Frozen Shoulder
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Symptoms to Watch For
Frozen shoulder most commonly affects people aged 40-60 and is slightly more common in women than men. It can also be associated with medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, and periods of immobilisation following injury, surgery, or fracture. Sometimes it develops without any clear trigger.
Symptoms to Watch For
 The main features of frozen shoulder include:
- Gradual onset of shoulder pain, often worse at night or when lying on the affected side
- Increasing stiffness and difficulty moving the shoulder in all directions
- Challenges with daily activities such as reaching overhead, dressing, fastening a seatbelt, or combing hair
Stages of Frozen Shoulder
- Freezing stage (Painful stage): Gradual onset of pain, particularly at night, with slowly decreasing range of motion. This stage can last 6-9 months.
- Frozen stage (Stiff stage): Pain may reduce, but stiffness and limited movement persist, making daily activities difficult. This stage typically lasts 4-12 months.
- Thawing stage (Recovery stage): Gradual return of movement, which can take 6 months to 2 years. Most people regain functional use of the shoulder, though some may have residual stiffness.
Assessment at The London Ultrasound Clinic
Conservative Management
Frozen shoulders often improve naturally over time, but this can take months. In the early stages, we usually recommend conservative approaches including reassurance and education about the condition, physiotherapy and guided exercises to maintain gentle mobility, activity modification to reduce discomfort, and pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication if needed. For many patients, these measures can help manage symptoms and support gradual recovery.