Recognizing the 3 Stages of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a disorder of the shoulder capsule — the connective tissue that encases the joint and holds it together. When the ligaments of the shoulder capsule become inflamed and thick, the shoulder joint stiffens and generates pain. 

Michael J. Bercik Jr., MD, specializes in shoulder ailments. He and his team can help you resolve the motion loss and pain associated with frozen shoulder. 

Here’s what you need to know about the stages of frozen shoulder. 

Frozen shoulder 101

Frozen shoulder develops slowly, endures for months or years, and finally begins to resolve naturally. There’s nothing “cold” about frozen shoulder. Instead, it’s the joint's range of motion that’s frozen. 

Usually affecting one side of the body, the tell-tale sign of frozen shoulder is the inability to move that arm in a typical “hitchhiker pose,” with thumb out and wrist twisted as though summoning a passing car for a ride. 

It’s not known why the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed. There are risk factors that may contribute, including: 

• Age: being over 40
• Gender: women are affected more than men
• Medical conditions: such as diabetes, thyroid problems, cardiovascular disease, or Parkinson’s disease
• Shoulder immobilization: after an injury or surgery

Like other joints in your body, the shoulder is made to move, so limited motion of the affected arm seems to be a contributing cause. Completing physical therapy after a shoulder injury and including shoulder exercises in regular workouts may help you sidestep this condition. 

Recognizing the 3 stages of frozen shoulder

Here are the three stages of frozen shoulder:

1: Freezing

The early stage of frozen shoulder includes the progression from normal mobility into the pain and stiffness characteristic of the disorder. Some staging systems include pre-freezing, typically in the first three months of the condition, where symptoms begin. 

It’s common to mistake the pre-freezing stage as simply a sore shoulder brought on by overexertion, other minor injuries, or a rotator cuff problem. That’s why it’s sometimes defined in combination with the freezing stage, which can last as long as eight months. 

The freezing stage is the most painful part of frozen shoulder. Movement is limited, and shoulder pain may disturb your sleep. 

2. Frozen

Once frozen shoulder reaches a fully developed state, you’ve entered stage two — the frozen stage. You won’t be able to move your arm, and neither will our team. This distinguishes frozen shoulder from rotator cuff injuries, where a practitioner can move the shoulder joint. 

Typically, the pain subsides during the frozen stage, although it still exists. Normal activities like reaching or lifting remain difficult. 

3. Thawing

The thawing stage of frozen shoulder overlaps stage two, as mobility gradually returns and pain continues to lessen. However, it can be a long stage, with some people experiencing thawing for 12-36 months before it’s fully resolved. Treatment can often reduce this period of recovery. 

Contact the nearest of Dr. Bercik’s three offices when you suspect frozen shoulder. We can diagnose your condition and create an effective treatment plan. Frozen shoulder doesn’t usually require surgery to resolve. 

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