Frozen shoulder is a condition that leads to pain and limited movement in the shoulder because the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens.

The exact cause is not known, but it’s commonly linked to lack of movement after an injury or surgery, diabetes, hormone changes, or immune system issues.

Symptoms are shoulder pain, stiffness, and a noticeably reduced range of motion.

Diagnosis is usually through a physical exam and may be confirmed with imaging tests like X-rays or MRI to check for other issues.

It has three stages: the freezing stage (pain and less movement), the frozen stage (stiffness with less pain), and the thawing stage (slow return of movement).

It can last from one to three years, with each stage lasting several months.

Yes, it is more common in women.

Risk factors include being over 40, female, having diabetes, thyroid issues, or having been immobilized for a long time.

Yes, though it usually affects one shoulder first, it can occur in both over time.

Options include physical therapy, pain relief with NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and hydrodilatation.

Hydrodilatation is a treatment where a fluid mix is injected into the joint to help stretch the capsule and lessen stiffness.

Surgery might be recommended if non-surgical methods do not help after several months.

Surgical methods include manipulation under anesthesia and arthroscopic capsular release.

Yes, physical therapy is important for improving movement and avoiding more stiffness.

No, it is important to keep the shoulder gently moving, but it’s best to check with a physical therapist for suitable exercises.

It may, with full recovery over time, but treatment can speed up the process.

The reason isn’t clear, but poor blood sugar control could change connective tissues.

Applying heat or cold packs, doing gentle stretches, and taking NSAIDs may assist with symptoms.

Yes, massage can ease pain and boost blood flow, but should complement other treatments.

Pendulum swings, towel stretches, and wall climbs can be useful, but should be done under a physical therapist's guidance.

Some find acupuncture helps, but proof is not clear; it is more of an extra treatment.

Pain and limited motion can make it hard to do things like getting dressed, reaching up, or lifting stuff.

Yes, pain might be worse at night, making it hard to sleep comfortably.

Eating anti-inflammatory foods, like those with omega-3s and antioxidants, might help lower inflammation.

Stress can increase pain and tension in muscles, which may make symptoms worse.

It varies by how one progresses, but exercises are usually done daily or as a therapist suggests.

It’s not common, but it can happen if the main issues are not handled.

Both can help; heat may relax muscles and increase blood flow, while ice can lessen swelling.

Though uncommon, staying immobile too long might lead to joint problems or muscle shrinkage.

Some research hints at a connection due to shared risks like diabetes and inflammation, but no direct cause is proven.

No clear link, but drugs that cause long-term immobility could have an indirect effect.

This method stretches the shoulder while the person is asleep to break up adhesions.

Chiropractic care may help with movement and pain but shouldn't be the only treatment.

No, it is not arthritis, though it shows similar joint pain and stiffness signs.

They lower pain and swelling that can help improve movement when used early in the issue.

It might reduce pain and stiffness by boosting blood flow and warming tissue.

Yes, it can help, especially in the thawing phase, promoting gentle movement and flexibility.

Bad posture might worsen discomfort and symptoms by putting strain on shoulder muscles.

Surgical options usually have good success, with many patients seeing a lot of improvement.

Ongoing pain and limited movement can lead to feelings of frustration, sadness, or anxiety over time.

Yes, frozen shoulder is more common in women.

This small surgery cuts tight parts of the capsule to make shoulder movement better.

Gentle, easy yoga moves can help with flexibility and relaxation, but it is important to be careful when doing them.

Smoking can lower blood flow and slow healing, which might impact recovery.

Yes, staying still after surgery can cause frozen shoulder in some people.

Using bad form or lifting too much without rest may raise the risk, but weightlifting alone does not directly cause it.

There is no clear genetic link, but similarities may happen due to shared habits or health issues.

Hormonal shifts, particularly during menopause, are linked to a higher chance of frozen shoulder in women.

OTC painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help with pain but do not fix stiffness.

The outcome is usually good, with many people achieving full or nearly full recovery over time with proper care.