What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder (medically referred to as adhesive capsulitis) is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder. It affects the shoulder capsule, a fluid-filled sac that surrounds the ball and socket joint where the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into the shoulder blade (scapula). Over time, this joint capsule thickens and tightens, often forming scar tissue, which restricts movement and leads to the “frozen” sensation.

Frozen shoulder typically develops slowly and progresses through three stages:

1. Freezing stage: Pain increases and range of motion becomes more limited.
2. Frozen stage: Pain may lessen, but stiffness remains.
3. Thawing stage: Gradual improvement in mobility.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

The exact cause of frozen shoulder adhesive capsulitis isn’t always clear. However, it often develops after an injury, surgery, or period of shoulder immobility. Inflammation within the shoulder capsule can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which thickens and tightens the joint, restricting movement.

Common causes include:

• Post-surgical or post-injury immobility
• Inflammatory conditions affecting the shoulder joint
• Diabetes, which increases the risk of connective tissue issues
• Autoimmune diseases that cause chronic inflammation

Risk Factors

While frozen shoulder can affect anyone, several factors increase your risk of developing frozen shoulder:

• Age: Most common between ages 40 and 60
• Gender: More prevalent in women than men
• Immobility: Prolonged lack of shoulder use due to injury, surgery, or illness
• Medical conditions: Diabetes, thyroid disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and cardiovascular disease
• Previous shoulder conditions: Rotator cuff injuries, fractures, or tendonitis

What Does Frozen Shoulder Feel Like?

Frozen shoulder symptoms usually come on gradually and worsen over time. The hallmark signs include:

• Dull, aching pain in the outer shoulder or upper arm
• Increasing stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks such as reaching overhead or behind the back
• Disrupted sleep due to shoulder discomfort

During the frozen stage, pain may decrease, but the stiffness can make it hard to lift your arm or rotate it normally.

How is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?

A diagnosis typically begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. To diagnose frozen shoulder, an orthopedic specialist will assess your shoulder joint mobility by asking you to move your arm in various directions. You may be referred to imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs to rule out other shoulder conditions like arthritis or a rotator cuff tear.

Your provider may also gently test the range of motion both actively (you move your shoulder) and passively (they move it for you). In cases of frozen shoulder, both active and passive movements are limited.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, restore motion, and prevent further scar tissue formation. A multi-step approach is usually most effective.

Common treatments include:

• Physical therapy: A tailored rehabilitation program guided by a physical therapist helps stretch the shoulder capsule and strengthen surrounding muscles.
• Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid injections: Injections into the joint capsule may provide temporary relief and improve mobility.
• Heat therapy and stretching: Can loosen the shoulder before physical therapy sessions.
• Minimally invasive procedures: In rare, severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be used to release the tightened capsule.

Recovery

Recovery from frozen shoulder adhesive capsulitis takes time, often several months to a couple of years. Most patients improve with non-surgical treatments and physical therapy, especially if treatment begins early. The thawing phase, where mobility starts to return, is a slow but promising period.

Commitment to a regular physical therapy routine is key to regaining strength and motion. Many patients experience full or nearly full recovery, although some stiffness may persist, particularly in more severe cases.

When Shoulder Pain Becomes More Than Just Stiffness

At Georgia Hand, Shoulder and Elbow, our teams in Atlanta and Marietta, GA, specialize in conditions affecting the hands, shoulders, and elbows. We’re experts in identifying and treating frozen shoulder at every stage—from initial discomfort to full recovery. With advanced diagnostic tools, skilled physical therapists, and compassionate care, we help you regain strength, comfort, and confidence.

Don’t let frozen shoulder limit your life. Schedule an appointment with us today and take the first step toward lasting relief!