10 Things You Need to Know About Frozen Shoulder

1. It Has a Mysterious Origin

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, doesn’t have a definitive cause. Although it’s often linked to immobility (like after shoulder surgery), no one really knows why the shoulder capsule starts to thicken and tighten in some people. Factors like age, diabetes, thyroid issues, and prolonged shoulder immobility are known to increase the risk, but there’s still a lot to learn about its root causes.

2. Most Common in People Over 40, Especially Women

Statistics show frozen shoulder generally affects people between 40 and 60 years old and is more common in women than men. Studies indicate that women are diagnosed at rates up to 1.5 times higher than men, with menopausal hormonal shifts potentially playing a role in this increased risk.

3. Diabetes Greatly Increases Risk

Diabetes is a significant risk factor for frozen shoulder. Up to 20% of people with diabetes will experience this painful condition at some point, with type 1 diabetics being especially prone. For these individuals, frozen shoulder can be harder to treat and may take longer to resolve.

4. It Affects Up to 5% of the Population

While frozen shoulder isn’t one of the most common conditions, it’s estimated to affect 2-5% of the general population. In some cases, it may even go unreported since it can eventually resolve on its own, albeit slowly.

5. The World Record for Longest Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is known for taking its time to resolve, with full recovery often stretching to two years or more. However, there are accounts of some people suffering from frozen shoulder for over a decade before finding lasting relief, which may well make them unofficial record-holders in this challenging experience.

6. Japan Has High Reported Rates

Interestingly, studies show that Japan reports relatively high instances of frozen shoulder, and it's common among the country's middle-aged population. Research suggests this may be due to Japan’s aging demographic or heightened health reporting standards.

7. Frozen Shoulder Comes in Three Stages

The condition progresses in stages: “freezing,” where the pain is most intense; “frozen,” where stiffness dominates; and “thawing,” where mobility gradually returns. Each stage can last from a few months to nearly a year, making it a condition that truly tests patience.

8. You Probably Do Not Need Surgery

Most people with frozen shoulder recover without surgery. Physical therapy, along with corticosteroid injections, are the go-to treatments. In fact, over 90% of patients see improvement with these non-surgical options. Surgery is typically reserved for those who don’t respond to other therapies over time.

9. Manual and Physical Therapies and (sometimes) Cortisone Injections Work Wonders

Physical therapy, with a focus on range-of-motion exercises, is the mainstay of frozen shoulder treatment. Cortisone injections can help by reducing pain and inflammation, making therapy exercises easier. Some studies indicate that when caught early, this combination can speed up the recovery process significantly. All sorts of other manual therapies are put into effect by therapists, including various types of massage, cupping, dry needling, acupuncture, and trigger point therapy.

10. Time is a Healer, But It’s Slow

Frozen shoulder is known as a self-limiting condition, meaning it usually resolves on its own—if you’re willing to wait. For most people, full recovery takes about 1-3 years, but for a few unlucky individuals, it may stretch even longer. Either way, if you find yourself battling frozen shoulder, know that you’re not alone, and relief, while slow, is likely on its way.

Frozen shoulder might sound daunting, but with patience, therapy, and time, most people find their shoulder mobility restored. From diabetics to menopausal women and across different cultures, the world continues to learn more about this challenging condition. And while it might take its time, frozen shoulder does eventually release its grip, often without surgery.