Frozen shoulder living in adults

Overview

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff, painful, and hard to move. The capsule of tissue around the shoulder tightens and thickens, making movement difficult.

Frozen shoulder is fairly common. About 2 to 5 out of every 100 people will experience it at some point in their lives.

It most often affects adults between 40 and 60 years old, especially women. People with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or a history of shoulder injury are more likely to develop it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Dull or aching pain in the shoulder, often worse at night
• Stiffness that makes it hard to reach overhead, behind your back, or to the side
• Gradual loss of shoulder movement

Symptoms in children

• Frozen shoulder is very rare in children. If a child has shoulder stiffness or pain, it is usually due to another cause.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, frozen shoulder may last longer and be harder to treat. Stiffness can limit daily activities like dressing or bathing.

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause is often unknown. It happens when the tissue capsule around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and tight.
• Sometimes it follows a period of not using the shoulder much, such as after an injury or surgery.

Risk factors

• Age between 40 and 60
• Being female
• Diabetes (especially type 1 and type 2)
• Thyroid disorders, like overactive or underactive thyroid
• Parkinson's disease
• Previous shoulder injury or surgery

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden severe shoulder pain after a fall or injury

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have shoulder pain and stiffness that lasts more than a few weeks and limits your daily activities

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your shoulder. They will check how far you can move your arm in different directions.

Tests that may be done

• X-rays (to rule out arthritis or other bone problems)
• Ultrasound or MRI (if the diagnosis is unclear or to check for rotator cuff tears)

What to expect at your appointment

The diagnosis is usually based on your history and physical exam. Imaging tests are not always needed but can help if something else is suspected.

Treatment

Frozen shoulder often gets better on its own, but treatment can reduce pain and improve movement. The main treatments include physical therapy, pain relief, and sometimes procedures like injections or surgery.

Self-care at home

• Gentle stretching exercises, as advised by a physiotherapist or doctor
• Applying heat or ice to the shoulder for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (like paracetamol or ibuprofen) – always follow the label or ask your pharmacist

Medical treatments

Your doctor may suggest prescription-strength pain or anti-inflammatory medicines. They might also recommend a steroid injection into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation and pain. Physiotherapy is often prescribed to help you regain movement with targeted exercises.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed, but if symptoms do not improve after several months of treatment, a procedure like shoulder manipulation under anaesthetic or arthroscopic capsular release may be considered.

Living with this condition

Living with frozen shoulder can be frustrating, but most people improve with time. Modify your activities to avoid sudden or overhead movements. Use assistive tools like long-handled brushes or dressing aids to make daily tasks easier.

Lifestyle tips

• Be patient – recovery can take months to years, but it does get better
• Keep moving your shoulder gently within pain limits to prevent further stiffness
• Sleep with a pillow under the affected arm to support it

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet supports overall wellbeing. Regular low-impact exercise like walking or swimming (once pain allows) can help maintain general fitness without stressing the shoulder. Avoid heavy lifting or vigorous overhead activities until cleared by a physiotherapist.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Chronic pain and limited movement can affect your mood and sleep. It is normal to feel frustrated or down. Talk to your healthcare provider if you feel this way – they can suggest ways to cope or refer you to a counsellor.

Prevention

There is no proven way to prevent frozen shoulder, but keeping your shoulder active and managing conditions like diabetes and thyroid disease may lower your risk.

Complications

If left untreated

• Persistent stiffness that limits your ability to do daily activities
• Chronic pain

Long-term outlook

The outlook for frozen shoulder is very good. Most people regain full or near-full movement and comfort within 1 to 3 years, especially with early treatment. Even without treatment, symptoms often improve over time.

Find support

Local organisations

• Versus Arthritis ↗ · United Kingdom

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