Common Symptoms
- Shoulder pain that may be worse at night
- Progressive stiffness and reduced shoulder movement
- Difficulty lifting the arm or reaching behind the back
- Difficulty dressing, washing hair or performing other daily tasks
What Causes It?
- Inflammation and tightening of the shoulder joint capsule
- A period of reduced shoulder use after injury or illness
- Stiffness following shoulder trauma
- An association with conditions such as diabetes in some patients
How Is It Diagnosed?
The doctor first reviews your symptoms, any injury and relevant medical history, then performs a clinical examination and arranges investigations only when appropriate. Not every patient needs imaging.
- Comparison of active and passive shoulder movement
- Clinical tests of the rotator cuff and shoulder strength
- Assessment for other causes of pain or weakness
- X-ray or ultrasound when needed to exclude another shoulder condition
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, impact on function and relevant examination or investigation findings.
- Pain-relief or anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
- Activity advice that avoids forceful aggravation while maintaining suitable movement
- Physiotherapy with stage-appropriate mobility and strengthening exercise
- Joint injection for selected patients after medical assessment
- Further treatment, including manipulation or surgical release, only when clinically appropriate
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Seek prompt medical assessment, or urgent care according to severity, if any of the following occurs:
- Obvious deformity or inability to move the shoulder after trauma
- A hot, red and swollen shoulder with fever or systemic illness
- Progressively worsening arm numbness, weakness or altered sensation
- Sudden severe pain with inability to use the arm
Recovery and Daily Activities
Recovery commonly progresses through phases. Early care focuses on pain control and tolerable movement, followed by restoration of range and then strengthening. The rate of recovery varies between patients, and forceful stretching is not appropriate for everyone.
Activities should be progressed according to symptoms, function and response to treatment. Ask a doctor or physiotherapist for advice if symptoms persist or affect work or daily activities.
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Watch VideoFrequently Asked Questions
Is frozen shoulder the same as a rotator cuff tear?
No. Both may cause pain and difficulty lifting the arm, but they involve different tissues and examination findings. A clinical assessment helps distinguish them.
Does frozen shoulder improve by itself?
The course and speed of recovery vary. Medical and physiotherapy assessment may help when pain, stiffness or daily function is significantly affected.
Should I keep moving my shoulder?
A balance is needed between maintaining suitable movement and avoiding actions that markedly aggravate pain. Forceful stretching and complete avoidance of shoulder use may both be unhelpful.
When may injection or further treatment be considered?
A doctor considers pain, movement restriction, the stage of the condition, examination findings and response to non-operative care before discussing further treatment.
Still Unsure What May Be Causing Your Symptoms?
Similar symptoms may have different causes. If pain persists, affects activity or progressively worsens, consider an individual medical assessment.