How long does frozen shoulder last?

Frozen shoulder progresses through three stages over 1 to 3 years. The freezing stage lasts 2–9 months, the frozen stage 4–12 months, and the thawing stage 5–24 months.

Can frozen shoulder happen in both shoulders?

Yes, about 20–30% of people who develop frozen shoulder in one arm will eventually develop it in the other. However, it rarely occurs in the same shoulder twice.

Will frozen shoulder heal on its own?

Most cases do eventually resolve, but full recovery can take 2–3 years without treatment. Physical therapy, injections, and other interventions can significantly speed recovery.

MusculoskeletalICD-10: M75.0Affects about 2–5% of the general population

Frozen Shoulder

Also known as: Adhesive Capsulitis

Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It develops gradually in three stages — freezing, frozen, and thawing — and can take one to three years to fully resolve. It most commonly affects people between ages 40 and 60 and is more prevalent in women and those with diabetes.

Symptoms

Dull or aching shoulder pain, often worse at night

Progressive stiffness and loss of range of motion

Difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back

Pain that worsens during the freezing stage

Significant motion restriction during the frozen stage

Gradual improvement during the thawing stage

Causes

Inflammation and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule
Formation of adhesions (scar tissue) restricting movement
Prolonged immobility after surgery, fracture, or injury
Autoimmune mechanisms in some cases

Risk Factors

Age between 40 and 60
Female sex
Diabetes (affects 10–20% of diabetic patients)
Thyroid disorders
Recent shoulder surgery or prolonged arm immobilization
Cardiovascular disease or stroke

Diagnosis

Physical examination assessing active and passive range of motion
Comparison of motion with the unaffected shoulder
X-ray to rule out arthritis or fracture
MRI to evaluate the joint capsule and rule out rotator cuff tears

Treatment

Physical therapy focusing on gentle stretching exercises
NSAIDs and oral corticosteroids for pain and inflammation
Corticosteroid injections into the shoulder joint
Hydrodilatation to stretch the capsule
Manipulation under anesthesia for persistent cases
Arthroscopic capsular release surgery for refractory cases

Prevention

Maintain shoulder mobility after injury or surgery with gentle exercises
Seek early treatment for shoulder pain or stiffness
Manage diabetes and thyroid conditions to reduce risk

When to See a Doctor

Shoulder pain is persistent and limits daily activities
You notice progressive loss of shoulder range of motion
Pain is severe enough to disrupt sleep
Stiffness does not improve after several weeks of home exercises

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Knee Pain

Musculoskeletal

Hypothyroidism

Endocrine

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