What Is a Frozen Shoulder?
A frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and restrictive condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and difficult to move. It occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint, known as the capsule, becomes inflamed and thickened, causing pain and limited motion.
This condition often develops gradually and can take several months to years to fully resolve. Early detection of frozen shoulder symptoms is crucial for effective treatment and faster recovery.
Common Frozen Shoulder Symptoms
Recognizing frozen shoulder symptoms early can help prevent severe stiffness and prolonged disability. The main symptoms include:
1. Shoulder Pain
- Persistent, dull, or aching pain in one shoulder (usually the non-dominant side).
- Pain worsens at night, disrupting sleep.
- Pain intensifies with movement or when pressure is applied.
2. Stiffness
- Gradual loss of shoulder mobility.
- Difficulty performing daily activities like combing hair, reaching overhead, or wearing clothes.
3. Limited Range of Motion
- Difficulty rotating or lifting the arm.
- Reduced ability to move the shoulder in multiple directions — forward, backward, or sideways.
4. Pain That Progresses Through Stages
Frozen shoulder symptoms typically progress through three distinct stages, each with different levels of pain and restriction:
| Stage | Description | Duration | Symptoms |
| Freezing Stage | Gradual onset of pain; shoulder starts losing motion. | 6 weeks – 9 months | Severe pain, especially at night; limited movement. |
| Frozen Stage | Pain may lessen, but stiffness increases. | 4 – 12 months | Shoulder becomes very stiff; range of motion severely limited. |
| Thawing Stage | Gradual improvement in movement. | 6 months – 2 years | Motion slowly returns to normal; mild pain remains. |
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
The exact cause of frozen shoulder isn’t always clear, but it’s more likely in certain individuals due to underlying conditions or lifestyle factors:
1. Immobility or Reduced Shoulder Use
- Post-surgery or injury (rotator cuff tear, fracture)
- Prolonged bed rest
- Stroke or neurological conditions
2. Medical Conditions
- Diabetes mellitus
- Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism)
- Heart disease
- Parkinson’s disease
3. Age and Gender
- Commonly affects people aged 40–60 years
- More frequent in women than men
4. Post-surgical Complications
- Can occur after shoulder, breast, or cardiac surgery due to limited arm movement during recovery
How to Differentiate Frozen Shoulder from Other Conditions
| Condition | Primary Symptom | Movement Restriction | Pain Pattern |
| Frozen Shoulder | Pain + stiffness | Passive and active movement both restricted | Gradual onset, persistent pain |
| Rotator Cuff Tear | Sharp pain, weakness | Weakness on lifting arm | Sudden after injury |
| Arthritis | Joint pain + swelling | Movement limited by pain | Chronic and activity-related |
| Bursitis | Localized inflammation | Pain during specific movements | Sudden onset after overuse |
If you’re unsure about your shoulder pain, consult an orthopedic specialist like Dr. Shravan Tirunagari, who can accurately diagnose and recommend the right treatment.
Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder
1. Physical Examination
- Assess range of motion (active and passive)
- Check for pain points
- Compare movement between shoulders
2. Imaging Tests
- X-ray: Detects arthritis or bone abnormalities
- MRI: Reveals soft tissue changes, inflammation, or tears
- Ultrasound: Identifies inflammation around the shoulder capsule
Treatment for Frozen Shoulder Symptoms
While frozen shoulder symptoms can last a long time, early and consistent treatment can help reduce pain and restore motion faster.
1. Medications
- Pain relievers: NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen
- Corticosteroid injections: Short-term pain relief and improved mobility
2. Physiotherapy and Exercises
Physical therapy is the cornerstone of frozen shoulder treatment. Dr. Shravan Tirunagari emphasizes guided exercises that gradually restore motion and strengthen the shoulder.
Getting the Most Out of Your Exercises
- Incorporate exercises into your daily routine
- Perform exercises when you can focus fully
- Aim for six days a week (minimum four days for improvement)
- Start with two exercises, add the third when comfortable
- Keep an exercise diary to track progress
- Mild pain that disappears within 30 minutes is acceptable
Key Exercises Recommended by Dr. Shravan:
1. Wall Slides
- Stand facing a smooth wall with a cloth or socks on your hands
- Place hands on the wall, thumbs facing you, step forward slightly and slide hands upward
- Repetitions: 8 times, rest 1 minute, repeat 2 more sets
- Progression: Remove wall support or add a light weight
2. Push-Ups Against a Wall
- Place hands on the wall slightly wider than shoulder width, elbows below shoulders
- Lower body toward the wall, keeping posture tall, then push back
- Repetitions: 8 times, rest 1 minute, repeat 2 more sets
- Progression: Move feet further from the wall to increase load
3. Shoulder Rotation
- Sit next to a table, supporting elbow on a rolled towel
- Make a gentle fist and rotate forearm upward, return to start, keep back straight
- Progression: Add light weight (0.5 kg or small water bottle), gradually increase
Additional Exercises:
- Pendulum stretch
- Assisted shoulder elevation
- Wall climbing (finger walk)
- Shoulder blade squeezes
For a full guide on the best exercises for elbow and shoulder, visit: Frozen Shoulder – Best Exercises for Elbow and Shoulder
3. Heat Therapy
Applying warm compresses helps loosen shoulder muscles and improve flexibility before exercise.
4. Joint Distension
Injection of sterile water into the joint capsule can stretch the tissue, allowing improved movement.
5. Surgery (in Severe Cases)
- Arthroscopic capsular release: Minimally invasive procedure to loosen the capsule
- Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA): Shoulder gently moved to break adhesions while patient asleep
Prevention: How to Avoid Frozen Shoulder
- Move shoulder regularly after surgery or injury
- Follow post-surgical exercise programs
- Control diabetes and metabolic disorders
- Avoid prolonged immobilization unless medically required
When to See a Doctor
Consult an orthopedic specialist if you experience:
- Persistent shoulder pain lasting more than a few weeks
- Difficulty moving your arm or performing daily tasks
- Pain that worsens at night or interferes with sleep
Why Choose Dr. Shravan Tirunagari for Frozen Shoulder Treatment
Dr. Shravan Tirunagari offers comprehensive care for shoulder disorders, including frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, and arthritis.
At his clinic, patients receive:
- Accurate diagnosis using advanced imaging
- Personalized treatment plans combining medication, physiotherapy, and minimally invasive procedures
- Post-treatment rehabilitation for complete recovery
Key Takeaways
- Frozen shoulder symptoms include shoulder pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion
- Condition progresses through three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing
- Early diagnosis and physiotherapy are vital for recovery
- Medical management, heat therapy, and surgery are available for severe cases
- Expert guidance from Dr. Shravan Tirunagari can restore shoulder function effectively
FAQs About Frozen Shoulder Symptoms
1. How long does a frozen shoulder last?
- 6 months to 3 years depending on treatment and individual response
2. Can a frozen shoulder heal on its own?
- Gradually, but professional treatment accelerates recovery and prevents chronic stiffness
3. Is exercise safe for frozen shoulder?
- Yes. Gentle, guided exercises are safe and crucial
4. Can frozen shoulder return after treatment?
- Recurrence is rare in the same shoulder but possible in the opposite shoulder
5. Is surgery necessary?
- Most cases respond to conservative therapy; surgery is only for persistent symptoms
Final Word
Frozen shoulder may be slow-healing, but with proper diagnosis, physiotherapy, and expert care from Dr. Shravan Tirunagari, recovery is absolutely possible. Regain full shoulder mobility and enjoy pain-free movement with personalized treatment.