If you’re struggling with shoulder stiffness and pain that seems to come out of nowhere, and only gets worse, you might be dealing with frozen shoulder. Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is a frustrating condition that affects daily activities like dressing, reaching overhead, or even sleeping comfortably.
While it’s a common condition, especially among people in their 40s to 60s, frozen shoulder is often misdiagnosed or misunderstood. In this post, we’ll break down why it happens, how to treat it effectively, and how you can speed up recovery with the help of a shoulder pain doctor near you.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the capsule of connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and stiff, restricting motion and causing pain. It usually develops gradually and progresses through three distinct stages:
- Freezing Stage: Increasing pain and a gradual loss of range of motion.
- Frozen Stage: Pain may improve slightly, but stiffness is severe and limits function.
- Thawing Stage: Slow return of motion as the inflammation subsides.
The entire process can take 1 to 3 years without proper treatment, making early intervention key to a faster recovery.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
The exact cause isn’t always clear, but certain factors increase the risk:
- Prolonged shoulder immobility (often after surgery, injury, or stroke)
- Diabetes (significantly increases risk)
- Thyroid disorders or hormonal imbalances
- Age (most common between 40 and 60)
- Women are more likely to develop it than men
For many patients, frozen shoulder develops after a period of inactivity due to injury, surgery, or illness, making physical therapy and early mobilization essential parts of prevention and recovery.
How Do You Know If You Have Frozen Shoulder?
Common symptoms include:
- Stiffness that worsens over time
- Dull or aching pain in the shoulder and upper arm
- Difficulty with overhead or behind-the-back movements
- Pain that disrupts sleep
To confirm a diagnosis, your orthopedic specialist in Long Island may perform a physical exam and order imaging like X-rays or an MRI to rule out other issues like rotator cuff tears or arthritis.
Frozen Shoulder Treatment Options
The good news? Frozen shoulder is treatable, and most people recover fully with the right care plan. Depending on the stage and severity, your treatment may include:
1. Physical Therapy
The cornerstone of frozen shoulder treatment. Gentle stretching and guided exercises help restore mobility and prevent stiffness from worsening. The earlier you start, the better your outcome.
2. Medications
- NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen) to reduce inflammation and pain
- Corticosteroid Injections: Used in more severe cases to decrease inflammation and improve motion more quickly
3. Heat Therapy
Using warm compresses before stretching can help relax the joint capsule and make exercises more comfortable and effective.
4. Hydrodilatation (Joint Distension)
An outpatient procedure in which sterile fluid is injected into the joint capsule to stretch it and improve mobility. This may be offered by a frozen shoulder treatment specialist in New York.
5. Surgery (Rare Cases)
If conservative treatment fails, arthroscopic capsular release may be considered. This minimally invasive procedure loosens the joint capsule to improve motion.
How to Fix Frozen Shoulder Faster
Here are a few expert tips to help accelerate your recovery:
- Start therapy early: Don’t wait until it’s unbearable. Early movement is key to preventing further stiffness.
- Stay consistent with your home exercises: Your physical therapist will guide you through safe, effective stretches.
- Don’t push through sharp pain: While mild discomfort is normal, forcing movement can worsen inflammation.
- Work with a specialist: A shoulder pain doctor near you can provide a personalized treatment plan and monitor progress.
Recovery isn’t instant, but with the right guidance, most patients regain full shoulder function and are able to return to their normal activities, even faster than expected.
When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
If shoulder stiffness and pain are interfering with your daily life, it’s time to consult an orthopedic specialist in Long Island. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you’ll feel relief and avoid long-term complications.
At our practice, we offer both non-surgical and surgical solutions for shoulder conditions like frozen shoulder, always customized to your unique health needs and goals.
📞 Schedule an appointment by calling (516)627-8717 or visiting briancapognamd.com.
People Also Ask
What triggers frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder often follows periods of immobility due to injury, surgery, or illness. It’s more common in people with diabetes or hormonal conditions.
Can frozen shoulder go away on its own?
Yes, but it may take 1–3 years. Early intervention with physical therapy and medical treatment can significantly shorten recovery time.
How is frozen shoulder diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical exam, and imaging to rule out other conditions. Your orthopedic doctor may use an MRI or X-ray for confirmation.
What is the fastest way to cure frozen shoulder?
There’s no instant cure, but a combination of physical therapy, medications, and possibly corticosteroid injections can help improve mobility and reduce pain more quickly.