Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder): Struggling to Lift Your Arm? Here's What You Need to Know

Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for frozen shoulder - and how early care can help restore movement and reduce pain.

Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a condition marked by progressive stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It is proposed that it occurs when the capsule of connective tissue surrounding the shoulder becomes inflamed and thickened, leading to restricted movement and discomfort. The condition often develops gradually and progresses through three stages, freezing, frozen, and thawing - over the course of several months to years. This condition can limit your ability to move your arm freely or perform everyday tasks like dressing, reaching overhead, or even sleeping comfortably. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, it’s more common in individuals aged 40–60 and may be associated with periods of immobility, diabetes, or previous shoulder injuries. In many cases, there is no clear cause (idiopathic). 

Frozen shoulder should be differentiated from other potential causes of shoulder pain, such as subacromial impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tendinopathy or tear, subdeltoid or subacromial bursitis, and glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Conservative care, including manual therapy, targeted exercise, and joint mobilizations, can play a key role in managing symptoms and restoring shoulder function over time. In most cases, a diagnosis of frozen shoulder can be made clinically - based on your history and physical exam. Imaging like X-rays or MRIs are more commonly used to rule out other causes of shoulder stiffness. Book now for your assessment.