Does Frozen Shoulder Go Away on Its Own?

Frozen shoulder causes pain and a temporary loss of range of motion in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually, worsening over time, and then eventually begins to improve. When your symptoms persist, you may question whether your frozen shoulder will resolve on its own. 

Consulting with an orthopedic specialist is certainly a wise decision if your frozen shoulder lingers and is causing bothersome symptoms. Here at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, Dr. Brian Rich provides comprehensive pain management services to bring relief and improve function. 

What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule of connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, which restricts movement. The exact cause of frozen shoulder isn’t well understood, but it often happens after an injury or a period of immobility. It’s more common in people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders.

The stages of frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder occurs gradually in stages called freezing, frozen, and thawing.

Freezing stage

The first stage of frozen shoulder is inflammation that causes pain. In the beginning you may still have some motion, but motion starts to become limited. This stage can last from six weeks to nine months.

Frozen stage

In phase two, the pain might decrease, but the shoulder is noticeably stiff. This is a characteristic finding that Dr. Rich uses to make an accurate diagnosis. During the frozen phase, the shoulder is difficult to use due to restricted movement. This stage generally lasts four to six months.

Thawing stage

During the thawing stage, gradually, the range of motion in the shoulder begins to improve. This stage can last up to 18 months.

Does it resolve on its own?

Frozen shoulder tends to resolve on its own, but it can take a considerable amount of time. During this period, the lack of mobility and persistent pain can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. 

While the natural course of the frozen shoulder tends to result in eventual recovery, treatment focuses on enhancing the healing process and relieving any associated pain.

Treatment options for frozen shoulder

For pain management, medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be useful. These medications help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, making daily activities more manageable. 

If pain is significant, Dr. Rich may recommend corticosteroid injections directly into the shoulder joint. These injections are powerful anti-inflammatories and can provide rapid pain relief. 

In instances where physical therapy and medications don’t fully address the symptoms, more direct interventional procedures might be necessary. Techniques such as shoulder manipulation or minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery can help loosen the joint capsule. These procedures are considered when conservative treatments fail to provide sufficient relief.

The role of early intervention

Early intervention is crucial in managing frozen shoulder. Initiating treatment in the freezing stage may reduce the severity. Regular consultations with an orthopedic specialist can ensure that the treatment plan is appropriate for the stage and severity of your frozen shoulder.

Frozen shoulder can leave you grappling with significant pain and immobility for an extended period of time. Seeking treatment can provide relief much sooner and help restore shoulder function more quickly. 

If you have symptoms of frozen shoulder, Dr. Rich can guide you through the most effective treatment strategies to get you on the path to recovery. Give us a call to set up a consultation at one of our offices in Decatur and Witchita Falls, TX