Frozen shoulder—also known as adhesive capsulitis—is a painful condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff, inflamed, and difficult to move. It commonly affects adults between 40 and 60 years of age and can significantly impact daily activities, such as lifting your arm, reaching behind the back, or even sleeping comfortably.
Understanding the symptoms, causes, and how frozen shoulder is diagnosed can help you seek timely treatment and prevent long-term stiffness.
What Is Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thickened, inflamed, and tight, leading to restricted movement and pain.
The condition typically progresses slowly through three stages:
- Freezing Stage – increased pain and gradual loss of motion
- Frozen Stage – stiffness increases as pain may start reducing
- Thawing Stage – slow return of mobility
Most patients recover with appropriate treatment, though the process can take months to years.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
The symptoms of frozen shoulder often begin gradually and worsen over time. The most common include:
1. Shoulder Pain
- Dull, aching pain deep in the shoulder
- Pain worsens with movement
- More intense at night, disturbing sleep
2. Stiffness
- Difficulty lifting the arm overhead
- Trouble reaching behind the back (hooking bra, taking wallet, wearing clothes)
- Reduced range of motion in all directions
3. Limited Mobility
- Shoulder feels “locked”
- Simple tasks like combing your hair or reaching a shelf become difficult
4. Gradual Progression
Symptoms progress through three stages—freezing, frozen, and thawing—and may last 12 to 36 months.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
The exact cause isn’t always known, but several factors can trigger inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule.
1. Prolonged Immobility
The most common cause is lack of shoulder movement, often due to:
- Injury
- Shoulder surgery
- Arm fractures
- Stroke or long-term hospitalization
2. Medical Conditions
Certain health issues make frozen shoulder more likely:
- Diabetes (risk increases 2–4 times)
- Thyroid disorders
- Heart disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Autoimmune conditions
3. Inflammation
Inflammatory changes in the shoulder capsule can lead to adhesion (scar tissue) formation and restricted movement.
4. Hormonal & Age Factors
- More common in women
- Peak occurrence between 40–60 years
- May be linked to hormonal changes
5. Unknown (Idiopathic)
In many cases, frozen shoulder develops without any clear cause.
Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder
Diagnosing frozen shoulder involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests to rule out other shoulder conditions.
1. Physical Examination
Your doctor will check:
- Range of motion (active and passive)
- Pain level during movement
- Stiffness and limitations in all directions
The hallmark sign is restricted passive movement—you cannot move the shoulder even when someone tries to assist you.
2. Medical History
The doctor may ask about:
- Previous injuries
- Medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues
- Symptoms and their duration
- Any recent surgeries or immobilization
3. Imaging Tests
While imaging cannot diagnose frozen shoulder directly, it helps rule out other problems such as arthritis, rotator cuff tears, or tendon injuries.
X-ray
- Detects bone problems, fractures, or arthritis<
Ultrasound
- Shows soft tissue conditions
- Helps identify rotator cuff injuries
MRI
-
Useful for spotting capsule thickening
- Detects inflammation and other shoulder disorders
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should consult a specialist if:
- You have increasing shoulder pain or stiffness
- Pain interferes with sleep
- You cannot perform daily activities
- Symptoms last longer than 2–3 weeks
- You have diabetes or thyroid disease and notice shoulder discomfort
Early diagnosis leads to faster recovery and prevents chronic stiffness.
