Version July 2025
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What is a frozen shoulder? —
This condition causes the shoulder to be stiff and hard to move. When a person has a frozen shoulder, the tissue around the shoulder joint gets thick and tight.
A person might get frozen shoulder after a shoulder injury or surgery. It is also more common in people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes.
What are the symptoms of a frozen shoulder? —
People usually have:
●A stiff and painful shoulder
●Trouble reaching overhead or around to their lower back
Symptoms usually last for at least a year, sometimes longer.
Will I need tests? —
Probably not. Your doctor or nurse will talk with you and do an exam. This is usually enough to diagnose frozen shoulder. But your doctor or nurse might want to do an imaging test. These create pictures of the inside of the body. Examples include:
●X-ray
●MRI scan
●Ultrasound
How do I care for myself at home? —
In most cases, a frozen shoulder gets better on its own. But it can take months to heal completely.
To help your shoulder get better, you can:
●Rest – Avoid raising your arm overhead, reaching, and lifting things.
●Take pain medicines – Ask your doctor or nurse about taking an over-the-counter medicine for pain. Examples include acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
How is a frozen shoulder treated? —
At first, the most important thing to do is rest your shoulder. Once the worst of the pain has passed, doctors are not sure of the best way to treat a frozen shoulder. Certain exercises might help. Ask your doctor when it's safe to start trying some simple exercises. When they say it's OK, you can slowly start to do certain exercises (picture 1).
It can also help to work with a physical therapist (exercise expert). After you are comfortable with simple "range-of-motion" exercises, your doctor, nurse, or physical therapist might suggest other exercises. These can help make your shoulder muscles stronger. They can show you how to do them and how often.
When you do shoulder exercises, it's important to:
●Warm up your shoulder first. You can do this by taking a hot shower or bath, putting a warm towel on your shoulder, massaging the area, or doing gentle movements.
●Start slowly, and gradually make the exercises harder over time. Follow all instructions for how often to do the exercises and how many times to repeat each motion.
●Know that some soreness is normal. If you have sharp or tearing pain, stop what you're doing and tell your doctor or nurse.
Your doctor might suggest other treatments, such as getting a shot of medicine into your shoulder, if:
●Your pain is severe.
●You do not get better after resting and strengthening your shoulder.
What if my shoulder doesn't get better? —
Your doctor might suggest surgery. Usually, other treatments are tried for at least 10 to 12 months before surgery is considered.
How can I prevent getting a frozen shoulder again? —
Doctors are not sure how to prevent it. If you have a shoulder injury or had shoulder surgery, it might help to gently move the shoulder as you heal. But this depends on your situation. Talk to your doctor before trying new activities after an injury or surgery.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call your doctor or nurse if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●Your pain or stiffness gets worse.
●Your hand or arm becomes weak or swollen.
●Your fingers are numb, tingly, blue, or gray.
Get medical help right away if you have shoulder pain along with other concerning symptoms, like chest pain or shortness of breath.
Patient education: Shoulder pain (The Basics)
Patient education: Rotator cuff injury (The Basics)
Patient education: Rotator cuff repair (The Basics)
Patient education: Separated shoulder (The Basics)
Patient education: Shoulder arthroscopy (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a shoulder sling (The Basics)
Patient education: Frozen shoulder (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Rotator cuff tendinitis and tear (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Acromioclavicular joint injury (shoulder separation) (Beyond the Basics)
