Pain and Stiffness: Your Guide to Recognising Frozen Shoulder

Have you ever reached for a mug on a high shelf and been met with a sharp, stubborn pain in your shoulder? Or maybe you’ve noticed a persistent stiffness that makes simple tasks like buttoning a shirt or buckling a seatbelt a real challenge? If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with a condition known as a Frozen Shoulder.

Let’s break down what this means, what causes it, and how to recognise its symptoms.

What Exactly is a Frozen Shoulder?

Imagine the capsule of connective tissue that surrounds your shoulder joint like a flexible, stretchy bag. This bag allows for your shoulder’s incredible range of motion. With frozen shoulders (or “adhesive capsulitis,” in medical terms), this bag suddenly becomes thick, tight, and inflamed. It’s as if concrete has been poured into the joint, severely restricting movement and causing significant pain.

It’s a condition that can linger for months, or even years, impacting daily life in a big way.

Why Does My Shoulder Get Stiff? The Common Culprits.

While the exact trigger isn't always clear, frozen shoulders often don't appear out of the blue. It typically comes with a backstory. Think of it as your shoulder’s reaction to being still for too long or an underlying health signal it’s trying to send.

The main risk factors and causes include:

• The Inactivity Trap: This is a big one. If you’ve had a shoulder injury, surgery (like a rotator cuff repair or mastectomy), or a stroke that required you to keep your arm immobilised for a long period, the joint capsule can stiffen up.

• Underlying Health Conditions: Your shoulder can sometimes be a messenger for other issues. Conditions like diabetes (where the risk is significantly higher), thyroid imbalances, and even heart disease or Parkinson's are linked to frozen shoulders.

• Who You Are: Unfortunately, biology plays a role. If you’re a woman between the ages of 40 and 60, you’re in the most commonly affected demographic.

The Three-Stage Journey of a Frozen Shoulder

Understanding the stages of a frozen shoulder can be reassuring—it helps you know that what you're experiencing is a recognised process with an eventual end in sight.

Stage 1: The "Freezing" Stage (2–9 months)

This is where it all begins. You’ll notice a gradual increase in pain, which often becomes sharper at night, stealing your precious sleep. As the pain worsens, you’ll slowly start to lose your range of motion. It’s a painful stiffness that’s creeping in.

Stage 2: The "Frozen" Stage (4–12 months)

Here’s a strange twist: the intense pain may actually begin to ease. But don’t be fooled! The stiffness remains and often feels like it’s set in stone. Your shoulder feels truly "frozen." Daily activities become major hurdles during this phase.

A Quick Note: If your symptoms are severe or last beyond several months without improvement, it’s crucial to see your doctor or an orthopaedic specialist to discuss more intensive therapies.

Stage 3: The "Thawing" Stage (12–42 months)

Finally, the light at the end of the tunnel! During this longest phase, your shoulder gradually begins to "thaw." You’ll slowly regain movement and experience less and less pain. Patience is key here, as this stage can take time.

You Don't Have to Face It Alone

If you’re reading this and nodding along, know that you’re not alone, and help is available. A frozen shoulder can be accurately diagnosed by a medical professional, who can then guide you through a treatment plan tailored just for you. This often includes physiotherapy, pain management, and sometimes minor procedures to help stretch the capsule and relieve pain.

Wondering what those treatment options look like? We’ve got you covered. Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll dive into the various ways to treat a frozen shoulder and get you back to moving freely!

There’s more coming up on Frozen Shoulder! Until then, dive into our current blogs to learn more.