Frozen Shoulder: Why It Happens and How to Treat It

Adhesive capsulitis causes painful stiffness that can last years. Learn the stages of frozen shoulder and the fastest path to recovery.

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition causing pain and progressive stiffness in the shoulder joint. Without proper treatment, it can last 2–3 years and severely impact daily life.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

The exact cause isn't always clear, but frozen shoulder is more common in: - People with diabetes (3–5x higher risk) - Women aged 40–60 - People who have had shoulder immobilisation (after injury or surgery) - Thyroid disorders - Prolonged bed rest

The Three Stages

Stage 1 — Freezing (3–9 months): Progressive pain and stiffness. Range of motion decreases. Night pain is common and very disruptive.

Stage 2 — Frozen (9–12 months): Pain may reduce slightly but stiffness is at its worst. Daily activities become very difficult.

Stage 3 — Thawing (12–24 months): Gradual improvement in movement. Full recovery eventually occurs, but it can take a long time without treatment.

Treatment Options

Conservative - Physiotherapy — targeted stretching and strengthening exercises - NSAIDs — anti-inflammatory medications - Corticosteroid injections — into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation and pain, often with dramatic short-term improvement - Hydrodilation — injection of fluid to stretch the joint capsule

Surgical - Arthroscopic capsular release — when conservative treatment fails (usually 6+ months), key-hole surgery to cut the tight capsule provides rapid improvement in movement

Dr. Bhardwaj's Approach

At Shivneri Hospital, frozen shoulder is managed with a personalised protocol. Most patients benefit from early steroid injections combined with physiotherapy. For resistant cases, arthroscopic capsular release provides rapid and dramatic improvement.

Don't accept years of suffering — frozen shoulder can be treated effectively at any stage.