Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder: Symptoms, Treatment, and Surgery Options

By Paul A. Nitz, M.D. | Orthopedic Institute of Dayton | March 06, 2025

Struggling with shoulder pain or stiffness? You might have a frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis. This condition affects millions, causing discomfort and limited mobility. In this guide, we’ll explore frozen shoulder symptoms, its causes, how it’s diagnosed, and the best frozen shoulder treatment options—including frozen shoulder surgery for severe cases. Let’s dive into what you need to know.

What Is a Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition marked by diffuse shoulder pain and restricted motion. Patients often can’t sleep on the affected side due to discomfort. It typically strikes people aged 40-70, with women more prone than men. While the exact cause is often idiopathic (unknown), frozen shoulder is strongly linked to diabetes—diabetic patients face a 10-20% higher risk, often affecting both shoulders. Other triggers include trauma, surgery, hyperthyroidism, or prolonged immobilization.

Frozen Shoulder Symptoms: The 3 Phases

Frozen shoulder symptoms progress through three distinct phases:

1. Painful Phase: Gradual onset of diffuse shoulder pain, lasting weeks to months.
2. Stiff Phase: Loss of range of motion (e.g., external/internal rotation, abduction), persisting up to a year.
3. Thawing Phase: Gradual improvement in mobility over weeks to months.

Recognizing these stages is key to managing adhesive capsulitis effectively.

Diagnosing Frozen Shoulder

To confirm frozen shoulder, your doctor will:

• Take a History: Discuss symptom onset, duration, location, injuries, and health conditions (e.g., diabetes).
• Review Treatments: Note prior attempts like physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, or cortisone injections.
• Order Imaging: X-rays (usually normal) rule out arthritis, while an MRI checks for rotator cuff damage or other issues.

A thorough diagnosis ensures frozen shoulder treatment targets the right problem.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment Options

Once diagnosed with frozen shoulder, you have two paths:

1. Conservative Approach:
   • Ice and anti-inflammatory medications to ease pain.
   • Gentle range-of-motion exercises to maintain mobility.
   • Patience—adhesive capsulitis resolves naturally, though timing varies.
2. Surgical Intervention:
   • Recommended for cases lasting over 3 months with no improvement.
   • Learn more about frozen shoulder surgery below.

Not sure which is right for you? Schedule a consultation with us to discuss your frozen shoulder treatment plan.

Frozen Shoulder Surgery: What to Expect

For persistent adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder surgery offers relief via an arthroscopic approach:

• Procedure: Small incisions allow a camera to guide a capsular release, freeing tight tissue and restoring motion.
• Additional Fixes: Rotator cuff impingement or damage is addressed with decompression or clavicle excision if needed.
• Outpatient: Performed at our facility, you’ll go home the same day in an immobilizer (worn 7-10 days if only a release is done).

Watch this video for more on our surgical process: [Insert Video Link Here].

Recovery After Frozen Shoulder Surgery

• Day of Surgery: Post-op, your shoulder is dressed with ice and secured in an immobilizer.
• Postoperative Visit: Return in 10-14 days to check incisions and motion.
• Physical Therapy: Starts within 24-36 hours—crucial for recovery. Attend 2-3 sessions weekly, then continue exercises at home for months.

Full recovery varies but expect steady progress with dedication.

Key Takeaways

FAQ: Frozen Shoulder Basics

What causes frozen shoulder?
Often idiopathic, but diabetes, trauma, or immobilization increases risk.

How long do frozen shoulder symptoms last?
From months to over a year, depending on treatment.

Is frozen shoulder surgery necessary?
Only for severe cases unresponsive to conservative frozen shoulder treatment.

Article by Paul A. Nitz, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon with 20+ years of experience at the Orthopedic Institute of Dayton. Contact us to explore your frozen shoulder treatment options today.