surgery, or prolonged shoulder immobility.

5. Are exercises safe for frozen shoulder?

Yes, gentle and guided exercises are an important part of treatment. Exercises should be done within comfort limits, as forcing movements can increase pain and delay recovery.

6. Can frozen shoulder come back after recovery?

Frozen shoulder usually does not return to the same shoulder once it has fully healed. However, some people may experience it on the other shoulder at a later stage.

7. Does frozen shoulder affect daily activities like work and sleep?

Yes, frozen shoulder can make routine activities such as dressing, lifting objects, or working at a desk uncomfortable. Pain often worsens at night, which can disturb sleep, especially when lying on the affected shoulder.