Frozen Shoulder

The symptoms of frozen shoulder usually begin slowly and progressively get worse. 

Symptoms of frozen shoulder include:

• persistent pain or stiffness in your shoulder 

• pain that often wakes you in the night

• severe pain when moving your arm at the shoulder, especially with sudden movement

In most cases, the cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, and the condition happens spontaneously. 

It may be caused by genetic factors or can be triggered by an injury to your shoulder joint or shoulder surgery.

You may have a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder if you: 

• are 40 to 60 years old

• are female

• have another shoulder problem, such as bursitis or a tendon injury

• have certain health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, or Parkinson’s disease

At your first appointment, you’ll be seen by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, who will ask you about your symptoms, general health, family and medical history, and any medications you take regularly. They’ll also perform a physical examination of your shoulder. 

In some cases, your consultant will arrange for you to have an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound scan to confirm their diagnosis and rule out any other problems that may be affecting your shoulder joint.

As the cause is usually unknown, frozen shoulder often can’t be prevented. However, you can reduce your risk of developing frozen shoulder by starting physiotherapy as soon as possible after any shoulder injury or surgery, or as soon as you notice symptoms such as shoulder pain and stiffness.

Frozen shoulder normally resolves on its own, and complications are rare. 

However, it can take from a few months to several years for your frozen shoulder to fully heal, and in the meantime, the condition can cause complications, including: 

• chronic pain, which can be severe and is often worse at night 

• stiffness

• restricted mobility 

• muscle weakness in your shoulder 

• inability to carry out activities that involve moving your shoulder, such as brushing/washing your hair, dressing, and driving 

• in the advanced stages, you may be unable to move your shoulder at all

In most cases, frozen shoulder can be successfully treated with a combination of different therapies. At your consultation, your consultant will discuss your treatment options and recommend the best next steps.

Treatment for frozen shoulder includes:

• injection therapy to break down scar tissue and stretch the connective tissues

• physiotherapy to improve flexibility in your shoulder and re-establish movement

• surgery to remove the scar tissue around your shoulder joint

At Welbeck, our orthopaedic surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.