Not all shoulder pain is due to frozen shoulder. If the pain improves with simple medication, it may just be general muscle strain. But how can you tell the difference? If your shoulder feels stiff and you’re finding it hard to lift your arm or do everyday activities, you might be dealing with a condition called frozen shoulder.
In today’s workaholic environment, frozen shoulder has become a common issue, especially among people aged 40 to 60. It can be both painful and frustrating. The good news is—it is treatable. Let’s understand what frozen shoulder is, why it occurs, and how you can find relief from it and when needed to consult Shoulder Specialist near you.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, happens when the tissues around your shoulder joint become thick, tight, and inflamed. This makes the shoulder stiff and painful to move.
Over time, it gets harder to lift or rotate your arm — even simple things like combing your hair, buttoning your shirt, or reaching for something can become difficult.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder doesn’t usually happen overnight. There are several reasons why it can develop:
1. Lack of Shoulder Movement or Daily Exercise
If your arm has been in a sling or you’ve not been using it much after an injury, surgery, or illness, the shoulder can become stiff over time. That’s how frozen shoulder often starts.
2. Diabetes
People with diabetes are more likely to get frozen shoulder. The reason isn’t fully known, but high blood sugar may affect the shoulder joint’s flexibility.
3. Thyroid or Hormonal Issues
Conditions like hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels) can make you more prone to frozen shoulder.
4. Age and Gender
It mostly affects people between 40 to 60 years, and women tend to get it more often than men.
5. Any Surgery or Injury
Sometimes, after chest surgery, breast surgery, or a shoulder injury, the fear of pain stops people from moving the arm — and that can lead to freezing of the shoulder joint.
What Are the Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?
The symptoms not confirm in 1 or 2 days it usually develops in three stages. Each stage can last for weeks or even months:
Freezing Stage
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Shoulder becomes painful.
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You begin to lose range of motion.
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Lifting the arm starts to hurt.
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This phase can last 6 to 9 months.
Frozen Stage
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Pain may reduce slightly.
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But stiffness increases.
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Moving your shoulder becomes very difficult.
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This can last 4 to 6 months.
Thawing Stage
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Pain starts to go away.
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Shoulder movement slowly returns to normal.
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Full recovery may take 6 months to 2 years.
Best Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder often gets better over time, but proper treatment can speed up recovery and reduce pain. Here’s what can help:
1. Physiotherapy (Most Important Step)
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A physical therapist will guide you through gentle stretches and movements that help loosen the shoulder.
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Regular sessions can improve mobility and reduce stiffness.
2. Painkillers & Anti-Inflammatory Medicines
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Medicines like ibuprofen or paracetamol can reduce pain and swelling.
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These are helpful, especially in the early painful stage.
3. Hot and Cold Packs
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Applying ice packs helps reduce swelling in the early stages.
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Hot packs can help relax the muscles before doing exercises.
4. Steroid Injections
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If pain is too much, doctors may give a corticosteroid injection directly into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation.
5. Advanced Treatments (If Nothing Else Works)
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Hydrodilatation: A saline fluid is injected into the shoulder joint to stretch the tight capsule.
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Shoulder manipulation under anesthesia: Your doctor moves your shoulder while you’re asleep to break the stiffness.
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Surgery (Arthroscopy): Rarely needed, but used in very severe cases to remove the tight tissue.
How to Prevent Frozen Shoulder?
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Keep your shoulder moving after any injury or surgery — even simple arm lifts help.
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Don’t ignore shoulder pain. The earlier you start exercises, the better.
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If you have diabetes or thyroid issues, keep them under control with proper care.
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Stay active and avoid keeping your shoulder still for long periods.
When Should You See a Frozen Shoulder Specialist
If your shoulder pain:
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Lasts more than a few weeks,
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Keeps getting worse, or
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Is stopping you from doing daily tasks —
Then don’t wait. Visit an orthopedic doctor as early treatment gives better results.
Request a Call Back for Frozen Shoulder Treatment in PCMC
Struggling with frozen shoulder pain that just won’t go away? Don’t ignore the stiffness or wait for it to get worse. With the right care, frozen shoulder can be treated without surgery in most cases.
✅ Get expert diagnosis
✅ Personalized physiotherapy plan
✅ Advanced non-surgical treatments
✅ Long-lasting shoulder pain relief
If you’re looking for the best orthopedic doctor in Nigi, PCMC, Dr. Umesh Jadhav is a trusted name with years of experience in treating shoulder problems like frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, and more.
📞 Request a Call Back Today!
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Fill out the form or contact us now to schedule your consultation with Dr. Umesh Jadhav, and take the first step toward complete shoulder pain recovery.