Which specialist treats frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and progressive restriction in shoulder movement. A shoulder specialist compares active and assisted movement, checks strength, and considers other causes such as rotator cuff tendinitis. Symptoms can include shoulder stiffness, joint stiffness, reduced range of motion, and pain that wakes you at night. The examination helps distinguish a stiff joint from a tendon or neck problem and sets a safe rehabilitation goal.

Start with an orthopaedic shoulder clinician or a musculoskeletal doctor, especially when pain is persistent or movement is declining. Physiotherapy can use gentle, measured mobility work and function-focused exercises; forcing a painful stretch can aggravate symptoms. Your specialist may discuss pain relief or an injection when pain prevents rehabilitation. Shoulder arthroscopy is reserved for selected cases when non-operative care has not restored useful movement, after the diagnosis and options are reviewed.

Seek urgent assessment after a fall with deformity, sudden major weakness, or inability to lift the arm. Prompt review is also appropriate for a hot, swollen shoulder, fever, unexplained weight change, new numbness, chest discomfort, or breathlessness. These signs may point to a problem that should not be treated as routine frozen shoulder.

Ask how the examination supports the diagnosis, which movements to practise, and how to judge a tolerable stretch. Discuss sleep positions, pain-control options, expected changes in function, and when a follow-up or further investigation would be useful.