Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, and Best Natural Treatments

Frozen shoulder, medically called adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that limits shoulder movement due to inflammation and tightening of the shoulder joint capsule. This leads to stiffness, reduced mobility, and chronic discomfort, often developing gradually and lasting from several months to a few years.

While frozen shoulder is more common in women aged 40–60, it can affect anyone—especially those recovering from surgery, injuries, or living with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypothyroidism.

In this article, we'll explore what causes frozen shoulder, its symptoms, stages, and the most effective natural treatments and lifestyle approaches to support healing.

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What Is Frozen Shoulder?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint made of three bones—humerus, scapula, and clavicle—held together by a capsule of connective tissue. In frozen shoulder, this capsule becomes inflamed and thickened. Adhesions (bands of scar tissue) form, and the amount of lubricating synovial fluid decreases. This causes pain, stiffness, and a severely limited range of motion.

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Frozen Shoulder Symptoms

• Dull or aching pain in the shoulder and upper arm

• Pain worsens with movement and at night

• Gradual loss of shoulder motion

• Trouble performing daily tasks (e.g., dressing, lifting arms)

• Disturbed sleep due to radiating pain

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Phases of Frozen Shoulder

1. Freezing Phase (6–9 weeks):
   Pain gradually worsens and restricts shoulder movement. Pain is severe at night.

2. Frozen Phase (4–6 months):
   Pain may decrease, but stiffness increases, making daily tasks difficult.

3. Thawing Phase (6 months–2 years):
   Mobility slowly returns and pain subsides with consistent physical therapy and care.

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What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

• Diabetes: Affects about 20% of people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

• Thyroid Conditions: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism increase the risk.

• Neurological or Cardiac Conditions: Stroke, Parkinson’s, or heart disease are linked.

• Shoulder Immobilization: Following surgery, fractures, or injury recovery.

• Gender & Age: Women aged 40–60 are most commonly affected.

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Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder

A physical examination is often enough. Doctors assess both active (your movement) and passive (doctor-assisted) shoulder movement. Imaging like X-rays or MRIs may be used to rule out other conditions like arthritis or rotator cuff tears.

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Natural and Medical Treatments for Frozen Shoulder

1. Physical Therapy

The most effective non-surgical treatment:

• Stretching and range-of-motion exercises to restore flexibility

• Strengthening exercises for long-term mobility

• Performed under the guidance of a physiotherapist

2. Pain Management

• NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin reduce pain and inflammation

• Heat therapy can relax the joint and ease stiffness

3. Corticosteroid Injections

• Reduces inflammation and pain, often combined with lidocaine

• Most effective during the frozen phase

• Administered under imaging guidance

4. Joint Distention

• Injection of sterile fluid to stretch the joint capsule and improve mobility

5. Shoulder Manipulation Under Anesthesia

• Used in resistant cases

• The doctor moves the shoulder while you’re under sedation to break adhesions

6. Surgery (Rare)

• Only considered when other treatments fail

• Removal of scar tissue through arthroscopic surgery

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Natural Management and Home Remedies

• Gentle movement: Avoid complete immobilization—move your shoulder within a pain-free range daily.

• Warm compresses: Helps relax tight muscles and increases circulation.

• Anti-inflammatory diet: Include turmeric, ginger, leafy greens, and omega-3 fatty acids to support healing.

• Epsom salt baths: Relieves pain and relaxes muscles.

• Yoga or guided stretching: Increases flexibility and blood flow.

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Top FAQs about Frozen Shoulder

Q1: Can frozen shoulder heal on its own?
Yes, most cases resolve over time (6 months–2 years) with regular movement and physiotherapy.

Q2: Who is at highest risk for frozen shoulder?
Women aged 40–60, especially those with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or after surgery/injury.

Q3: Is surgery necessary for frozen shoulder?
Only in rare cases. Most people recover with non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy and corticosteroid injections.

Q4: What are the best exercises for frozen shoulder?
Pendulum swings, wall climbs, towel stretches, and cross-body arm stretches are commonly prescribed.

Q5: Can diet affect frozen shoulder recovery?
Yes. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s, turmeric, leafy greens, and low in sugar may support healing.

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Conclusion: Healing Frozen Shoulder Naturally

Frozen shoulder can be frustrating and painful, but with the right combination of gentle movement, physical therapy, and natural anti-inflammatory strategies, most people make a full recovery without surgery.

The key to healing lies in consistency—keep moving your shoulder within comfort, eat an anti-inflammatory diet, and follow your physiotherapist’s guidance. If needed, medical interventions like corticosteroid injections or joint distention can provide additional relief.

Don’t let frozen shoulder freeze your quality of life—small steps toward movement can lead to a complete thaw.