Have you noticed a lack of mobility or increasing shoulder stiffness recently, with reduced mobility and decreased range of motion? If this sensation started as a minor annoyance but has worsened over time, and sometimes becomes painful, you might be suffering from frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, a common shoulder condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and limited shoulder mobility.
Frozen shoulder surgeon Michael J. Bercik Jr., MD, is an experienced orthopedic surgeon specializing in arthroscopic shoulder surgery and shoulder arthroscopy who can help restore motion in your affected arm, giving back your mobility and as much range as possible, and letting you return to your normal activities and life. Contact Michael J. Bercik Jr., MD, at his orthopedic practice offices in Lancaster, Ephrata, or Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, to schedule your consultation or book an appointment online today and explore treatment options to alleviate pain and improve range of motion.
What is frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)?
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the shoulder joint capsule thickens and tightens, creating a tight capsule due to the formation of thick bands of strong connective tissue surrounding the joint. This condition reduces synovial fluid in the ball-and-socket joint, leading to stiffness, shoulder pain, and limited movement in the shoulder’s range.
The main symptoms of frozen shoulder, which are common symptoms experienced by patients, are divided into three phases:
- The freezing and inflammatory phase, where shoulder movement causes severe pain that disrupts sleep, and your range of motion begins to decrease.
- The frozen stage, when the shoulder capsule becomes more rigid and frozen shoulder symptoms worsen with even less movement in the shoulder joint, often involving inflammation of the capsule surrounding the joint.
- The thawing stage, when the affected arm slowly begins to regain mobility, often helped by physical therapy and range of motion exercises designed to increase range and reduce stiffness.
Each phase of frozen shoulder can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The freezing phase typically lasts 6 to 9 months, the frozen phase 4 to 6 months, and the thawing phase can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach taken. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the total duration of frozen shoulder can range from 1 to 3 years in untreated cases, which is why early evaluation and treatment are important.
What causes frozen shoulder?
Your shoulder is made up of bones, muscles, and soft tissues, including strong connective tissue known as the joint capsule. When this shoulder capsule thickens and tightens, frozen shoulder occurs due to an underlying cause, limiting motion. While the exact cause is unknown, it’s often associated with a shoulder injury or an extended period of immobility, such as recovering from a rotator cuff tear, stroke, or surgery in the operating room under general anesthesia. Other conditions like arthritis and diabetes can also contribute to frozen shoulder development.
Who is at risk for frozen shoulder?
You’re at greater risk of developing frozen shoulder if you’ve experienced shoulder injuries or prolonged immobilization of the upper arm. Risk factors include being over 40, being female, and having health conditions like:
- Tuberculosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Thyroid issues
- Diabetes
Certain conditions, like rotator cuff tears, shoulder arthritis, and prior shoulder dislocations, can contribute to reduced shoulder motion and increase the likelihood of developing adhesive capsulitis.
How long does frozen shoulder last?
Frozen shoulder is a condition that resolves on its own in many patients, but the timeline is unpredictable and often longer than people expect. Without treatment, the condition can persist for 18 months to 3 years. With proper care, including physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and in some cases arthroscopic surgery, most patients see significant improvement within 12 to 18 months.
Recovery depends on how early treatment begins and which phase the patient is in when they first seek care. Patients who start a structured physical therapy program during the freezing phase often experience a shorter overall recovery. Those who wait until the frozen stage is well established may require more aggressive intervention to restore a full range of motion.
If your symptoms have lasted longer than a few months with little improvement, it may be time to consult with a frozen shoulder specialist to discuss frozen shoulder treatment options that go beyond a wait-and-see approach.
How is frozen shoulder diagnosed?
There is no single imaging test that definitively diagnoses frozen shoulder. Dr. Michael Bercik uses a combination of a thorough physical exam, patient history, and targeted movement assessments to evaluate the shoulder joint and rule out other causes of pain and stiffness, such as rotator cuff tears or shoulder arthritis.
During the exam, Dr. Bercik assesses both active range of motion, which is the movement you produce yourself, and passive range of motion, which is the movement he guides manually. A significant reduction in both is one of the primary indicators of adhesive capsulitis. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis or identify any concurrent conditions affecting the shoulder joint.
Treatment by Experienced Frozen Shoulder Surgeon
Michael J. Bercik Jr., MD is a frozen shoulder specialist who uses a combination of non-surgical and surgical frozen shoulder treatment options. In most cases, physical therapy and gentle stretch exercises prescribed by a physical therapist can help with treating frozen shoulder and improve active and passive range of motion through a structured stretching program. Techniques like pendulum stretch, outward rotation with a rubber exercise band, and using a light weight can aid adhesive capsulitis recovery. A warm shower or ice pack may also help reduce pain. These approaches are also commonly used in patients recovering from shoulder separation, shoulder fractures, or other forms of trauma and fracture care involving the shoulder.
