Frozen Shoulder
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Key Points
- Shoulder pain and stiffness can last months or years
- Pain often worsens at night, disturbing sleep
- Treatment involves exercises, painkillers, and physiotherapy
- Symptoms usually improve and resolve over time
Overview
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes painful and severely restricted in movement. This happens when the tissue surrounding the shoulder joint, called the capsule, becomes inflamed, thickens, and tightens, limiting the joint's ability to move freely. The exact cause is often unclear, but it can develop after an injury or surgery that prevents normal arm movement. People with diabetes are also at a higher risk, though the reason for this link is not fully understood. While it can be a long-lasting condition, the pain and stiffness typically resolve with time and appropriate management. Treatment focuses on managing pain and gradually restoring movement. This often includes a combination of pain relief, gentle exercises, and guided physiotherapy. In some cases, stronger medications or steroid injections may be used to help alleviate severe symptoms and facilitate recovery.
Signs and Symptoms
- Shoulder pain
- Stiffness in the shoulder
- Difficulty moving the arm
- Pain worse at night
- Disturbed sleep due to pain
Things That Increase the Risk
- Previous shoulder injury
- Recent surgery affecting the arm
- Having diabetes
Diagnosis
- GP consultation
- Physical examination of shoulder movement
- Discussion of symptoms and medical history
Treatment & Management
- Over-the-counter painkillers (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Prescription painkillers
- Steroid injections into the shoulder
- Gentle shoulder exercises
- Physiotherapy for stretching and strengthening
- Applying heat packs to the shoulder
Prevention
- Careful movement after injury or surgery
- Effective management of diabetes
- Following recommended exercises from a doctor or therapist
- Avoiding strenuous exercises that worsen pain
Available Treatments
Explore our range of treatment options for Frozen Shoulder:
Surgical Options
Learn about surgical procedures available for Frozen Shoulder:
Contents
Quick Info
Affects
Shoulder joint
Prevalence
Common, especially with certain risk factors
Diagnosis
Physical exam by GP
Treatment
Pain relief, exercises, physiotherapy
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Vijay Bhat
Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Reviewed on July 3, 2026
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