Health Information
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Understanding This Symptom
Medical Definition
Subject Matter Expert Verified
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a debilitating condition characterized by progressive pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint due to inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule.
The condition typically progresses through three phases: freezing (painful phase with increasing stiffness), frozen (maximal stiffness with less pain), and thawing (gradual recovery of range of motion).
It primarily affects adults aged 40-70, with women more commonly affected than men, and is strongly associated with diabetes, thyroid disorders, and prolonged shoulder immobilization.
Quick Facts
What Optimal Health Looks Like
Understanding how your body functions when healthy helps identify dysfunction
A healthy shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) is a ball-and-socket joint where the humeral head (ball) fits into the glenoid fossa (socket) of the scapula.
The joint is surrounded by a loose, pliable capsule that attaches to the glenoid rim and the anatomical neck of the humerus.
This capsule is lined with synovial membrane that produces synovial fluid, providing nutrition and lubrication.
The rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis) surround the joint, providing dynamic stability and enabling smooth, coordinated movement.
Healthy Function
Your body is designed to maintain balance and self-regulate
How This Develops
Capsular inflammation - Initial synovial inflammation triggers an inflammatory response within the shoulder capsule, causing pain and swelling
Capsular thickening and fibrosis - Chronic inflammation leads to proliferation of fibroblasts and excessive deposition of collagen (types I and III) within the joint capsule, causing it to become thickened, tight, and inelastic
Synovial adhesion formation - Fibrous adhesions (sticky bands) form within the joint space, restricting movement between joint surfaces
Loss of capsular volume - The inflamed capsule contracts and loses its normal distensibility, significantly reducing the joint's functional capacity
Coracoacromial ligament involvement - Secondary tightening may occur, further limiting superior migration of the humeral head
Rotator cuff preservation - Importantly, the rotator cuff tendons themselves remain intact, differentiating frozen shoulder from rotator cuff tears
Neurological changes - Chronic pain leads to altered proprioception and muscular inhibition, contributing to movement dysfunction
Understanding the mechanism helps us target the root cause rather than just treating symptoms.
What Happens If Left Untreated
Understanding the consequences helps you make informed decisions about your health
Short-Term Consequences
Days to weeks
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Time Matters
Don't wait for symptoms to worsen. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.