Introduction

Do you struggle to lift your arm above your shoulder? Is it painful to comb your hair, wear a shirt, or reach behind your back? If simple daily activities have become difficult due to shoulder pain and stiffness, you may be suffering from Frozen Shoulder, also known as Adhesive Capsulitis.

Frozen shoulder is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and restricted movement in the shoulder joint. It usually develops gradually and can significantly affect your quality of life if left untreated.

At ONUS Robotic Hospitals, our orthopedic specialists provide comprehensive evaluation, advanced diagnostic services, personalized physiotherapy, pain management, and minimally invasive treatment options to restore shoulder function and relieve pain.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened, and tight. This restricts movement of the shoulder and causes persistent pain.

The condition often develops slowly over several months and may take time to recover if not treated early.

Common Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Patients with frozen shoulder often experience:

• Persistent shoulder pain
• Shoulder stiffness
• Difficulty lifting the arm overhead
• Inability to touch the back
• Difficulty combing hair
• Difficulty wearing clothes
• Pain while reaching for objects
• Difficulty sleeping on the affected shoulder
• Reduced shoulder movement
• Pain during daily activities

Many patients initially ignore these symptoms until routine tasks become increasingly difficult.

Why Can’t You Lift Your Arm?

As the shoulder capsule tightens, the joint loses its normal range of motion. This makes movements such as lifting your arm, rotating your shoulder, or reaching behind your back painful and restricted.

Without proper treatment, the stiffness can worsen over time.

Common Causes of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder may occur due to:

• Diabetes
• Shoulder injury
• Previous shoulder surgery
• Prolonged shoulder immobilization
• Rotator cuff disorders
• Thyroid disorders
• Increasing age
• Lack of shoulder movement after pain

People between 40 and 60 years of age are more commonly affected, especially women and individuals with diabetes.

Stages of Frozen Shoulder

Stage 1: Freezing Stage

• Increasing shoulder pain
• Gradual loss of movement
• Pain worsens at night

Stage 2: Frozen Stage

• Severe stiffness
• Pain may reduce slightly
• Shoulder movement becomes extremely limited

Stage 3: Thawing Stage

• Gradual improvement in movement
• Pain decreases
• Shoulder function slowly returns

How is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?

An orthopedic specialist will evaluate:

• Medical history
• Symptoms
• Shoulder movement
• Physical examination
• Range of motion

If required, imaging tests such as:

• X-rays
• Ultrasound
• MRI

may be recommended to rule out arthritis, tendon injuries, or rotator cuff tears.

Treatment Options

Most patients improve with early treatment.

1. Medications

Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications may help reduce discomfort.

2. Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is one of the most important treatments for frozen shoulder.

Exercises help:

• Improve shoulder flexibility
• Increase range of motion
• Reduce stiffness
• Strengthen shoulder muscles
• Restore normal function