Understanding Frozen Shoulder
What patients commonly notice
Inflammation and tightening of the shoulder capsule causes progressive pain and marked restriction of movement. The exact pattern and severity can vary, so a clinical assessment is important before deciding on treatment.
Common symptoms
- Increasing pain followed by progressive stiffness
- Restricted active and passive movement
- Difficulty dressing, grooming or reaching behind the back
Causes and risk factors
There may be more than one contributing factor. Common possibilities include:
- Often develops without a single injury
- Higher association with diabetes and thyroid disease
- May follow surgery, injury or prolonged immobilisation
How is frozen shoulder assessed?
Assessment usually considers pain, strength, stability and both active and passive shoulder movement. X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be requested when they will help clarify the diagnosis or guide treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is matched to the diagnosis, symptom severity, general health and the activities you need to return to. Options may include:
- Education, symptom control and stage-appropriate physiotherapy
- Joint injection or hydrodilatation in selected patients
- Manipulation or arthroscopic release for resistant severe stiffness
Surgery is not automatically the first step. When it is considered, the likely benefit, alternatives and recovery requirements should be discussed clearly.
Common questions
How long does a frozen shoulder last?
Recovery is often slow and can take many months, sometimes longer than a year. Pain and stiffness change through different phases, and the rate of recovery varies considerably between patients.
Can aggressive stretching make frozen shoulder worse?
Forceful stretching during a painful phase can increase irritation. Treatment is usually more effective when movement work is matched to the stage and kept within a tolerable range.
Why are diabetes and thyroid problems relevant?
Frozen shoulder is more common and may be more resistant in people with diabetes or thyroid disease. These conditions do not change the diagnosis, but they can influence expectations and treatment planning.
This page provides general patient information and does not replace a consultation or personalised medical advice.