Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and progressive stiffness in the shoulder. It can make everyday movements such as reaching overhead, dressing or moving the arm behind the back difficult.
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes painful and progressively tight, restricting shoulder movement.
Recovery can take time, but appropriate treatment and guided rehabilitation can help restore shoulder movement and function.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
The shoulder is a highly mobile joint surrounded by a soft-tissue capsule that helps support and stabilise the joint.
In frozen shoulder, this capsule can become inflamed, thickened and tight. As the condition progresses, shoulder movement becomes increasingly restricted.
Frozen shoulder can develop gradually and may interfere with work, sleep, exercise and simple daily activities.
Adhesive capsulitis
Pain and shoulder stiffness
Reduced range of motion
Often gradual over time
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Symptoms commonly develop gradually and may become increasingly noticeable as shoulder movement becomes restricted.
Shoulder Pain
Pain may occur around the shoulder and can become worse when moving the arm.
Increasing Stiffness
Shoulder movement gradually becomes more restricted, making normal activities difficult.
Difficulty Raising the Arm
Reaching overhead or lifting the arm away from the body can become increasingly difficult.
Difficulty Dressing
Activities such as putting on a shirt or reaching behind the back may become uncomfortable.
Night Pain
Shoulder pain may disturb sleep, particularly when lying on the affected side.
Reduced Daily Function
Everyday activities, work, exercise and household tasks may become more challenging.
The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is commonly described in three overlapping stages. The duration and severity can vary between individuals.
Freezing Stage
Shoulder pain gradually increases and movement begins to become restricted.
Frozen Stage
Pain may settle somewhat while stiffness and restricted shoulder movement become more prominent.
Thawing Stage
Shoulder movement gradually improves as stiffness reduces and normal function begins to return.
Recovery Varies
The duration of each stage can differ, and recovery may take several months or longer.
Why Does Frozen Shoulder Happen?
Frozen shoulder can occur without an obvious cause, which is sometimes referred to as primary frozen shoulder.
It can also develop after an injury, surgery or a period of reduced shoulder movement.
How Is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is primarily based on your symptoms and examination of shoulder movement.
Medical History
Your doctor will discuss your pain, stiffness, previous injuries, surgery and changes in daily function.
Physical Examination
Shoulder movement, strength and areas of tenderness are assessed to understand the pattern of symptoms.
X-Ray
X-rays may be used to rule out arthritis, fractures or other structural causes of shoulder pain.
Further Imaging
Additional imaging may be recommended when another shoulder condition needs further evaluation.
Movement Assessment
Both active and passive shoulder movement can help distinguish frozen shoulder from other conditions.
Specialist Evaluation
A detailed orthopaedic assessment helps identify the most appropriate treatment approach.
Book an Assessment →How Is Frozen Shoulder Treated?
Treatment aims to reduce pain, restore shoulder movement and help you return to normal activities.
Pain Management
Appropriate pain-relieving measures may be used to make movement and rehabilitation more comfortable.
Physiotherapy
Guided exercises can help maintain and gradually improve shoulder mobility.
Stretching Exercises
Carefully selected stretches may help improve shoulder flexibility over time.
Activity Modification
Temporary modification of painful activities may help manage symptoms while rehabilitation continues.
Injection Treatment
In selected patients, an injection may be considered to help manage pain and inflammation.
Advanced Treatment
When symptoms remain severe despite appropriate treatment, further specialist options may be considered.
Why Is Physiotherapy Important?
Maintaining appropriate shoulder movement is an important part of managing frozen shoulder.
A structured rehabilitation programme can focus on gentle mobility exercises, stretching and gradual restoration of shoulder function.
Exercises should be appropriate for the stage of the condition and should not be performed aggressively through significant pain.
Gentle movement can help maintain shoulder range of motion.
Regular appropriate exercises can help address restricted movement.
Rehabilitation aims to help you return to everyday shoulder activities.
When Should You See an Orthopaedic Specialist?
Shoulder pain that persists or progressively limits movement should be evaluated rather than ignored.
Book a Consultation →Shoulder pain persists for several weeks
Shoulder movement is becoming increasingly limited
Pain is disturbing sleep
Dressing or reaching overhead becomes difficult
Symptoms interfere with work or daily activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is frozen shoulder? +
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and progressive stiffness of the shoulder, resulting in restricted movement.
What are the symptoms of frozen shoulder? +
Common symptoms include shoulder pain, increasing stiffness, difficulty raising the arm, difficulty reaching behind the back and problems with everyday activities.
What causes frozen shoulder? +
Frozen shoulder may develop without an obvious cause or may occur after shoulder injury, surgery or a period when the shoulder has been kept relatively still.
How long does frozen shoulder last? +
Frozen shoulder often develops and improves gradually. The overall recovery period varies significantly between individuals and can extend over several months or longer.
Can frozen shoulder heal on its own? +
Frozen shoulder can improve over time, but the recovery process can be prolonged. Appropriate medical assessment and rehabilitation can help manage pain and restore movement.
Is physiotherapy good for frozen shoulder? +
Physiotherapy can play an important role in maintaining and gradually improving shoulder movement. Exercises should be appropriate for the person's symptoms and stage of the condition.
Can frozen shoulder cause severe pain at night? +
Yes. Pain associated with frozen shoulder can be particularly troublesome at night and may interfere with sleep.
Should I exercise with frozen shoulder? +
Appropriate gentle movement is generally an important part of rehabilitation, but exercises should be selected according to the individual's condition and should not involve forcing the shoulder through severe pain.
When should I see an orthopaedic doctor for frozen shoulder? +
You should consider an assessment if shoulder pain persists, movement continues to decrease, sleep is affected or normal activities such as dressing and reaching become difficult.
Is frozen shoulder the same as a rotator cuff tear? +
No. Frozen shoulder primarily causes pain and restriction of shoulder movement due to tightening of the joint capsule. A rotator cuff tear involves damage to one or more of the tendons that help move and stabilise the shoulder.
Shoulder Pain Shouldn't Control Your Day.
Get your shoulder symptoms properly assessed and understand the treatment options that may be appropriate for your condition.