Frozen shoulder is a tightening of the shoulder joint. It results in a loss of movement and pain at the shoulder joint.

In frozen shoulder:

• Active range of motion lost—You cannot move your shoulder well.
• Passive range of motion lost—Someone trying to move your arm at the shoulder joint will find it stiff and difficult to move.

This condition gets worse over time. After a period of time, the shoulder may improve spontaneously. This improvement is called thawing.

Frozen shoulder is caused by tightening of the soft tissues. This includes the capsule that surrounds the joint.

Factors that increase your risk for frozen shoulder include:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems
• Disc problems in your neck
• Injuries to the shoulder
• Illness or injury that forces you to keep the shoulder immobile for a period of time
• Heart and/or lung disease, during which time you do not move the shoulder normally

Symptoms include:

• Painful shoulder
• Inability to move the arm at the shoulder joint, either by yourself or by someone else

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will test the range of motion in your shoulder.

Tests may include:

• X-rays —a test that uses radiation to take pictures of structures inside the body to rule out other possible causes
• MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic radiation waves to examine the soft tissues around the shoulder
• Arthrograms—x-ray pictures taken after dye is injected into the shoulder area (difficult to do with frozen shoulder)

Treatment focuses on:

• Relieving pain
• Restoring function and range of motion to the shoulder

• Pain relievers (eg, ibuprofen and aspirin )—to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain
• Muscle relaxants—to help relax arm and shoulder muscles
• Physical therapy—to stretch muscles and restore motion and function to the shoulder; the foundation of treatment, which requires much home exercise
• Heat and ice therapies—to help relieve pain and reduce swelling
• Corticosteroid injections—as prescribed and given by your doctor (rarely done for this condition)

Closed manipulation surgery is a forceful movement of the arm at the shoulder joint. It is done to loosen the stiffness. This is performed under anesthesia. It is followed by intensive physical therapy. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions after surgery.

In arthroscopic surgery , a small incision is made in the shoulder. Special small instruments are inserted through the incision. The tightened tissues are released. The shoulder is manipulated. Physical therapy must be done after this surgery. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions after surgery.

If you are diagnosed with a frozen shoulder, follow your doctor's instructions .