Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common, painful condition that affects the ability to move the shoulder.
Frozen shoulder reduces normal movement in the joint and, in some cases, it can prevent movement in the shoulder altogether.
Pain and stiffness in the shoulder are the most common symptoms of a frozen shoulder. See Frozen shoulder - symptoms for more details.
How common is frozen shoulder?
Most cases of frozen shoulder occur in people between the ages of 40 and 60. The condition is more common in women than men. It is estimated that a frozen shoulder could affect up to 1 in 20 people.
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, although it appears to be more common in people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes (a long-term condition that is caused by too much glucose in the blood).
Outlook
There are several different forms of treatment for frozen shoulder, including:
- painkillers
- physiotherapy, where physical methods are used to promote healing
- surgery
Recovery from a frozen shoulder can be slow and the symptoms can last for several years. However, most people with the condition eventually regain full movement in their shoulder.
If you have frozen shoulder, only one shoulder will usually be affected, although the condition can sometimes spread to the other shoulder. A frozen shoulder is not related to arthritis and other joints are not affected.
