Q: What is Frozen Shoulder?

A: Frozen Shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by a slow onset of shoulder pain and loss of movement. Although at the present, no-one is entirely sure of its cause, it appears to be due to an inflammation of the joint lining of the shoulder, the 'capsule'. It is thought that decreased movement of the shoulder is necessary for the development of frozen shoulder, but not the actual cause.

Q: I've been diagnosed with 'frozen shoulder' and my doctor told me that it can last for some time, but should eventually get better. How long does it last?

A: In the classic frozen shoulder, three stages of the illness are noted:

1. Painful Phase

   Pain is the initial symptom
   Pain often worst at night
   Movement of the shoulder often aggravates the pain
   This phase lasts usually 2 - 9 months
   

2. Stiffness Phase

   Pain decreases, but may still be present
   Loss of movement becomes more noticeable
   Lasts Usually 4 - 12 months
   

3. Thawing Phase

   Pain subsides gradually
   Pain often aggravated by minor injuries or excess activity
   Normally lasts 6 - 9 months.
   

Thus, the syndrome of frozen shoulder can last many months in total. Usually, after the thawing phase, good, if not complete, function returns to the joint.