Frozen shoulder syndrome, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful, with severely limited range of motion. The shoulder joint capsule becomes thick and tight, making it feel "frozen" in place.
How you get it:The exact cause isn't always clear, but frozen shoulder often develops after:
How long it typically lasts:Frozen shoulder usually progresses through three distinct phases over 1-3 years:
Severity variations:Yes, cases vary significantly. Some people experience mild stiffness that resolves in months, while others have severe limitation lasting years. Diabetics tend to have more severe, longer-lasting cases. The dominant arm being affected can also make daily activities more challenging.
Physical therapy approaches to look for:
Medications for pain management:
The key is patience and consistent treatment, as recovery is typically slow but steady. Working with healthcare providers who understand this condition's timeline helps set realistic expectations and develop appropriate treatment strategies.
How you get it:The exact cause isn't always clear, but frozen shoulder often develops after:
- Shoulder injury or surgery that requires prolonged immobilization
- Medical conditions like diabetes (which significantly increases risk), thyroid disorders, or cardiovascular disease
- Hormonal changes, particularly in women going through menopause
- Sometimes it occurs without any obvious trigger
How long it typically lasts:Frozen shoulder usually progresses through three distinct phases over 1-3 years:
- Freezing phase (2-9 months): Gradual onset of pain and stiffness
- Frozen phase (4-12 months): Pain may decrease but stiffness remains severe
- Thawing phase (5-24 months): Gradual return of movement
Severity variations:Yes, cases vary significantly. Some people experience mild stiffness that resolves in months, while others have severe limitation lasting years. Diabetics tend to have more severe, longer-lasting cases. The dominant arm being affected can also make daily activities more challenging.
Physical therapy approaches to look for:
- Manual therapy techniques including joint mobilization and soft tissue work
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises progressing from passive to active
- Stretching programs focusing on the shoulder capsule
- Heat therapy before exercises, ice after
- Therapists experienced with adhesive capsulitis who understand the condition's phases
- Home exercise programs you can maintain consistently
Medications for pain management:
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for inflammation and pain
- Oral corticosteroids for severe inflammation, typically prescribed for short periods
- Corticosteroid injections directly into the shoulder joint
- Topical pain relievers for additional relief
- In severe cases, stronger prescription pain medications may be temporarily needed
The key is patience and consistent treatment, as recovery is typically slow but steady. Working with healthcare providers who understand this condition's timeline helps set realistic expectations and develop appropriate treatment strategies.
