Frozen Shoulder
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a significant loss of motion in the shoulder joint. It develops when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thickened and tight, restricting movement.
Over time, the shoulder can become increasingly difficult to move, even with assistance. The condition typically develops slowly and can last for months to years if untreated.
At OIBortho, our physicians evaluate and treat frozen shoulder for patients throughout Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties.
Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder usually progresses through three stages:
- Freezing stage: increasing pain and gradual loss of motion
- Frozen stage: pain may decrease, but stiffness becomes more severe
- Thawing stage: gradual improvement in motion over time
Each stage can last several months.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Symptoms typically worsen gradually and can significantly limit daily activities.
Common symptoms include:
- Shoulder pain (often dull or aching)
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Difficulty lifting the arm overhead
- Trouble reaching behind the back
- Pain that worsens at night
- Increased difficulty with daily tasks (dressing, reaching, lifting)
- Shoulder feeling “stuck” or locked
Loss of motion is often more severe than pain in later stages.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear, but it is associated with several risk factors.
Common risk factors include:
- Diabetes (strongest risk factor)
- Recent shoulder injury or surgery
- Immobilization of the shoulder
- Thyroid disorders
- Stroke or neurological conditions
- Age (most common between 40–60 years old)
- Prolonged inactivity
Inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule lead to stiffness.
How Frozen Shoulder Is Diagnosed
A physician will diagnose frozen shoulder through a physical exam and review of symptoms, focusing on range of motion.
Diagnostic tools may include:
- X-rays (to rule out arthritis or bone problems)
- MRI (in some cases to evaluate soft tissues)
Diagnosis is primarily clinical based on stiffness patterns.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder limits both active (self-movement) and passive (assisted) motion. This helps distinguish it from other shoulder conditions like rotator cuff injuries.
Without treatment, it can slowly improve over time, but recovery may take a long period.
Treatment Options
Treatment focuses on reducing pain and restoring motion.
Common options include:
- Physical therapy and stretching programs
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
- Heat therapy
- Joint mobilization techniques
- Hydrodilatation (joint capsule stretching procedure)
- Arthroscopic capsular release (surgery in severe cases)
Early treatment can help shorten recovery time.
Why Choose OIBortho?
OIBortho provides expert care for frozen shoulder using a personalized approach focused on restoring motion and reducing pain. Our physicians guide patients through each stage of recovery with both non-surgical and surgical options when needed.
We serve patients throughout Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties with comprehensive orthopaedic care close to home.
Call 732-800-9000 to speak with one of our scheduling specialists or click here to schedule online 24/7!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is frozen shoulder?
It is a condition where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful due to tightening of the joint capsule.
How long does frozen shoulder last?
It can last several months to over a year, depending on severity and treatment.
What causes it?
It may be linked to injury, surgery, diabetes, or prolonged immobilization.
Does frozen shoulder go away on its own?
Yes, but recovery can be slow without treatment.
What helps most?
Physical therapy and stretching are key parts of recovery.
When is surgery needed?
Surgery may be considered if stiffness does not improve with non-surgical treatment.