Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Specialised care for shoulder stiffness and long-lasting pain

By Dr Rahul Singh (MS, DNB, MRCS)

Grammont Shoulder & Knee Clinic, Lucknow

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen Shoulder, medically called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed, thickened, and stiff, leading to progressive restriction of shoulder movement.

It commonly develops gradually and may last for months to years if untreated. The condition typically progresses through three phases, each with varying pain and stiffness levels.

Who Is at Risk?

Frozen shoulder most commonly affects

  • Individuals between 40–60 years
  • Women more than men
  • Patients with diabetes (significantly higher risk)
  • Thyroid disorders
  • People with prolonged shoulder immobility (post-injury or post-surgery)
  • Those with minor previous shoulder strains
Symptoms

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

  • Persistent shoulder pain
  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion
  • Difficulty performing daily tasks (reaching overhead, combing hair, dressing)
  • Night pain disturbing sleep
  • People with prolonged shoulder immobility (post-injury or post-surgery)
  • Gradual increase in movement restriction over weeks or months

Without treatment, symptoms can last for a long time and significantly impact daily life.

Phases of Frozen Shoulder

1. Freezing Phase (Painful Phase)
  • Increasing shoulder pain
  • Movement becomes progressively limited
  • Lasts 2–9 months
2. Frozen Phase (Stiff Phase)
  • Pain begins to reduce
  • Stiffness becomes more prominent
  • Daily activities become difficult
  • Lasts 4–12 months
3. Thawing Phase (Recovery Phase)
  • Gradual improvement in mobility
  • Pain continues to decrease
  • Full recovery may take 6–24 months

Early treatment helps shorten the overall course and prevents long-term stiffness.

Diagnosis at Our Clinic

At Grammont Shoulder & Knee Clinic, evaluation includes:

  • Detailed clinical examination
  • Assessment of movement restriction
  • X-ray to rule out arthritis or fractures
  • Ultrasound or MRI if needed to assess rotator cuff or associated conditions

Accurate diagnosis ensures optimal treatment planning.

Treatment Options

1. Non-Surgical Management (First-Line Treatment)

Most cases improve significantly with proper conservative care:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Hot/cold therapy
  • Physiotherapy focusing on stretching and mobility
  • Home exercise programs
  • Ultrasound therapy or other modalities
  • Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and improve movement

Our clinic offers structured, evidence-based physiotherapy programs tailored to each phase.

2. Hydrodilatation (Distension Therapy)

A minimally invasive procedure where sterile fluid is injected into the joint capsule to stretch it and improve mobility. Provides rapid pain relief in appropriate cases.

3. Manipulation Under Anaesthesia (MUA)

For patients not responding to physiotherapy, controlled manipulation helps break adhesions and restore mobility.

4. Arthroscopic Capsular Release

A keyhole surgical procedure performed in severe or resistant cases.

Benefits:

  • Immediate improvement in movement
  • Precise removal of tight capsule and adhesions
  • Faster recovery
  • Minimally invasive with minimal scarring
Recovery & Rehabilitation

Recovery depends on the stage and treatment approach.

  • Early focus on pain control
  • Progressive stretching and strengthening
  • Regular physiotherapy sessions
  • Most patients achieve excellent mobility
  • Diabetes patients may require longer recovery periods

Our rehabilitation protocols ensure safe and steady improvement at each stage.

Why Choose Grammont Shoulder & Knee Clinic?

  • Specialised expertise in frozen shoulder management
  • Advanced diagnosis and personalised treatment plans
  • Options ranging from conservative therapy to arthroscopic release
  • Dedicated physiotherapy support
  • High success rate with functional recovery
Regain Comfortable, Pain-Free Shoulder Movement

Frozen shoulder can be frustrating and slow to improve, but timely, expert treatment can dramatically speed up recovery. Consult Dr Rahul Singh

Grammont Shoulder & Knee Clinic, Lucknow for effective diagnosis, advanced therapy, and complete shoulder rehabilitation.

1. What is frozen shoulder?
2. What is the main cause of Frozen Shoulder?
3. Who are at risk of developing Frozen Shoulder?

Female patients age 40-60 years are more prone for this condition. Nearly 10-20% of people with diabetes develop frozen shoulder. Also, recent shoulder injury, rotator cuff tear (muscles around shoulder), patients with stroke, thyroid problems, Neurological disorders are more affected.

4. Will it affect the other shoulder?

About 10% of people can develop symptoms in the other shoulder simultaneously or in future. Risk is higher in patients with diabetes.

5. How is frozen shoulder diagnosed?

Diagnosis is mainly diagnosed on medical history and physical examination. However, X rays and MRI is usually needed to rule out other conditions.

6. What is treatment for frozen shoulder?

Initial treatment involves hot and cold compresses, medication to relieve pain, and physical therapy. We have tailored physiotherapy protocols for this condition (Avadh Shoulder Rehabilitation Protocol).

7. Is steroid injection useful?

Steroid injection is very helpful in managing pain in severe pain. We follow Paris shoulder institute protocol for these conditions.

8. Is steroid injection safe in diabetes patients?

The steroid injections injection in diabetic patients are usually safe. However, there is temporary increase in blood sugar level after injection that may last for 2 days.

9. Do I need surgery?

Surgery is rarely needed for this. In very severe cases and relapses episode, Key hole surgery (arthroscopic) to cut through the tight parts of the joint.

10. Can frozen shoulder be prevented?

The risk can be reduced if you start physical therapy shortly after shoulder injury or at early stage of disease. We have developed specific physiotherapy protocol to meet your specific needs.