What Is Frozen Shoulder? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Methods

Created: 01.04.2026  ·  Last Updated: 24.07.2026  ·  Category: Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation  ·  Prepared by the Academic Hospital Web and Medical Editorial Board.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition that may develop when the shoulder joint is not moved for a period of time for various reasons or when the joint capsule stiffens, and is characterized by significant restriction in joint movement and related pain. Also known medically as “frozen shoulder” or “adhesive capsulitis,” it can make daily life significantly difficult.

Important Information: In frozen shoulder, restricted movement is prominent together with pain. Early evaluation may make treatment easier, especially if there is difficulty opening the arm sideways, lifting it forward, combing hair or shoulder pain that increases at night.

What Are the Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder?

  • Marked limitation in shoulder movements
  • Inability to open the arm sideways
  • Inability to lift the arm forward
  • Difficulty combing hair
  • Inability to move the hand toward the back
  • Inability to take an object from a high place
  • Shoulder pain that increases especially at night

At the beginning, the patient often avoids moving the shoulder joint for a while because of pain. Then, in the joint largely formed by soft tissue, the joint capsule and other surrounding soft tissues lose their elasticity. As a result, joint movements become severely restricted. Pain, especially at night, may occur accordingly. These symptoms can seriously complicate daily living activities.

You can contact us for physical therapy evaluation in shoulder pain and movement limitation.

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What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

Many different factors may play a role in the development of frozen shoulder. Sometimes even minor strains that the patient may not notice can start the process.

  • Diabetes is one of the common associated conditions.
  • Inflammatory rheumatic diseases may predispose to frozen shoulder.
  • It may develop after sports injuries, fractures or situations in which shoulder movement is intentionally restricted after surgery.
  • Keeping the shoulder immobile for a long time may contribute to stiffening of the joint capsule.

How Is Frozen Shoulder Treated?

Frozen shoulder is often a silently progressing condition that is noticed late. Therefore, the treatment process may be more demanding than in the early period.

The basis of treatment is a planned and conscious exercise program applied after pain is brought under control. Cold and heat applications, electrotherapy methods and medication when necessary may be used to reduce pain.

After pain decreases, the patient begins exercises to move the shoulder joint under the guidance of the therapist. During this process, controlled stretching exercises may also be applied to increase the range of motion of the joint.

The Importance of Physical Therapy in Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a condition in which successful results can often be achieved with physical therapy. With appropriately planned treatment and exercise programs, some patients may experience noticeable improvement within a few weeks.

However, patients may notice the condition late if their pain is not very severe or if they do not actively use their shoulder in daily life. This prolongs the treatment process. The later physical therapy is started, the more difficult and longer it becomes to relieve joint stiffness and reduce pain.

Although frozen shoulder may initially seem like a simple pain, it may lead to serious movement limitation over time. Therefore, people with shoulder pain and restricted movement should not neglect the condition; early evaluation and initiation of treatment are very important.

Get Evaluated for Frozen Shoulder Symptoms

Physical therapy and rehabilitation evaluation is important if there is limited shoulder movement, night pain or difficulty with daily activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can frozen shoulder go away on its own?
Some patients may improve over time; however, pain and restricted movement can last for a long time. Early evaluation and an appropriate physical therapy process may support recovery.
Why is physical therapy important in frozen shoulder?
Physical therapy may help increase shoulder range of motion, reduce pain and make daily activities easier.
Who is more likely to develop frozen shoulder?
It may be more common in people whose shoulder movement has been restricted for a long time, in people with diabetes, after shoulder injuries or fractures, and in some rheumatic diseases.
When should a doctor be consulted for frozen shoulder?
A doctor should be consulted if there is marked limitation in shoulder movement, night pain, inability to lift the arm sideways or forward, or difficulty with daily activities.
Academic Hospital note: In frozen shoulder, treatment planning should be individualized according to pain level, range of motion limitation, accompanying diseases and impact on daily life. You can book an appointment for evaluation.

References

  1. Mayo Clinic. Frozen shoulder - Symptoms and causes
  2. Mayo Clinic. Frozen shoulder - Diagnosis and treatment
  3. Cleveland Clinic. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
  4. AAOS OrthoInfo. Frozen Shoulder