Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) occurs when the tissue around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and tight, causing pain and progressive loss of movement. It often develops in three overlapping stages: a painful freezing phase, a stiff frozen phase where pain may ease but movement is very restricted, and a thawing phase where movement gradually returns. The whole process can take anywhere from several months to two or three years.
It is more common in people aged around 40 to 60, in those with diabetes or thyroid conditions, and sometimes after a period of shoulder immobility following injury or surgery. The cause is not always clear.
See a doctor or physiotherapist for diagnosis and a treatment plan, which may include exercises, pain relief, and other options to maintain and restore movement. Seek prompt assessment if shoulder pain follows a significant injury, the shoulder looks deformed, or you have fever with the shoulder pain, as these suggest other problems.