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Overview
Common with diabetes.
Stretching helps.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayNot usually urgent.
See a doctor soonStiffness lasting weeks.
Causes
Causes include injury and diabetes.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause stiff, painful shoulder that's hard to move. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Frozen shoulderSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
The shoulder slowly becomes stiff and painful and hard to move in any direction.
What you can do at home
- Gentle stretching.
Medicines
Physical therapy and injections.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Duration
The exam
A shoulder exam.
Tests
- Imaging
Prevention
Keep moving.
- Stretch after injury
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.