Shoulder Stuck? Why Your Shoulder Is Frozen & Medical Next Steps

If your shoulder feels stiff, painful, and harder to move than usual, you may be dealing with frozen shoulder, also known medically as adhesive capsulitis. This condition can make everyday tasks—like putting on a jacket, reaching overhead, or sleeping comfortably—surprisingly difficult.

The good news? Frozen shoulder is treatable. The not-so-easy truth? It can take time to fully resolve.

Here's what you need to know about why your shoulder may feel "stuck," what causes frozen shoulder, and the smart medical next steps.

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What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful due to inflammation and thickening of the joint capsule.

The shoulder joint is surrounded by a flexible capsule of connective tissue. In frozen shoulder:

• The capsule becomes inflamed
• It thickens and tightens
• Scar-like tissue (adhesions) can form
• Fluid inside the joint decreases

The result? Pain and limited range of motion that can feel like your shoulder is literally "frozen."

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Common Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder typically develops gradually and progresses through stages.

1. Freezing Stage (Painful Stage)

• Dull or aching shoulder pain
• Pain that worsens at night
• Increasing stiffness
• Difficulty with everyday movements

This stage can last 6 weeks to 9 months.

2. Frozen Stage (Stiff Stage)

• Pain may improve somewhat
• Stiffness becomes more noticeable
• Limited range of motion
• Difficulty reaching overhead or behind your back

This stage may last 4 to 6 months.

3. Thawing Stage (Recovery Stage)

• Gradual return of movement
• Less stiffness
• Improved function

Recovery can take 6 months to 2 years.

While this timeline sounds long, many people do regain near-normal shoulder function with proper treatment.

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Why Does Frozen Shoulder Happen?

In many cases, the exact cause isn't clear. However, several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing frozen shoulder.

Common Risk Factors

• Age 40–60 years
• More common in women
• Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
• Thyroid disorders
• Recent shoulder injury
• Surgery or immobilization
• Stroke
• Heart surgery
• Parkinson's disease

One of the biggest triggers is prolonged immobility. If your arm has been in a sling or you've avoided movement due to pain, the joint capsule can tighten over time.

If you're experiencing these symptoms and want to understand your condition better, you can use a free Adhesive Capsulitis symptom checker to assess whether your shoulder pain matches this condition.

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How Is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?

A doctor can usually diagnose frozen shoulder with:

• A medical history review
• Physical examination
• Checking active and passive range of motion

A key sign of frozen shoulder is that both active and passive movements are limited. That means even when someone else tries to move your arm, it still doesn't move normally.

Imaging tests like X-rays or MRI may be ordered to rule out other conditions such as:

• Rotator cuff tears
• Arthritis
• Shoulder impingement
• Fractures

Frozen shoulder is often a diagnosis made after ruling out other causes of shoulder pain.

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Medical Next Steps: What Actually Helps?

Frozen shoulder does improve over time, but treatment can speed recovery and reduce pain.

1. Physical Therapy

This is the foundation of treatment.

A physical therapist may guide you through:

• Gentle stretching exercises
• Range-of-motion exercises
• Gradual strengthening

Consistency matters more than intensity. Aggressive stretching can actually worsen inflammation.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Doctors may recommend:

• NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen)
• Prescription anti-inflammatory medications

These help reduce pain and allow you to move more comfortably.

3. Corticosteroid Injections

Steroid injections into the shoulder joint can:

• Reduce inflammation
• Decrease pain
• Improve range of motion

They are often most helpful during the early painful stage.

4. Hydrodilatation (Capsular Distension)

This procedure involves injecting sterile fluid into the joint capsule to stretch it.

It can:

• Improve movement
• Break up adhesions
• Provide pain relief

Not everyone needs this, but it can be effective in certain cases.

5. Surgical Options (When Necessary)

If symptoms persist after months of conservative treatment, options may include:

• Manipulation under anesthesia
• Arthroscopic capsular release

These procedures aim to loosen the tight capsule. Surgery is usually considered only after other treatments fail.

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What You Can Do at Home

Medical care is important, but your daily habits matter too.

Helpful At-Home Strategies

• Apply heat before stretching
• Use ice after exercise if sore
• Perform prescribed exercises consistently
• Avoid complete immobilization
• Maintain good posture

Movement is essential. Gentle, regular motion prevents further tightening of the joint.

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When Shoulder Pain Is NOT Frozen Shoulder

While frozen shoulder is common, not all shoulder stiffness is adhesive capsulitis.

Seek prompt medical evaluation if you experience:

• Sudden severe shoulder pain after injury
• Shoulder deformity
• Fever with shoulder pain
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Arm weakness or numbness
• Signs of infection

These symptoms may signal something more serious.

If you ever have chest pain, trouble breathing, or symptoms that feel life-threatening, seek emergency medical care immediately.

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How Long Does Frozen Shoulder Last?

This is one of the most common questions.

Frozen shoulder can last:

• 1 to 3 years total
• Sometimes longer in people with diabetes

However, most people experience gradual improvement with treatment.

The key is early recognition and consistent management.

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Can Frozen Shoulder Come Back?

Recurrence in the same shoulder is uncommon, but it can occur. Some people develop frozen shoulder in the opposite shoulder later.

Managing risk factors—especially blood sugar control in diabetes—may reduce risk.

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Practical Takeaways

If your shoulder feels stuck, here's what to remember:

• Frozen shoulder is common and treatable
• It develops gradually
• It often improves with time and therapy
• Movement is essential
• Early treatment may shorten recovery
• Medical evaluation helps rule out serious conditions

Don't ignore persistent stiffness or pain. Waiting too long may prolong recovery.

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When to Speak to a Doctor

You should speak to a doctor if:

• Shoulder pain lasts more than a few weeks
• Movement continues to worsen
• Daily activities are becoming difficult
• You have diabetes or other risk factors
• You're unsure whether it's frozen shoulder

Most importantly, speak to a doctor immediately if symptoms could indicate something serious or life-threatening, such as chest pain, severe trauma, or infection.

A medical professional can confirm whether you truly have frozen shoulder and guide you through the safest and most effective treatment plan.

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Final Thoughts

A "stuck" shoulder can be frustrating. Frozen shoulder can disrupt sleep, work, and daily life. But it is a known condition with clear treatment pathways.

Early evaluation, steady physical therapy, and appropriate medical care make a significant difference.

If you suspect frozen shoulder, consider starting with a free Adhesive Capsulitis symptom checker to help identify your symptoms, then follow up by speaking to a qualified healthcare provider. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of restoring comfortable movement and getting back to normal life.