Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder capsule -- the shoulder's connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint -- becomes stiff and swollen, causing chronic pain and lack of motion.

What causes frozen shoulder?

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not completely understood. It is most prevalent in individuals:

• Between the ages of 40 and 60 years old
• With endocrine disorders, such as diabetes
• Who have sustained a shoulder injury
• Who have had surgery of the shoulder or chest
• Who have had long-term shoulder immobility

What does frozen shoulder feel like?

Frozen shoulder symptoms include:

• Dull or aching pain in the shoulder or upper arm
• Limited range of shoulder motion
• Discomfort sleeping on the affected shoulder
• Difficulty completing everyday tasks using the shoulder, such as dressing or brushing one's hair

There are three stages that characterize frozen shoulder symptoms:

1. Freezing stage: In the freezing stage, pain gradually increases and your shoulder loses range of motion. The freezing stage can last six weeks to nine months.
2. Frozen stage: During the frozen stage, the pain typically eases, but the stiffness worsens. The frozen stage typically lasts four to six months.
3. Thawing stage: Range of shoulder motion gradually improves in the thawing stage. Full recovery can take six months to two years.

How do I know if I have frozen shoulder?

A physical examination of the shoulder, with focus on its range of motion, enables the doctor to diagnose the problem and determine the most appropriate frozen shoulder therapy.

Your doctor may also use x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out underlying conditions such as arthritis or soft tissue damage, such as a torn rotator cuff.

How is frozen shoulder treated?

Frozen shoulder treatments typically begin with non-invasive options such as:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Frozen shoulder physical therapy
• Stretching exercises for frozen shoulder

In severe cases, in which full range of motion does not return to the shoulder, surgery may be required.

Frozen shoulder treatments and frozen shoulder therapy are offered at locations convenient to Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment Videos

Watch an educational video about frozen shoulder treatments and frozen shoulder therapy.