Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms typically begin gradually, worsen over time and then resolve, usually within one to three years.
Your risk of developing frozen shoulder increases if you're recovering from a medical condition or procedure that prevents you from moving your arm — such as a stroke or a mastectomy.
Frozen shoulder typically develops slowly, and in three stages. Each stage can last a number of months.
For some people, the pain worsens at night, sometimes disrupting sleep.
The bones, ligaments and tendons that make up your shoulder joint are encased in a capsule of connective tissue. Frozen shoulder occurs when this capsule thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint, restricting its movement.
Doctors aren't sure why this happens to some people, although it's more likely to occur in people who have diabetes or those who recently had to immobilize their shoulder for a long period, such as after surgery or an arm fracture.
Certain factors may increase your risk of developing frozen shoulder. Some of which are as follows:
People who have certain diseases appear more likely to develop frozen shoulder. Diseases that might increase risk include:
One of the most common causes of frozen shoulder is the immobility that may result from previous surgeries or fractures. Hence exercising & keeping the joints mobile after any such injury or surgery is the best prevention for frozen shoulder.