What Is Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)?
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes painful and stiff, with a gradual loss of motion. It happens when the joint capsule—the soft tissue envelope that surrounds the shoulder—becomes thickened and tight, forming adhesions that “freeze” the joint in place.
Why Does Frozen Shoulder Happen?
Frozen shoulder develops in three overlapping phases, each lasting several months:
Freezing (Pain-Predominant) Phase
- Gradual onset of dull, aching shoulder pain, worse at night
- Progressive loss of both active (self-driven) and passive (examiner-driven) motion
- Lasts about 2–9 months
Frozen (Stiffness-Predominant) Phase
- Pain may improve slightly, but stiffness becomes more prominent
- Daily activities like dressing or reaching overhead are very difficult
- Lasts about 4–12 months
Thawing (Recovery) Phase
- Gradual return of range of motion
- Pain continues to lessen
- Lasts about 5–24 months
Who Is at Risk?
- Diabetes Mellitus – up to 20% of diabetics develop frozen shoulder
- Hypothyroidism and other thyroid disorders
- Recent shoulder injury or surgery
- Age & Gender – most common between ages 40–60, more often in women
How Is Frozen Shoulder Treated?
Medications & Early Physiotherapy
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
- Range-of-motion (ROM) exercises guided by a physiotherapist to maintain mobility
Intra-Articular Steroid Injection
- If pain persists after 6–8 weeks of NSAIDs and physio, a cortisone injection into the joint capsule can rapidly reduce inflammation and pain, enabling more effective physiotherapy.
Manipulation Under Anaesthesia (MUA)
- If stiffness still limits function, the patient is placed under a short-acting anaesthetic and the surgeon gently forces the shoulder through its full range of motion to break adhesions.
Arthroscopic Adhesiolysis
- As a last resort, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery is performed. Small instruments are used to cut and remove the thickened capsule and adhesions, instantly freeing up the joint. Post-op physiotherapy rapidly restores motion.
Summary & Next Steps
Frozen shoulder is a self-limiting but prolonged condition. Early recognition and treatment are key to minimizing pain and disability:
- Start with NSAIDs and supervised ROM exercises
- Add steroid injection if needed for pain control
- Progress to MUA if severe stiffness remains
- Reserve arthroscopic release for refractory cases
Ready to Get Your Shoulder Moving Again?
If you suspect you have a frozen shoulder—especially if you’re diabetic or have thyroid issues—don’t wait for “thawing” on its own. At ORTHO D HOSPITAL, Ahmedabad, our shoulder specialists combine the latest injections, physiotherapy techniques, and minimally invasive surgery to get you back to pain-free motion.
👉 Book your consultation with Dr. Ruchir Patel today and start your journey toward a mobile, pain-free shoulder!