Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms typically begin gradually, worsen over time and then resolve, usually within one to three years.

Frozen shoulder typically develops slowly, and in three stages. Each stage can last a number of months.

• Freezing stage – Any movement of your shoulder causes pain, and your shoulder’s range of motion starts to become limited.

• Frozen stage – Pain may begin to diminish during this stage. However, your shoulder becomes stiffer, and using it becomes more difficult.

• Thawing stage – The range of motion in your shoulder begins to improve.

The bones, ligaments and tendons that make up your shoulder joint are encased in a capsule of connective tissue. Frozen shoulder occurs when this capsule thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint, restricting its movement.

Doctors aren’t sure why this happens to some people, although it’s more likely to occur in people who have diabetes or those who recently had to immobilize their shoulder for a long period, such as after surgery or an arm fracture.

Risk factors

• Age
• Gender
• Reduced mobility
• Diabetes
• Thyroid
• Tuberculosis

Most frozen shoulder treatment involves controlling shoulder pain and preserving as much range of motion in the shoulder as possible.

Treatment protocols include:

• Medications
• Physiotherapy
• Surgery