Have you ever experienced a sudden, sharp pain in your shoulder or noticed a significant loss in its range of motion? You might be dealing with a frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis
Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes significant stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Over time, this can reduce the range of motion, making everyday activities difficult. Here’s a closer look at what a frozen shoulder is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
What is a Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen Shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is an inflammatory condition that causes pain, stiffness, and limited movement in the shoulder due to thickening and inflammation of the connective tissue. It progresses through three phases—Freezing, Frozen, and Thawing—each with distinct symptoms.
While it can last months to years, timely treatment can help speed up recovery.
Frozen shoulder is most commonly seen in people around 55, with a higher prevalence in women.
It is more likely to affect individuals with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders. Studies show that 2-5% of people, especially women aged 40-60, experience frozen shoulder, with the risk being higher in those with diabetes.
Types of Frozen Shoulders
Frozen shoulder can be classified into two types:
- Primary Adhesive Capsulitis: This type develops gradually without a clear cause and is often linked to autoimmune conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disease.
- Secondary Adhesive Capsulitis results from shoulder injuries like rotator cuff tears, fractures, or prolonged immobilization after surgery.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three phases:
- Painful: The painful phase typically lasts 2 to 9 months and is characterized by widespread shoulder pain, particularly at night. As the pain intensifies, stiffness in the shoulder also increases, limiting its range of motion and making it difficult to move freely.
- Frozen: During the freezing phase, shoulder pain intensifies and becomes more persistent, especially when trying to move. Stiffness progressively worsens, making it challenging to perform daily activities and limiting shoulder mobility.
- Thawing: The thawing phase is marked by gradual improvement in shoulder mobility. Pain decreases, and range of motion starts to return, though some stiffness may remain for several months.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
The exact cause of a frozen shoulder remains unclear, but certain factors increase the likelihood of developing this painful condition. Understanding the potential causes can help with early detection and prevention. Below are the key contributors to frozen shoulder:
- Prolonged Immobility: Shoulder immobility after surgery, injury, or recovery from another condition can increase the risk of developing a frozen shoulder.
- Age and Gender: Frozen Shoulder is more common in people aged 40 to 60 and is more prevalent in women than men.
- Other Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease are associated with a higher risk of Frozen Shoulder.
How is Frozen Shoulder Treated?
Frozen shoulder treatment typically starts with traditional methods to reduce inflammation and improve mobility. Doctors often recommend corticosteroid injections for pain management, and hydro dilatation (joint distension) may be used to stretch the shoulder capsule, improving movement. In some cases, surgical procedures such as manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release may be necessary for better shoulder function.
However, several natural therapies can provide relief and support recovery for alternative treatments. At Prestige Health & Wellness in NYC, we offer personalized, evidence-based care designed to address pain and restore shoulder mobility.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic treatment is a holistic option for managing a frozen shoulder. It includes joint mobilization to improve shoulder movement and reduce stiffness.
Spinal adjustments can also enhance posture, easing the strain on the shoulder. Additionally, soft tissue therapy targets muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the shoulder, helping to relieve tension and support healing.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a key role in restoring shoulder flexibility and strength.
Stretching and range-of-motion exercises focus on improving flexibility and reducing stiffness while strengthening exercises help support the muscles around the shoulder, lowering the risk of complications.
Postural correction techniques teach proper mechanics to minimize strain on the shoulder, and heat and cold therapy help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Additional Therapy Options
Other natural therapies can support recovery, including:
- Cold laser therapy to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing
- Massage therapy to improve circulation and alleviate muscle tension
- Acupuncture to relieve pain and restore shoulder function
Advanced Techniques
At Prestige Health & Wellness, we use advanced techniques to further enhance recovery, including:
- Graston Technique, which helps break up scar tissue and adhesions
- Ultrasound therapy to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation
- Electronic Stimulation (E-Stim) for muscle therapy and pain relief
- Shockwave therapy, which promotes the natural healing of soft tissue injuries
Find Relief from Frozen Shoulder Today
Don’t let shoulder pain limit your movement. Whether you’re dealing with stiffness, pain, or limited range of motion, professional care can help. Our expert team offers chiropractic care, physical therapy, and personalized treatment plans to reduce pain and restore mobility.
Visit us at one of our convenient locations:: Financial District, Hudson Yards, Chelsea, or Nomad.. Call us today at (917) 694-1565 or book your appointment online to start your journey toward lasting relief and improved shoulder function!
Sources
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Frozen shoulder. [Updated 2022 Nov 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK326432/
Mezian K, Coffey R, Chang KV. Frozen Shoulder(Archived) [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482162/
St Angelo JM, Taqi M, Fabiano SE. Adhesive Capsulitis. [Updated 2023 Aug 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532955/