Frozen shoulder happens when thick bands of tissue form around the shoulder joint, restricting movement and causing persistent discomfort. While it develops gradually, recovery also takes time. The good news is that with the right care and consistency, most people regain full or near-full range of motion.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes the shoulder joint capsule to thicken and tighten. Over time, this restricts movement and leads to pain and stiffness. It typically develops slowly and passes through four stages.
Schedule Now with a Shoulder Specialist

4 Stages of Frozen Shoulder

  • Freezing (6 to 9 weeks): Pain gradually increases, and range of motion decreases.
  • Frozen (4 to 6 months): Pain may lessen, but stiffness remains and movement is limited.
  • Thawing (6 months to 2 years): The shoulder begins to loosen and movement gradually returns.
  • Resolution (2 years+): Most pain and stiffness resolves and function returns to normal.

This condition most commonly affects people between ages 40 and 60 and is more frequent in women, especially during and after menopause. It’s also more common among people with diabetes or thyroid conditions, though it can occur after injury, surgery or prolonged immobilization of the shoulder.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

While the exact cause isn’t always clear, frozen shoulder often develops when inflammation leads to thickening and tightening of the shoulder capsule. Common contributing factors include:

  • Prolonged immobility after injury or surgery
  • Diabetes or thyroid disease
  • Hormonal changes (especially in women over 40)
  • Post-surgical stiffness due to limited shoulder movement during recovery

Frozen Shoulder Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. The main signs are:

  • Dull or aching shoulder pain
  • Stiffness and loss of range of motion
  • Difficulty with daily activities like dressing or reaching overhead
  • Discomfort that may extend down the upper arm

Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam to evaluate both active and passive range of motion (how far you can move your arm on your own vs. with assistance). Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs may be used to rule out other shoulder problems like arthritis or rotator cuff tears.
Frozen shoulder often improves with time and proper treatment, though recovery can take months to years. The goal is to relieve pain and restore motion.
Nonsurgical treatments may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling
  • Corticosteroid injections to ease inflammation
  • Hydrodilatation, an injection procedure that expands the joint capsule to improve movement
  • Physical therapy, focusing on stretching and range-of-motion exercises

If nonsurgical treatments don’t bring relief after several months, frozen shoulder surgery may be recommended to release or loosen the joint capsule. Procedures such as manipulation under anesthesia or shoulder arthroscopy can restore movement, followed by continued physical therapy.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Frozen Shoulder?

Recovery can take anywhere from six months to three years, depending on the severity of stiffness and how early treatment begins. While progress is gradual, consistency with exercises and physical therapy is the most important factor for regaining mobility.

Treat Frozen Shoulder at OrthoNebraska

Need to fix frozen shoulder in the Omaha area? At OrthoNebraska, we want to make sure that our patients feel understood, safe and confident to take on an appropriate treatment plan. With proper management, we can help you reduce pain levels and improve quality of life.
Schedule Now with a Shoulder Specialist