Frozen shoulder is a painful and limiting condition that affects the shoulder joint. If your arm feels stiff, sore, and hard to move, especially overhead or behind your back, you may be dealing with this condition.
If you’re struggling with shoulder pain or stiffness, our fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip, offers expert evaluation and frozen shoulder treatment in Austin, Texas. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!
“After a bad fall from a ladder and seeing two other doctors, I was referred to Dr. Szerlip. He was able to repair the breaks in my arm and shoulder. Four months post surgery and I have full use of my arm and shoulder. THANK YOU DR. SZERLIP!!” — Patricia J.
Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue surrounding your shoulder joint (the joint capsule) becomes thickened and tight. Over time, scar tissue forms, and synovial fluid (which normally keeps the joint lubricated) decreases.
This restricts your range of motion, causing your shoulder joint to stiffen and ache. The condition progresses in three stages: the freezing stage, the frozen stage, and the thawing stage.
Frozen shoulder affects the glenohumeral joint, where the upper arm bone meets the shoulder blade.
Common frozen shoulder symptoms include:
In the frozen stage, pain may lessen, but stiffness becomes severe. As you move into the thawing stage, shoulder motion gradually improves.
The exact cause isn’t always clear, but frozen shoulder often follows an injury or period of immobility. It can also develop without a clear trigger.
Common triggers and risk factors include:
Developing frozen shoulder is more likely when the soft tissues around your joint don’t move regularly. That’s why it’s essential to prevent frozen shoulder with stretching and movement during recovery from injury or surgery.
A physical exam helps your provider diagnose frozen shoulder. You’ll be asked to move your shoulder in specific ways to assess your range of motion. Your doctor may compare the affected arm with the unaffected arm
Other tools that help confirm the diagnosis include:
Frozen shoulder treatment focuses on pain relief and restoring motion. Most patients respond well to non-surgical care.
Non-surgical treatments for frozen shoulder include the following:
Your physical therapist will guide you through stretching exercises and strengthening exercises designed for each phase of recovery. Regular movement prevents further tightening of the shoulder capsule.
You can support your recovery by practicing the following exercises for frozen shoulder at home. Always talk to your provider before starting a new program.
Let your affected arm dangle while you lean forward slightly. Gently swing it in small circles. Move it clockwise for 30 seconds, then counterclockwise for 30 seconds. Use your good arm for support on a table if needed.
Grab a towel with both hands behind your back. Using your good arm, gently pull the towel upward to stretch the affected arm. Hold for 15–30 seconds.
Face a closed door and place your fingers on the door at waist level. “Walk” your fingers up the door as high as you can. Focus on moving your fingers, not your shoulder muscles. Slowly lower and repeat.
Hold a rubber exercise band with both hands with your elbows to your side, bent at a 90-degree angle. Rotate the affected arm outward, keeping your elbow close to your body. Hold, then return to center.
Attach one end of a rubber exercise band to a steady point like a door handle. With your elbows to your side, bent at a 90-degree angle, rotate the affected arm inward. Keep your elbow close to your body through the movement.
Recovery from frozen shoulder can take months, but the outcome is usually good. Most patients regain full use of their shoulder joint with time, consistency, and therapy.
Early treatment and guided physical therapy can shorten recovery time and reduce long-term stiffness.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of frozen shoulder, don’t wait to see a professional. Ignoring the condition can lead to worse pain and a longer recovery. Early frozen shoulder treatment and consistent exercises for frozen shoulder make all the difference.
Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip is a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon offering advanced care for shoulder conditions in Austin, Texas. Whether you’re in the early stages of adhesive capsulitis or struggling with stiffness that won’t go away, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your personalized treatment plan!
