Doctor evaluating patient symptoms for Frozen Shoulder diagnosis at Mountain Spine & Orthopedics
Condition/Condition Details

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, causes progressive stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, significantly limiting range of motion.

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About Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by progressive stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The shoulder capsule, a connective tissue envelope that surrounds the joint, becomes inflamed and thickened, causing it to contract and restrict movement. This condition typically progresses through three stages: freezing (increasing pain and stiffness), frozen (stiffness persists but pain may decrease), and thawing (gradual return of motion).

Frozen shoulder can occur without a known cause (idiopathic) or secondary to other conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, previous shoulder injury, or prolonged immobilization. At Mountain Spine & Orthopedics, our shoulder specialists understand that early intervention is key to preventing long-term stiffness and restoring function. We use comprehensive evaluation and advanced treatment options to help patients regain shoulder mobility.

What Are the Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?

Patients with frozen shoulder experience progressive stiffness that makes it difficult to raise the arm, reach behind the back, or rotate the shoulder. Pain is often severe, especially at night and during the freezing stage. The stiffness typically affects all directions of shoulder motion, and patients may notice they can't perform simple tasks like combing hair or reaching overhead.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, causes progressive stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, significantly limiting range of motion.

Are There Specific Risk Factors for Frozen Shoulder?

Risk factors include diabetes (especially insulin-dependent), thyroid disorders, previous shoulder injury or surgery, prolonged shoulder immobilization, age (most common between 40-60), female gender, and certain systemic conditions like heart disease or stroke.

Diagnosing Frozen Shoulder?

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic pattern of progressive stiffness and pain. Physical examination reveals significantly limited range of motion in all directions. X-rays are typically normal but help rule out other causes like arthritis. MRI may show thickening of the joint capsule. We offer complimentary MRI reviews when needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Treatment for Frozen Shoulder?

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Initial treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and restoring motion through physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections into the joint capsule. Aggressive physical therapy is essential to maintain and improve range of motion.

Interventional Options

For persistent stiffness, we may recommend arthroscopic capsular release, a minimally invasive procedure that cuts the thickened capsule to restore motion.

Surgical Treatment

When conservative treatment fails, our surgeons perform arthroscopic capsular release to surgically release the contracted capsule, allowing immediate improvement in range of motion.

Does Frozen Shoulder Cause Pain?

Frozen shoulder pain is often severe and constant, especially during the freezing stage, and can significantly disrupt sleep. The stiffness makes daily activities extremely difficult, and the condition can last 12-18 months or longer without treatment. Early intervention can help shorten the duration and improve outcomes.

What Can Patients Do to Prevent It?

Preventing frozen shoulder involves maintaining shoulder mobility and addressing risk factors:

  • Early mobilization after shoulder injury can help prevent frozen shoulder
  • Manage underlying conditions like diabetes that increase risk
  • Maintain shoulder range of motion through regular exercise
  • Seek prompt treatment for shoulder injuries to prevent immobilization
  • Physical therapy is essential for maintaining motion
  • Address early stiffness symptoms immediately

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you're experiencing progressive shoulder stiffness and pain, schedule a consultation with Mountain Spine & Orthopedics today. Same-day and next-day appointments are available. Early treatment can help prevent long-term stiffness and restore shoulder function.

Locations Offering Evaluation

Our board-certified specialists offer frozen shoulder evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)?

Frozen shoulder is stiffness and pain caused by thickening and tightening of the shoulder capsule. It typically affects people aged 40-60, especially those with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or after prolonged immobilization. Women are more commonly affected than men.

What are the three stages of frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder progresses through three stages: Freezing (2-9 months) with increasing pain and stiffness, Frozen (4-12 months) with severe stiffness but decreasing pain, and Thawing (6-24 months) with gradual motion improvement. Total duration typically spans 12-36 months.

Can frozen shoulder be cured?

Most cases resolve naturally over 18 to 24 months, though some residual stiffness may persist. Treatment accelerates recovery through physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, hydrodilatation, or manipulation under anesthesia. Arthroscopic capsular release is reserved for refractory cases.

What treatments help frozen shoulder?

Gentle stretching exercises are crucial, along with heat application, NSAIDs for pain, and corticosteroid injections in the early phase. Aggressive stretching worsens inflammation. Later stages benefit from more intensive therapy to restore motion as pain subsides.

Why is frozen shoulder more common in diabetics?

Diabetes increases frozen shoulder risk 5-fold due to glycosylation of collagen in the capsule, causing abnormal cross-linking and stiffening. Poor glucose control heightens risk. Diabetic patients often experience more severe symptoms and slower recovery.