Frozen Shoulder
Last Updated on October 17, 2023 by SportsMD Editors
A frozen shoulder is a common condition mostly affecting people over the age of 40 and seems to affect women far more often than in men. It may be triggered by an injury or previous surgery associated with the heart or breast. It can also be associated with various medical conditions including diabetes, thyroid disease, Parkinson’s disease, and inflammatory disorders.
There are 3 distinct phases to a frozen shoulder and it can take up to two years to heal.
- The FREEZING PHASE lasts about 2 to 9 months (sometimes even longer in diabetics). Patients get pain at rest, with activity and also pain at night. There is significant restriction of motion.
- The FROZEN PHASE displays progressive stiffness, lasting up to 12 months. Pain occurs only at the extremes of movement but the shoulder remains stiff.
- The THAWING-OUT PHASE is the resolution phase where movements improve over a 12 to 24 month period. This phase is not typically painful.
Following is a video on Frozen shoulder and how to treat.
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