Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder causes shoulder pain and stiffness with a gradual loss of movement, especially when reaching or rotating the arm. Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, develops when the capsule around the shoulder joint becomes painful and tight. The shoulder gradually loses movement, making tasks such as dressing, reaching overhead or fastening clothing difficult. It is different from ordinary shoulder soreness because stiffness becomes a major feature and both active and assisted movement can be limited.

Frozen shoulder commonly presents with shoulder pain and shoulder stiffness, followed by reduced range of motion. Pain may be worse at night or when the arm is moved unexpectedly. Reaching behind the back, placing an object on a high shelf and turning the arm outward are often especially difficult.

Frozen shoulder may start without a clear trigger. It can follow shoulder injury, surgery or a period when the arm is kept still. It is also associated with some medical conditions, including diabetes and thyroid disorders. Rotator cuff tendinitis can cause similar pain, but it does not produce the same pattern of progressive global stiffness in every case.

The condition often moves through painful, stiff and recovery phases, although the timing varies. Early pain may be prominent; later, stiffness can restrict movement even when pain starts to settle. Recovery is usually gradual, and forcing a painful shoulder can increase irritation rather than speed progress.

Risk increases after shoulder surgery, injury or prolonged immobility. Diabetes, thyroid disease and previous frozen shoulder are also relevant factors. These associations do not predict the course for an individual, so the examination and change in movement remain important.

Diagnosis is usually clinical. The clinician compares both shoulders, measures active and assisted movement and checks strength and sensation. Imaging may be used to exclude arthritis, a fracture or tendon disease when the history or examination suggests another cause. Tell the clinician if weakness, numbness, fever or a recent injury is present.

Treatment aims to reduce pain and preserve or restore movement. Physiotherapy can provide gentle mobility work and a home programme matched to the current phase. A cortisone injection may be discussed for pain and inflammation, particularly early in the condition. Hydrotherapy can allow supported movement. Shoulder arthroscopy is reserved for selected cases that remain severely restricted despite non-surgical care.

Keep the shoulder moving within a tolerable range and avoid repeatedly forcing the end position. Use the less affected arm for tasks that require strength, arrange frequently used items at comfortable height and ask for help with dressing during a painful phase. A written exercise plan is easier to follow than sporadic intense sessions.

Stiffness may interfere with sleep, work, driving and personal care. Avoiding all movement can increase loss of function, while aggressive stretching can aggravate pain. Persistent weakness, new numbness, a deformed shoulder or severe pain after trauma needs prompt assessment because it may indicate another problem.

Some cases cannot be prevented. After shoulder surgery or injury, following a clinician-guided movement plan and addressing pain early may reduce prolonged immobility. Managing associated conditions and returning to activity in stages can support shoulder function.

A GP, orthopaedic clinician or physiotherapist can assess a stiff shoulder. Choose support that measures movement, checks for competing diagnoses and adjusts exercises as pain and stiffness change. Urgent review is appropriate after significant trauma or when the arm suddenly becomes unusable.