FROZEN SHOULDER

Frozen Shoulder: What It Is, Why It Happens & How to Identify It Early

Frozen Shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that limits the normal range of motion in the shoulder joint. It often starts gradually but can worsen over time — making simple tasks like combing hair or lifting a bag difficult.

Let’s understand the root of this condition, what causes it, and how to recognize it before it severely affects your mobility.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen Shoulder occurs when the tissues around the shoulder joint become inflamed, stiff, and tight. Over time, these tissues thicken and contract, forming scar tissue that severely limits shoulder movement.

It typically progresses in three stages:

  1. Freezing Stage – Pain increases and motion becomes limited.

  2. Frozen Stage – Pain may reduce, but stiffness worsens.

  3. Thawing Stage – Movement slowly returns to normal.

Common Causes of Frozen Shoulder

  • Prolonged immobility (due to injury, surgery, or illness)

  • Diabetes (highly associated with frozen shoulder)

  • Thyroid disorders (hypo or hyperthyroidism)

  • Stroke or cardiac recovery (leads to less shoulder movement)

  • Age-related wear and tear

  • Autoimmune conditions affecting joint lining

Symptoms to Watch For

  • Constant dull or aching pain in the shoulder

  • Severe stiffness that limits arm movement

  • Trouble sleeping due to night-time pain

  • Inability to raise arm above head or behind back

  • Pain that worsens over time, especially with inactivity

  • Feeling like your shoulder is “stuck” or locked

Who Is Most at Risk?

  • People aged 40–60

  • Women (more common in females)

  • Individuals recovering from shoulder injury/surgery

  • Patients with diabetes or thyroid problems

  • Stroke or post-operative patients with limited mobility

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We understand that when you’re living with chronic pain, waiting any longer simply isn’t an option. That’s why we offer prompt appointments, Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 04:00 PM, at our pain center — so you can begin your journey toward lasting pain relief as soon as tomorrow.