Dr Balaraju Naidu

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For Appointments Call 73967 77240 / 1800 103 1956

Daily 8AM to 9AM Uppal / Daily 9AM to 9PM Champapet / Daily 3PM to 4PM Tukkuguda

Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin Instagram

Daily 8AM to 9AM Uppal / Daily 9AM to 9PM Champapet / Daily 3PM to 4PM Tukkuguda

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Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Causes, Symptoms, Stages & Treatment- By Dr. Balaraju Naidu, Robotic Orthopedic Surgeon, ONUS Robotic Hospitals

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, medically known as Adhesive Capsulitis, is a condition in which the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened, and stiff. This leads to increasing pain and a gradual loss of shoulder movement.

It can make everyday activities such as combing your hair, wearing clothes, reaching overhead, driving, or sleeping on the affected side extremely difficult.

Although frozen shoulder may improve over time, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce pain and speed up recovery.

Why Does Frozen Shoulder Occur?

The exact cause is not always known, but it develops when the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and tight.

Common risk factors include:

  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Shoulder injury
  • Shoulder fractures
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Surgery around the shoulder
  • Prolonged immobilization
  • Stroke
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Heart surgery recovery
  • Age between 40–60 years
  • More common in women

People with diabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing frozen shoulder than the general population.

Common Symptoms

Frozen shoulder usually develops gradually.

Typical symptoms include:

✔ Persistent shoulder pain

✔ Increasing stiffness

✔ Difficulty lifting the arm

✔ Pain while reaching behind the back

✔ Difficulty wearing clothes

✔ Trouble combing hair

✔ Difficulty sleeping on the affected shoulder

✔ Limited shoulder movement in all directions

Stages of Frozen Shoulder

1. Freezing Stage

During this stage:

  • Pain gradually increases
  • Shoulder movement begins to reduce
  • Sleeping becomes difficult
  • Lasts 2–9 months

2. Frozen Stage

Pain may reduce slightly, but stiffness becomes severe.

Patients find it difficult to:

  • Lift the arm
  • Reach overhead
  • Rotate the shoulder
  • Perform daily activities

This stage usually lasts 4–12 months.

3. Thawing Stage

Gradually, shoulder movement improves.

  • Pain continues to decrease
  • Range of motion slowly returns
  • Recovery may take several months

How Is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves:

  • Detailed medical history
  • Physical examination
  • Shoulder movement assessment
  • X-rays (to rule out arthritis or fractures)
  • Ultrasound when needed
  • MRI if rotator cuff injury or other shoulder conditions are suspected

Treatment Options

Treatment focuses on reducing pain and restoring movement.

Depending on the severity, treatment may include:

Medications

  • Pain relievers
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines

Physiotherapy

Regular supervised stretching exercises help improve mobility and prevent worsening stiffness.

Home Exercises

Daily stretching under medical guidance is essential for recovery.

Corticosteroid Injections

In selected patients, injections into the shoulder joint may reduce inflammation and pain.

Hydrodilatation

A specialized procedure in some cases to stretch the joint capsule.

Arthroscopic Capsular Release

Patients who do not improve with conservative treatment may benefit from minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to release the tight capsule.

Can Frozen Shoulder Be Prevented?

Although not always preventable, the risk can be reduced by:

  • Early treatment after shoulder injuries
  • Regular shoulder movement exercises
  • Controlling diabetes
  • Avoiding prolonged shoulder immobilization
  • Following physiotherapy after surgery

Recovery Time

Recovery varies from person to person.

With appropriate treatment:

  • Pain often improves within weeks to months.
  • Shoulder movement gradually returns.
  • Complete recovery may take 12–24 months in some patients.

Early treatment generally leads to faster recovery and better shoulder function.

When Should You See an Orthopedic Specialist?

Consult a doctor if you experience:

  • Shoulder pain lasting more than two weeks
  • Progressive stiffness
  • Difficulty lifting your arm
  • Pain that disturbs sleep
  • Limited shoulder movement
  • Shoulder pain after injury
  • Symptoms that interfere with daily activities

Early diagnosis helps prevent prolonged stiffness and improves treatment outcomes.

Expert Frozen Shoulder Care at ONUS Hospitals

At ONUS Robotic Hospitals, our orthopedic specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for frozen shoulder. Treatment may include medication, physiotherapy guidance, minimally invasive procedures, and advanced arthroscopic surgery when necessary.

Our goal is to relieve pain, restore shoulder movement, and help patients return to their normal daily activities safely and effectively.

Book Your Consultation Today

If you have persistent shoulder pain or stiffness, don’t wait for it to worsen.

Consult the orthopedic specialists at ONUS Hospitals for expert diagnosis and personalized treatment.

For Appointments:

Dr. Balaraju Naidu, Robotic Orthopedic Surgeon

ONUS Robotic Hospitals – Hyderabad

👉 link: contact-us or book-appointment

 

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