Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis, often known as frozen shoulder, is an inflammatory illness where the shoulder becomes uncomfortable and challenging to move for months or years. It usually happens when the tissue surrounding the shoulder joint stiffens.
Why some people develop frozen shoulders is unknown. Frozen shoulder most frequently affects people between the ages of 40 and 60, and it affects women four times more frequently than it does men. Frozen shoulder sufferers may be more likely to:
- A thyroid condition [5]
- Stroke [6]
- Heart condition
- Cancer [7]
- Parkinson’s disease [8]
- A shoulder injury or surgery
There are three phases of frozen shoulder:
- Stage 1 (freezing): You will feel pain in the shoulder and will not be able to move it in the expected range of motion. This stage lasts from around 6 weeks to 9 months.
- Stage 2 (frozen): For around 4–6 months, pain may improve, but will still not be able to move the shoulder as you should.
- Stage 3 (thawing): The shoulder will gradually become easier to move. However, it may take 6 months to 2 years to fully return to normal.
About 15% of people that experience a frozen shoulder, afterwards develop the condition again in their opposite shoulder within 5 years.