What You Need to Know About Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Have you noticed your shoulder becoming stiff and painful, making it hard to lift your arm or reach behind your back? You might be dealing with frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. This common condition can make even simple tasks—like brushing your hair or reaching for a cupboard—feel impossible.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder happens when the tissue around your shoulder joint (called the joint capsule) becomes thick, tight, and inflamed. Over time, this restricts movement and leads to ongoing pain.

It often develops gradually and can affect one or both shoulders. Although anyone can get frozen shoulder, it’s more common in people between 40 and 60 years old, and in those with diabetes or thyroid problems.

The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder

1. Freezing stage – Shoulder pain slowly increases, and movement becomes limited.

2. Frozen stage – Pain may ease, but stiffness remains and everyday movement feels restricted.

3. Thawing stage – The shoulder slowly regains its normal range of motion.

These stages can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to fully pass.

How Is Frozen Shoulder Treated?

Most people recover without surgery, though it can take time. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and restoring mobility. Common approaches include:

Physiotherapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises to restore movement.

Pain relief: Over-the-counter medication or prescription medication to reduce inflammation.

Heat therapy: Applying warmth to relax muscles and ease stiffness.

If symptoms persist, your doctor might suggest referral to an orthopaedic specialist.

Can You Prevent Frozen Shoulder?

You can lower your risk by keeping your shoulders moving—especially after an injury or surgery. Gentle range-of-motion exercises and regular stretching help maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.

The Bottom Line

While frozen shoulder can be frustrating and slow to heal, the good news is that most people make a full recovery with the right treatment and patience. If shoulder pain or stiffness is affecting your daily life, don’t ignore it—talk to your GP or physiotherapist for guidance.