Frozen shoulder

Need to know

• What are the symptoms of a frozen shoulder? icon plus

  Overall, stiffness and pain are the main symptoms of a frozen shoulder. It may literally feel frozen, and impossible to move.
  
  There tends to be three stages:

  • The first stage is a sharp pain when you try and move your shoulder. This usually gets worse at night and can last between six to nine months
  • The second is the frozen stage, where your shoulder becomes less painful but very stiff. This lasts between four months to a year.
  • The third is where your shoulder slowly returns to normal — this can take up to five years

• Diagnosing a frozen shoulder icon plus

  Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you to help make a diagnosis. Your shoulder will be examined. They may refer you for an X-ray or MRI scan to ensure there are no other causes of your shoulder pain.

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  A frozen shoulder is treated according to your symptoms. You may be offered the following treatment:

  • physiotherapy to optimise muscle and joint recovery
  • a steroid injection (hydrodistension), to reduce pain, improve movement and make physio less uncomfortable
  • a keyhole operation to release the restricting tissues