More formerly known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder consists of three phases and occurs when the shoulder capsule and the surrounding tissues inflame and stiffen.
What are the signs and symptoms in each phase?
Freezing – in this stage, lasting anywhere from weeks to months, there is a slow onset of pain which causes the individual to stop any motion of the shoulder due to the pain
Frozen – while there is an improvement in pain, the stiffness of the shoulder remains and can last for months
Thawing – this is the recovery period where the individual gradually begins to gain back their range of motion over many months
This condition can easily impact quality of life as those affected lose the ability to perform everyday motions painlessly, such as reaching for an object or putting on an article of clothing. Often the pain is worse at night.
