Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Treatments, and What Works Best

When your shoulder stiffens up and won’t move—even simple tasks like reaching for a glass or brushing your hair become impossible—you’re likely dealing with frozen shoulder, a condition where the shoulder joint capsule thickens and tightens, restricting motion and causing pain. Also known as adhesive capsulitis, it doesn’t just fade on its own. Left untreated, it can last a year or more, locking you in place while the pain slowly eases but the stiffness remains.

Frozen shoulder usually shows up after an injury, surgery, or long period of inactivity—like wearing a sling after a broken arm. It’s also common in people with diabetes, thyroid problems, or heart disease. The real problem isn’t just the pain; it’s the loss of motion. You don’t just feel stiff—you lose range in all directions: lifting your arm, reaching behind your back, even rotating your shoulder. This isn’t arthritis. It’s the joint capsule itself sticking to itself, like a balloon that’s dried and shrunk around the ball-and-socket joint.

Most cases get better with time, but you don’t have to wait. physical therapy for frozen shoulder, a structured program of stretching and mobility exercises guided by a licensed therapist is the most effective first step. Studies show patients who stick with daily stretches see faster recovery than those who just wait. Heat before stretching, ice after, and consistency matters more than intensity. If therapy doesn’t help, doctors may try frozen shoulder treatment, including steroid injections to reduce inflammation or joint distension to break up adhesions. These aren’t magic fixes—they buy time and reduce pain so you can move better during rehab. Surgery is rare and only considered after 6–12 months of failed non-invasive options.

What you won’t find in most guides? The truth about home remedies. Some people swear by heat packs, massage, or acupuncture. They might help with comfort, but they don’t reverse the stiffness. The only thing that moves the joint back is controlled, repeated motion. And yes, it hurts. But pushing through the discomfort during therapy is what breaks the cycle. Skip the painkillers before stretching—you need to feel the resistance so you know how far to go.

There’s no single cure, but there’s a clear path: diagnose early, start moving early, and stay consistent. The longer you wait, the harder it gets. You don’t need expensive gadgets or special diets. You need a plan, a routine, and the discipline to stick with it—even on days when your shoulder screams. Below, you’ll find real patient experiences, step-by-step routines, and comparisons of treatments that actually work. No fluff. Just what helps, what doesn’t, and what to do next.