Shoulder condition

Frozen Shoulder

Also called: Adhesive Capsulitis

Frozen shoulder is a condition where the capsule of tissue around the shoulder joint thickens, tightens and becomes inflamed, causing stiffness and a steadily shrinking range of motion. It develops slowly over months, often without a clear cause, and typically passes through three stages - freezing, frozen and thawing - before movement gradually returns.

Symptoms

Frozen shoulder develops in stages, and symptoms change as it progresses. Common signs include:

  • A dull, aching pain deep in the shoulder, often worse at night
  • Stiffness that makes everyday reaching harder over time
  • A steadily shrinking range of motion in all directions
  • Difficulty with tasks like dressing, washing hair or reaching a seatbelt
  • Pain that is worst in the early "freezing" stage
  • Gradual return of movement in the later "thawing" stage

Causes

The exact cause is not always clear, but several things raise the risk. Common contributors:

  • A period of shoulder immobility after injury or surgery
  • Diabetes, which strongly increases the risk
  • Thyroid disorders and some other health conditions
  • Being aged between 40 and 60
  • Being female (more common than in men)
  • A previous frozen shoulder on the other side

What helps frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder usually improves over time, and the goal of treatment is to ease pain and keep as much movement as possible while it runs its course. Gentle stretching, heat and pain relief are the mainstays. A patch for shoulder pain worn over the shoulder gives steady, drug-free relief that is especially useful at night, when frozen shoulder pain tends to be worst.

  • Gentle range-of-motion stretches, little and often, without forcing
  • Heat before stretching to loosen the stiff capsule
  • Physiotherapy to guide safe, progressive movement
  • Use drug-free relief - a patch for shoulder pain over the shoulder
  • Support your sleep - night pain is common, so ease it before bed
  • Patience: most cases improve over 1–3 years, and rushing can set you back
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Frequently asked questions

How long does frozen shoulder last?
Frozen shoulder is slow to resolve, typically lasting between one and three years across its three stages. The painful freezing stage can last six weeks to nine months, the stiff frozen stage several months, and the thawing stage up to a couple of years as movement returns. Gentle stretching and pain relief make the process more bearable rather than dramatically faster.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a frozen shoulder?
There is no instant cure, but you can speed recovery by keeping the joint moving with gentle daily stretches, using heat before you stretch, and managing pain so you stay consistent. Physiotherapy helps guide safe progress. Forcing the shoulder or resting it completely both tend to prolong it - steady, gentle movement is the reliable route.
Should you keep moving a frozen shoulder?
Yes, within a comfortable range. Gentle, regular movement helps preserve as much motion as possible and prevents extra stiffness. The key is to stretch to the point of tension, not sharp pain, and to do little and often rather than occasional forceful sessions. During the very painful freezing stage, keep movements especially gentle.
What triggers frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is often triggered by a period of not moving the shoulder - for example after an injury, surgery or a spell in a sling. It is also strongly linked to diabetes and thyroid conditions, and is most common between the ages of 40 and 60. In many cases, though, it appears with no obvious trigger at all.
When should you see a doctor?
See a doctor if your shoulder is becoming stiffer and harder to move, if pain is disrupting sleep, or if everyday tasks are getting difficult. Early assessment helps confirm frozen shoulder, rule out other causes, and start the right stretches. Seek prompt advice after any injury that leaves the shoulder very painful or unable to move.
A quick, honest note. This guide is for general education and does not replace a diagnosis from a qualified clinician. mLab makes natural pain-relief patches and support devices - they can ease day-to-day discomfort, but they do not treat or cure this condition. If your shoulder is rapidly stiffening, or pain is severe and disrupting sleep, please see a doctor.