If pain worsens or movement remains limited, Dr. Bercik, a frozen shoulder specialist, may recommend:
- Steroid injections to relieve inflammation
- Shoulder manipulation to gently pull and loosen the shoulder joint capsule
- Arthroscopic surgery to remove scar tissue from the joint capsule using small incisions
In some cases, advanced tools like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or imaging tests such as X-rays can support diagnosis or aid frozen shoulder treatment. A physical exam may also help Dr. Bercik, an experienced frozen shoulder doctor, diagnose frozen shoulder accurately.
Most patients eventually recover fully with proper care, often through a combination of physical therapy and conservative treatment. It’s important to keep the shoulder muscles active and avoid using only the unaffected arm, which can lead to further stiffness and delay pain relief. Cryotherapy using a towel-wrapped bag of frozen vegetables, passive stretching with the arm supported against a closed door, controlled eccentric loading of the humerus during therapeutic exercises, and cortisone injections can facilitate recovery and help prevent recurrence.
When should you see a frozen shoulder surgeon in Lancaster?
Most people with frozen shoulder start by trying rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and gentle home stretching. That is a reasonable first step. But if your shoulder stiffness has not improved after 4 to 6 weeks of self-care, or if pain is disrupting your sleep and daily activities, it is worth scheduling an evaluation with a specialist.
As a Pennsylvania shoulder specialist, Dr. Bercik sees patients from Lancaster, Ephrata, Mount Joy, and the surrounding communities in Lancaster County. He evaluates each patient individually and develops a treatment plan based on the phase of the condition, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s activity level and goals.
You do not need to wait until the condition becomes debilitating to seek care. Earlier intervention often means a shorter recovery and a better outcome. Learn more about Dr. Michael J. Bercik, Jr., and his approach to shoulder care at his orthopedic practice locations in Lancaster, Ephrata, and Mount Joy.
Frequently asked questions about frozen shoulder treatment
Can frozen shoulder go away on its own?
Yes, frozen shoulder can resolve without surgery in many patients. However, the process can take 1 to 3 years without treatment. Physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and other conservative approaches can shorten that timeline significantly and reduce pain during recovery.
Is surgery always required for frozen shoulder?
No. The majority of frozen shoulder cases are resolved through non-surgical treatment, including physical therapy, steroid injections, and manipulation under anesthesia. Arthroscopic surgery is typically reserved for patients who do not respond adequately to conservative care after 6 to 12 months.
Does diabetes make frozen shoulder worse?
Yes. Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder and often experience a longer, more difficult recovery. The condition may affect both shoulders over time in diabetic patients. Close coordination between your orthopedic surgeon and your primary care physician or endocrinologist can help manage this.
What is the best sleeping position with frozen shoulder?
Sleeping on the affected side typically worsens pain. Most patients find relief by sleeping on their back with a pillow supporting the arm in a slightly elevated position. Sleeping on the opposite side with the affected arm resting on a pillow in front of the body is another option that reduces pressure on the shoulder joint.
How do I know if I need frozen shoulder surgery?
Surgery is considered when conservative treatments, including physical therapy and injections, have not produced enough improvement after an extended period, generally 6 months or more. If you have significant loss of passive range of motion and persistent pain, Dr. Bercik can evaluate whether arthroscopic capsular release is the right next step.
How long does frozen shoulder physical therapy take?
Most patients with frozen shoulder work with a physical therapist for 3 to 6 months, though the duration depends on which phase of the condition they are in when therapy begins. Sessions typically focus on stretching, range of motion exercises, and gradual strengthening. Patients who are consistent with their home exercise program between sessions tend to progress faster.
Can frozen shoulder come back after treatment?
Recurrence in the same shoulder is uncommon once a full recovery has been achieved. However, patients with diabetes or thyroid conditions have a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder in the opposite shoulder at some point. Maintaining shoulder mobility and staying active after recovery reduces the likelihood of the condition returning.
What is the difference between frozen shoulder and a rotator cuff tear?
Frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tears share some symptoms, including pain and limited range of motion, but they are different conditions. A rotator cuff tear involves damage to the tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, while frozen shoulder results from thickening and tightening of the joint capsule itself. A physical exam and imaging can distinguish between the two. In some cases, both conditions are present at the same time, which affects how treatment is approached.
Where can I find a frozen shoulder surgeon near Lancaster, PA?
Michael J. Bercik Jr., MD sees patients at orthopedic practice locations in Lancaster, Ephrata, and Mount Joy, Pennsylvania. You can schedule a consultation online or by phone to discuss your symptoms and explore your frozen shoulder treatment options.
If you are in Lancaster and searching for “best frozen shoulder surgeon near me,” contact Michael J. Bercik Jr., MD, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Schedule an appointment or request your frozen shoulder surgery consultation online today. Explore the first course of treatment for frozen shoulder, including both conservative methods and surgical options, to effectively treat frozen shoulder, relieve pain, and return to normal activities.
