What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which you experience pain and stiffness in your shoulder. The symptoms appear slowly, worsen gradually and usually take one to three years to resolve on their own.
Causes
The shoulder joint is comprised of bones, tendons, and ligaments that are encased in a capsule of connective tissue. Gradual thickening and tightening of this capsule surrounding the shoulder joint restrict shoulder movement causing a frozen shoulder. It is unclear why this happens, but it is sometimes associated with diabetes or a long period of immobilization following an arm fracture or shoulder surgery.
Women and those over the age of 40 have a higher risk of developing a frozen shoulder.
Diagnosis
Frozen shoulder is diagnosed with a physical exam during which your doctor will evaluate your shoulder movements and assess for pain. You will be asked to perform certain arm movements to check the active range of motion and your doctor will maneuver your arm in different directions to check the passive range of motion.
Sometimes, your doctor may inject an anesthetic to numb your shoulder while evaluating range of motion.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of frozen shoulder develop gradually in three stages with each stage lasting for several months.
- The first stage is the freezing stage during which pain occurs with any shoulder movement and the range of motion of the shoulder gradually becomes limited. Pain may worsen at night disrupting sleep.
- Next is the frozen stage where the pain subsides but your shoulder stiffens up and cannot function properly. The final stage is the thawing stage during which shoulder movement begins to gradually improve.
Imaging studies such as an X-ray or MRI may be ordered to view the shoulder joint and rule out other problems.
Treatment
The various treatments used for frozen shoulder include:
- Pain-relieving medications
- Ice packs or heat application
- Physical therapy exercises
- Acupuncture
- Steroid injections
- Injections to stretch the joint capsule
- Manipulation of the shoulder after administering anesthesia
If you do not get relief from the above methods, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive surgery to remove scar tissue and adhesions within the shoulder. This is however rarely necessary.
Why Choose Dr. Acevedo for Frozen Shoulder Treatment
Patients choose Daniel C. Acevedo for frozen shoulder care because of his specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating this complex, stage-based condition.
Reasons to choose Dr. Acevedo include:
- Fellowship-trained specialist focused exclusively on shoulder and elbow conditions
- Extensive experience diagnosing and treating adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
- Expertise in stage-based treatment to match the phase of the condition (freezing, frozen, thawing)
- Emphasis on non-surgical treatment including physical therapy and guided injections when appropriate
- Advanced techniques for persistent or severe cases, including arthroscopic treatment when needed
- Personalized care plans based on symptom severity, mobility limitations, and patient goals
- Focus on restoring range of motion, reducing pain, and improving shoulder function
- Careful evaluation to rule out other shoulder conditions with similar symptoms
- Experience treating frozen shoulder associated with diabetes, injury, or post-surgical stiffness
- Goal-oriented care to help patients return to normal activities as mobility improves
Frozen Shoulder FAQs
When is surgery recommended for frozen shoulder?
Surgery (usually arthroscopic capsular release) is considered when motion remains severely limited and pain persists despite months of conservative treatment.
What does frozen shoulder surgery involve?
In arthroscopic capsular release, small instruments are used to carefully cut tight areas of the joint capsule to allow improved motion. The procedure is minimally invasive and followed by rehabilitation.
What are the stages of frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through stages:
- Freezing stage: increasing pain and decreasing motion
- Frozen stage: stiffness becomes more prominent than pain
- Thawing stage: gradual improvement in motion
These stages can develop over months and may take a long time to fully resolve.
How long does it take to recover from frozen shoulder?
Recovery varies but can take several months to a few years depending on the stage and severity of the condition. While many patients improve over time, some may experience prolonged stiffness without proper treatment.
Can frozen shoulder recur after treatment?
Yes, while recurrence is uncommon, frozen shoulder can sometimes return, especially in patients with risk factors such as diabetes or thyroid disorders. Continuing shoulder exercises and maintaining regular motion can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
