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Stiff, painful shoulder that's hard to move

Also called: Frozen shoulder

A stiff, painful shoulder that's hard to move may be frozen shoulder. It improves slowly over months.

Common causesFrozen shoulder
Usually serious?Usually not
Get checked ifCan't move the shoulder
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

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.

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Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.