Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that affects movement of the shoulder.
Frozen shoulder is also known as adhesive capsulitis or shoulder contracture.
If you have frozen shoulder, the amount of movement in your shoulder joint will be reduced. In severe cases, you may not be able to move your shoulder at all.
The most common symptoms are pain and stiffness in the shoulder.
Read more about the symptoms of frozen shoulder.
What causes frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is caused when the flexible tissue that surrounds the shoulder joint, known as the capsule, becomes inflamed and thickened.
It is not fully understood why this happens, although there are a number of things that make developing a frozen shoulder more likely. These include having:
Read more about the causes of frozen shoulder.
When to see your GP
You should visit your GP if you have shoulder pain that limits your range of movement.
A diagnosis of frozen shoulder needs to be made early so treatment for the condition can be started quickly to help prevent long-term pain and stiffness developing in your joint.
Treating frozen shoulder
Some people with frozen shoulder may get better over a period of 18-24 months. In other cases, symptoms can persist for several years.
Studies suggest that about 50% of people with frozen shoulder continue to experience symptoms up to seven years after the condition starts. However, with appropriate treatment it is possible to shorten the period of disability.
The aim of treatment is to keep your joint as mobile and pain free as possible while your shoulder heals. The type of treatment you receive will depend on how severe your frozen shoulder is and how far it has progressed.
Painkillers, corticosteroid injections, shoulder exercises and physiotherapy are all possible treatment options. Surgery may be recommended if your symptoms have not improved after six months.
Read more about treating frozen shoulder.
