What is a 'frozen' shoulder and how is it treated?

A 'frozen' shoulder is where the tissues tighten around the joint and stop you from moving the shoulder - the medical name for this is adhesive capsulitis. There is no actual change in temperature - 'frozen' means that the joint cannot be moved. Frozen shoulders may just happen, but sometimes they follow an injury. They can also occur after a stroke and are more common in people with diabetes.

Frozen shoulder usually lasts for 18 months to 2 years and treatment is unlikely to shorten this period. The main aim of treatment is to reduce the pain and give you back the movement after the pain has gone. Pain can be particularly bad at night and you may need painkillers and sedatives to deal with this. You can also try a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine.

Once the pain begins to lessen it is important to regain your shoulder movement, and you will probably need physiotherapy at this point. If your shoulder movement remains very restricted then manipulation under a general anaesthetic can help.

Should I see a doctor?

Shoulder pain should always be taken seriously. So, if these approaches are not successful, see a doctor to ensure the diagnosis is correct and to progress treatment.

The condition can be diagnosed on the basis of listening to the story and a good clinical examination. A diagnostic ultrasound may be necessary and o very useful. X-rays are not usually required, but may be recommended to rule out other conditions, such as arthritis, that can cause elbow pain. An arthrogram, involving an injection under xray guidance, an MRI scan and/or blood tests may occasionally be indicated if the diagnosis is not clear.

Other treatments

Medications: Different types of medications can be used including forms of anti-inflammatories or other types of painkillers may be prescribed.

Injection therapies may be indicated. There are various forms of injections used now that your doctor may discuss with you.

The vast majority of shoulder problems do not need surgical intervention. However, when there is a torn tendon, a cartilage injury or severe arthritis, AND where no improvement has been obtained after non-surgical approaches, then surgery may be an option. This is rarely necessary in frozen shoulder. If an operation is performed, much exercise therapy and mobilisation of the shoulder is necessary.

If your shoulder problem is interfering with daily activities, such as driving and washing, you may find it useful to see an occupational therapist (OT). Help is also available from your local Disability Employment Adviser (DEA), who can be contacted via the Jobcentre or Jobcentre Plus office.