Frozen shoulder living in older adults

Overview

Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff, painful, and difficult to move. It happens when the tissue around the shoulder joint (the capsule) thickens and tightens, like a ‘freeze’ that limits movement. Over time, it usually gets better on its own, but it can take months or even years.

Yes, frozen shoulder is fairly common in older adults. About 2 to 5 per cent of people develop it at some point.

It most often affects people between the ages of 40 and 70, but older adults (over 70) can also get it. It is more common in women and in people with certain health conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Dull or aching pain in the shoulder that may get worse at night
• Stiffness that makes it hard to move your arm
• Difficulty reaching overhead, behind your back, or across your body
• Pain that starts gradually and slowly gets worse over weeks or months

Symptoms in children

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

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, the pain may be less severe but stiffness can be more limiting.
• The condition may last longer than in younger people.
• Everyday tasks like dressing, combing hair, or reaching for objects can become very difficult.

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause is not always known. It happens when the capsule around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and then tightens.
• It can develop after a shoulder injury or surgery that keeps your arm still for a long time.

Risk factors

• Age 40 and older
• Diabetes (especially if insulin-dependent)
• Thyroid disorders (overactive or underactive)
• Heart or lung conditions that limit arm movement
• Parkinson's disease
• Being female

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe shoulder pain after an injury
• If you cannot move your arm at all
• If your shoulder looks deformed or is very swollen

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have shoulder stiffness or pain that does not improve after a few weeks
• If the pain is getting worse or interfering with sleep and daily activities

Diagnosis

A doctor can usually diagnose frozen shoulder based on your symptoms and a physical exam. They will check your range of motion and ask about your medical history.

Tests that may be done

• X-rays to rule out other problems like arthritis or a fracture (usually normal in frozen shoulder)
• Ultrasound or MRI if the doctor wants a closer look at the shoulder tissues

What to expect at your appointment

The physical exam may involve moving your arm in different directions to see how far it can go. The doctor will ask if you have had any injuries, diabetes, or thyroid issues. Based on the findings, they will discuss your stage of frozen shoulder and possible treatments.

Treatment

Treatment aims to reduce pain and improve movement. Most people start with simple self-care and gentle exercises. If needed, a doctor may recommend other approaches. Recovery can take months, so patience is important.

Self-care at home

• Apply heat or cold packs to your shoulder for 15–20 minutes a few times a day.
• Do gentle shoulder stretches as advised by your doctor or physiotherapist.
• Avoid activities that cause sharp pain, but try to keep your arm moving within a comfortable range.
• Use a pillow to support your arm when sleeping.

Medical treatments

A doctor may suggest pain relievers that are available without a prescription (always follow the label and ask your pharmacist). For more severe stiffness, they might offer a corticosteroid injection into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation. Physical therapy with a trained specialist can help you regain movement through guided stretches and exercises.

When is surgery considered?

In rare cases, when symptoms do not improve after many months of other treatments, a doctor may discuss a procedure called arthroscopic capsular release. This is a type of keyhole surgery to loosen the tightened capsule. Surgery is not common and is only considered after careful evaluation.

Living with this condition

Living with frozen shoulder can be tough, but small changes can help. Use your other arm more for tasks like brushing teeth, eating, and dressing. Ask for help with heavy lifting or carrying groceries. Keep a positive mindset and remember that the condition usually improves over time.

Lifestyle tips

• Try to stay active, but avoid activities that cause sharp shoulder pain.
• Use a long-handled brush or comb to make grooming easier.
• Wear clothes that are easy to put on, like front-button shirts or loose tops.
• Ask your doctor or physiotherapist for a list of safe shoulder exercises.

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall health. No specific diet treats frozen shoulder, but keeping your weight in a healthy range may reduce stress on your shoulder. Gentle, low-impact exercises like walking or swimming (once pain allows) can help maintain fitness.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with long-term pain and limited mobility can be frustrating and may lead to feelings of sadness or anxiety. It is normal to feel this way. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you are struggling. Connecting with others who have similar experiences may also help.

Prevention

There is no guaranteed way to prevent frozen shoulder. However, keeping your shoulder moving regularly and avoiding long periods of immobility after injury or surgery may lower your risk. If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar under control might help.

Vaccines

Frozen shoulder is not prevented by any vaccine. Ensure you stay up to date with recommended vaccines for your age (like flu and pneumonia) to stay generally healthy.

Screening programmes

There are no routine screening tests for frozen shoulder. If you notice shoulder stiffness or pain that persists, see your doctor for an evaluation.

Complications

If left untreated

• Prolonged stiffness and loss of shoulder movement
• Difficulty performing daily activities like dressing or bathing
• Muscle weakness in the shoulder and arm due to disuse

Long-term outlook

The outlook for frozen shoulder is very good. Most people get better on their own within 1 to 3 years, even without treatment. With proper care, recovery can be faster and less painful. Even if it takes time, full or near-full movement usually returns.

Find support

International organisations

• Arthritis Foundation ↗

Local organisations

• NHS (UK) – Frozen shoulder information ↗ · UK

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