Stiff, Painful Shoulder? It Might Be Frozen Shoulder

July 31, 2025

Many orthopedic conditions come with a likely cause: overexertion at the gym or an accidental fall or pulled muscle. But the condition known commonly as frozen shoulder tends to come out of nowhere, bringing severe shoulder pain with no obvious cause.

“One of the most frustrating aspects of frozen shoulder is that the pain typically comes on without a logical explanation, such as an injury or prior surgery,” explains Jacob Calcei, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at University Hospitals. “While patients often try to identify a cause, in reality the vast majority of people just wake up with it.”

Here’s what to expect if you suspect your sudden shoulder pain may be related to this common condition.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is an inflammation of the lining of the shoulder joint. When the joint becomes inflamed and thickens, the typical range of motion of the shoulder becomes limited.

The result? A stiff shoulder that becomes increasingly painful.

“A stiff shoulder is a painful shoulder,” notes Dr. Calcei and that pain compounds the pain and inflammation that's caused by the condition. “Every little bit of movement in the shoulder hurts and patients may have trouble sleeping at night because of it.”

Who Gets Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a common condition, affecting up to 5 percent of the population. “It tends to impact women between the ages of 40 and 60, more than men,” Dr. Calcei explains. “Hormonal changes during perimenopause could be a contributing factor for women in this age group.”

However, this doesn't mean others are immune to the condition. Those with certain inflammatory condition may also be at higher risk. Frozen shoulder impacts up to 36 percent of people with diabetes, for example.

But most often Dr. Calcei confirms, frozen shoulder just happens. “People ask what they did wrong, but usually the answer is absolutely nothing,” he says.

Recognizing the Symptoms

A case of frozen shoulder typically cycles through three distinct phases. In the first phase, called the freezing phase, people first notice intense pain and a gradual loss of shoulder movement. “Patients at this point will often rate their pain at or near 10, whether they are in motion or at rest,” says Dr. Calcei. “It’s from all of that acute inflammation within the joint.”

The freezing phase typically lasts from two to nine months before transitioning to the frozen phase. This phase, which can last as long as a year, is marked by less pain but continued, significant stiffness in the shoulder. With limited shoulder movement, people find daily activities challenging during this time period.

The third and final phase, the thawing phase, brings a gradual return of shoulder movement and a decrease in pain over six months to two years.

“All in, a bout with frozen shoulder can last a year to 18 months, though the timeline can vary from person to person,” explains Dr. Calcei.

Treatment Options: Patience Is Key

The most important thing to understand about frozen shoulder is that time is often the best healer. “The best treatment for it is actually time,” says Dr. Calcei. “So that's the frustrating part. While it's not really something that requires surgery, there's not really a quick, easy fix for it either.”

A typical treatment plan for frozen shoulder involves anti-inflammatory medications including oral steroids to reduce inflammation. A cortisone injection to the shoulder can also help to reduce pain. Dr. Calcei also recommends physical therapy, but stresses that the therapy protocol should emphasize gentle stretching.

“The goal is to maintain motion, but avoid exercises that could increase inflammation,” he says. “You need to listen to your body, this is not a ‘no pain, no gain’ situation.”

When to Seek Help

Though frozen shoulder cannot be prevented, early diagnosis can help you manage your symptoms and ensure you're on the right path to recovery. Dr. Calcei notes that the condition can often go undiagnosed, so it’s important to see a shoulder specialist if you experience severe shoulder pain that comes on suddenly, especially if you're having trouble sleeping or performing daily activities.

While frozen shoulder does resolve on its own, supportive care can help patients manage symptoms and ease their way through the three cycles of recovery. “With patience, proper care and time, the vast majority of people with frozen shoulder do recover their full range of motion and return to their normal activities,” adds Dr. Calcei.