Shoulder Condition

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is when the capsule surrounding the shoulder becomes inflamed and tight, causing progressive pain and severe stiffness that limits motion in every direction.

Self-limiting  usually resolves with timePhased  moves through predictable stagesRarely surgical  responds to therapy and patience

What is frozen shoulder?

The shoulder is wrapped in a flexible capsule. In frozen shoulder that capsule becomes inflamed, thickened, and contracted, gripping the joint and limiting movement. It can begin on its own or after an injury or a period of not using the arm, and it is more common in people with diabetes or thyroid conditions.

It typically moves through three phases: a painful "freezing" phase, a stiff "frozen" phase, and a gradual "thawing" phase. The whole process can take one to three years, though treatment can ease symptoms along the way.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Gradually increasing shoulder pain, often worst at night
  • Progressive stiffness with loss of both active and assisted motion — a key feature
  • Particular difficulty rotating the arm outward and reaching overhead or behind the back
  • Trouble with everyday tasks like dressing, grooming, or fastening a seatbelt

How it is diagnosed

Frozen shoulder is largely a clinical diagnosis. On exam, motion is limited in all directions even when someone else moves the arm for you. X-rays are usually normal and mainly serve to rule out arthritis; advanced imaging is not typically needed.

Treatment

The cornerstone is non-surgical, and the great majority of people improve:

  • A gentle, consistent stretching program with physical therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory medication for pain
  • A cortisone injection, which can be especially helpful in the early, painful phase
  • Time and patience — the condition tends to resolve
When more is neededIn the small number of cases that stay stiff despite months of good treatment, a manipulation under anesthesia or an arthroscopic capsular release can restore motion.

Stiff, painful shoulder that won't loosen up?

An evaluation can confirm frozen shoulder and start the right plan.

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Common questions

Often one to three years from start to full recovery, though pain and motion usually improve well before the very end with treatment.

Most cases do eventually resolve. Treatment is aimed at reducing pain and speeding the return of motion rather than just waiting it out.

Yes — consistent, guided stretching is the backbone of treatment. Aggressive over-stretching during the painful phase can backfire, which is why professional guidance matters.

It can. A meaningful number of people develop it in the opposite shoulder at some point, though usually not at the same time.

This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation. Your specific diagnosis and treatment plan should come from Dr. Hachadorian based on your exam and imaging.