Blog Post

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder can cause pain, stiffness, and a gradual loss of motion that may last for months or even years.

At Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, with convenient locations in Schertz, New Braunfels, Live Oak, and San Antonio, Texas, our fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of painful shoulder conditions, including frozen shoulder. Here’s how the condition progresses and what you can expect as you recover.

Understanding frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder develops when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint grows inflamed and thickens. Over time, scar tissue develops in the irritated tissue, tightening the capsule that holds the joint together. This restriction can significantly limit shoulder motion and may also cause persistent, aching pain.

Frozen shoulder may start after a shoulder injury, surgery, or prolonged immobilization — for example, wearing a sling. 

Seven in 10 people with frozen shoulder are women, and most are over 50. This is likely due, at least in part, to hormonal changes during menopause, which affect inflammation and connective tissue.

Age, diabetes, thyroid issues, and autoimmune conditions — factors that often affect women more — also raise your risk of developing frozen shoulder. 

Will it get better? The stages of frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder typically follows a predictable cycle that unfolds over time. While it can improve without treatment eventually, the process can take up to three years or longer. These stages are:

The freezing stage

During the freezing stage, pain gradually increases, and shoulder movement steadily becomes more difficult. This phase can last six weeks to nine months. Many people with frozen shoulder experience increased pain at night, making it difficult to sleep peacefully.

The frozen stage

In this stage, pain usually decreases, so it might initially seem like the problem has gone away. However, stiffness and limited range of motion remain. The frozen stage, which usually lasts up to six months, can make ordinary movements like brushing your hair, pulling the visor down in your car, or opening a cabinet a frustrating challenge. 

The thawing stage

The thawing stage marks the beginning of recovery, as shoulder mobility slowly improves. This stage can last six months to two years, depending on how severe the freezing stage was.

Although frozen shoulder may eventually improve on its own, you may not want to wait years to progress through these stages. The good news is that expert care at Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine can help you accelerate healing and get back to your normal activities, free from shoulder pain. 

Treatments for frozen shoulder

Our team offers comprehensive on-site physical therapy to help patients regain motion, strength, and flexibility. It’s often the most effective way to reduce stiffness and improve function throughout each phase of recovery.

We may also recommend steroid injections or anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, hydrodistension, which involves injecting fluid into the shoulder joint to stretch the capsule, can help restore mobility.

If symptoms don’t improve after three to six months of consistent, conservative care, your shoulder specialist at Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine may recommend surgery. 

Our fellowship-trained surgeons focus on minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. The most common surgical approach is shoulder arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure performed under anesthesia. 

During arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a small camera and specialized tools through tiny incisions. They make small cuts to “release” over-tight ligaments and precisely remove scar tissue buildup. These measures can immediately allow the shoulder joint to move more freely. 

After surgery, physical therapy is crucial in regaining strength and motion. Of course, it’s also important to treat underlying issues, such as thyroid problems and hormone imbalance, to reduce the risk of frozen shoulder recurrence.

With quick attention from our specialists, you can navigate the stages of frozen shoulder comfortably and get back to your life sooner. Schedule your consultation at Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine to get started relieving your shoulder pain today.