Frozen Shoulder Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Did you know that a frozen shoulder affects nearly 2% of the general population, especially people between the ages of 40 and 60? 

Are you among those 2% of people who feel pain or tightness in their shoulder that just won’t go away? You might be dealing with a frozen shoulder. 

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition causes stiffness, pain, and limited shoulder movement that can last months or even years. It is a common problem that makes it hard to move your arm. Many people try home remedies like rest or painkillers, but the stiffness keeps returning. A frozen shoulder can make everyday tasks like getting dressed or reaching overhead feel difficult and painful.

In this blog, we will explain what a frozen shoulder is, what causes it, and how you can treat it. Whether your shoulder pain started suddenly or has been bothering you for a while, it is important to understand the root cause. We will also share expert-backed treatment options that can help you move better and feel less pain.

Why Does Your Frozen Shoulder Keep Coming Back?

Frozen shoulders can seem better for a while but then come back again. This happens to many people, even after using home remedies or basic treatments. The reason is that the main causes are often not fully treated. Understanding these hidden reasons can help stop the problem from coming back. Below are some common reasons why a frozen shoulder keeps returning:

Limited Shoulder Movement

Frozen shoulder is not a disease per se but the end result of a lot of conditions that result in decreased shoulder movements. It can occur after injury such as a fall, rotator cuff tears or arthritis of the shoulder joint. The end result of all these conditions is shoulder pain with reduced movements leading to stiffening of a soft tissue capsule around the joint. Any attempts to move the shoulder are met with resistance from this capsule, leading to pain and a restricted range of motion.

Uncontrolled Health Conditions

Health issues like diabetes or thyroid problems can increase the risk of a frozen shoulder coming back.

Stopping Treatment Too Early

Many people stop doing exercises or therapy once the pain gets better. Without full recovery, the stiffness can return.

Stress and Muscle Tightness

High stress levels can cause muscles to tighten. This may lead to shoulder pain and limited movement again.

Home Remedies That Provide Temporary Relief From 

A frozen shoulder can be painful and make daily movements difficult. While these home remedies do not fix the root cause, they may help reduce pain and stiffness for a short time. These simple methods can be tried at home to ease discomfort, especially during mild flare-ups.

Warm Compress – Applying a warm cloth or heating pad on the shoulder can relax tight muscles and improve blood flow.

Cold Pack – Using an ice pack helps reduce swelling and numbs sharp pain, especially after any activity.

Gentle Shoulder Stretches – Light stretching, such as arm circles or wall climbs, can slowly improve movement and reduce tightness.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief – Medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation temporarily.

Epsom Salt Bath – Soaking in warm water with Epsom salt can ease muscle tension and promote relaxation.

Massage with Warm Oil – A Gentle massage using warm coconut or sesame oil may help loosen stiff muscles and reduce soreness.

How To Prevent Frozen Shoulder?

A frozen shoulder can become worse if not managed on time. Early care and the right approach can help stop the condition from getting more serious. It is important to reduce pain, improve movement, and prevent stiffness from coming back. The following methods are helpful in managing and stopping a frozen shoulder.

  • Gentle daily exercises help keep the shoulder joint flexible. Simple movements like stretching and arm raises can reduce stiffness.
  • Working with a trained therapist improves shoulder strength and mobility. Therapy also helps in learning safe movements to protect the joint.
  • Using a warm cloth or heating pad on the shoulder helps relax tight muscles and improves blood flow.
  • Sitting and standing with correct posture prevents extra pressure on the shoulder and supports better movement.
  • Doctors may suggest pain-relief medicine, steroid injections, or other treatments if home care is not enough.
  • Even after feeling better, it is important to keep doing light exercises and following care steps to stop the pain and tightness from coming back.

When To Seek Professional Help?

Frozen shoulder often starts with mild pain and stiffness, but the symptoms can get worse over time. If home remedies and exercises do not bring relief, it may be time to visit a healthcare professional. Long-lasting pain, limited shoulder movement, or trouble doing daily tasks are signs that medical help is needed.

A doctor can check the shoulder properly and suggest the right treatment. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays, shoulder ultrasounds or MRI scans are used to understand the problem better. Early diagnosis can prevent the condition from getting worse and help with faster recovery.

Treatments such as physical therapy, medicines, or shoulder injections are often helpful. If the pain is strong or the shoulder becomes too stiff, a specialist can provide advanced care. Getting professional help at the right time can improve shoulder movement and reduce long-term problems.

Also Read: Best Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Effective Treatments For Frozen Shoulder

  1. Shoulder Capsule Hydrodissection
  2. ⁠Suprascapular Nerve Block
  3. Shoulder Bursa Injections
  4. Shoulder Joint Injections

Get Expert Frozen Shoulder Relief at Pain Medics

Struggling with frozen shoulder pain that just won’t go away? At Pain Medics Clinic, expert care and advanced treatments are available to help reduce stiffness, improve movement, and bring lasting relief. Whether it is early-stage discomfort or long-term pain, our personalized treatment plans are designed to suit each condition. From physical therapy to pain management options, the goal is full recovery without surgery. Do not let a frozen shoulder limit your daily life.

Call now or visit Pain Medics Clinic to book a consultation and take the first step toward pain-free shoulder movement.

Name – Pain Medics Clinic

Phone Number – +91 94787 67649

Address – SCO 212, Sector 40D, Chandigarh, 160036

Email – painmedicsclinic@gmail.com 

Dr. Rajit Jhingan (Pain Specialist)
Dr. Rajit Jhingan (Pain Specialist)

Dr. Rajit Jhingan is an Interventional Pain Physician and a Certified Interventional Pain Specialist (CIPS) accredited by the World Institute of Pain (USA) - the first in the region to receive this certification.

With over 15 years of experience in Anaesthesiology, Pain Medicine, and Critical Care, he specializes in ultrasonography and fluoroscopy-guided pain interventions. His expertise includes PRP injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and minimally invasive spine procedures, such as intradiscal ozone nucleolysis, transforaminal epidural injections, facet injections, and radiofrequency procedures for the facets. He also performs vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty and endoscopic spine interventions.

Previously, Dr. Jhingan served as a Senior Consultant at Max Superspeciality Hospital in Mohali. He is dedicated to providing advanced, non-surgical pain management solutions at Pain Medics Clinic.

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Dr. Rajit Jhingan
Dr. Rajit Jhingan

Pain Specialist
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