What Is a Frozen Shoulder? Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Stages

What Is a Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. Doctors also call it adhesive capsulitis. Usually, frozen shoulder develops slowly and can make daily tasks hard. Anyone can get frozen shoulder, but it is more common in people aged 40 to 60. Women are affected more often than men. Because frozen shoulder limits movement, it can impact work, hobbies, and sleep. Early treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve movement.

Common Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder symptoms often start mild and get worse over time. However, recognizing early signs can help you seek help sooner. Common symptoms include:

Shoulder pain, especially when moving the arm

Stiffness that makes it hard to lift or rotate the arm

Limited range of motion in the shoulder

Pain that may worsen at night or disrupt sleep

Weakness in the shoulder due to less use

At first, pain is the main problem. Later, stiffness becomes more noticeable. Over time, both pain and stiffness may improve, but this can take months or even years.

Causes and Risk Factors

Doctors do not always know what causes frozen shoulder. Still, some factors can increase your risk. For example, having an injury or surgery that keeps your arm still for a long time can lead to frozen shoulder. Other risk factors include:

Age between 40 and 60 years

Being female

Diabetes or thyroid problems

Shoulder injuries or surgeries

Long periods of inactivity due to illness or pain

Sometimes, frozen shoulder happens without a clear reason. But, knowing the risk factors can help you take steps to prevent it.

How Is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose frozen shoulder by asking about your symptoms and doing a physical exam. They will check how far you can move your arm and where you feel pain. Sometimes, doctors use X-rays or MRI scans to rule out other problems, like arthritis or a torn rotator cuff. However, these tests are not always needed. Early diagnosis helps start treatment sooner, which can lead to better results.

Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder

Treatment for frozen shoulder aims to reduce pain and improve movement. Most people get better with simple treatments. Common options include:

Physiotherapy: Gentle exercises help stretch the shoulder and restore movement. A physiotherapist can guide you through safe exercises.

Pain relief: Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain.

Heat or cold packs: Applying heat or ice can reduce pain and stiffness.

Injections: Sometimes, doctors use steroid injections to lower swelling and pain.

Surgery: Rarely, surgery may be needed if other treatments do not help.

Most people improve with physiotherapy for frozen shoulder and home care. However, recovery can take several months.

Tips for Managing and Preventing Frozen Shoulder

Managing frozen shoulder at home can speed up recovery. Here are some helpful tips:

Start gentle stretching as soon as your doctor says it is safe

Keep moving your shoulder within your comfort zone

Apply heat before exercise to relax muscles

Use ice after exercise to reduce swelling

Follow your physiotherapist’s advice closely

Do not force movements that cause sharp pain

To prevent frozen shoulder, try to keep your shoulder moving after injuries or surgeries. If you have diabetes or thyroid problems, managing these conditions may also help lower your risk.

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder can be painful and limit your daily life. However, early treatment and regular exercises can help most people recover. If you notice shoulder pain or stiffness, consult a physiotherapist or healthcare provider for personalized guidance on frozen shoulder.