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Frozen shoulder

Also called: Frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis

A painful, stiff shoulder that slowly loses motion over months, then gradually loosens. Common in diabetes.

PhasesFreezing, frozen, thawing
Lasts1 to 3 years

Overview

Frozen shoulder slowly stiffens over months, then gradually loosens.

Diabetes and thyroid disease raise the risk.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Shoulder pain and stiffness
  • Stiff, painful shoulder that's hard to move

Less common

  • Night pain

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayShoulder pain with chest pain.
See a doctor soonLosing motion.

Causes

Inflammation.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Diabetes
  • Women 40 to 60

Diagnosis

Exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • X-ray:

Treatment

Keep moving.

Self-care

  • Gentle stretches
  • Heat

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Pain relievers
Pain and swellingAsk first if you have kidney, stomach, or heart problems.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Physical therapy, steroid shot.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Keep the shoulder moving after injury

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an orthopedist (bone and joint doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • People with diabetes: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most recover.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • Would a steroid shot help?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Frozen shoulder

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.