Skip to content

Frozen ShouldeR

Find relief from pain and stiffness caused by frozen shoulder with expert diagnosis, personalized care, and effective treatment options.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually and worsens over time before eventually improving, but the process can take months to years without proper treatment.

Common Symptoms

  • Dull, aching pain in the shoulder

  • Difficulty lifting the arm or reaching overhead

  • Stiffness that makes everyday activities hard

  • Sleep disruption due to nighttime shoulder pain

  • Gradual loss of shoulder mobility

Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder progresses through three stages:

  1. Freezing stage – Increasing pain and stiffness

  2. Frozen stage – Pain may lessen, but stiffness remains

  3. Thawing stage – Slow improvement in mobility

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
The condition is often linked to immobility following surgery, injury, or illness but can also develop without a clear cause. Risk factors include:

  • Age (typically between 40–60)

  • Diabetes

  • Thyroid disorders

  • Shoulder trauma or surgery

  • Prolonged immobilization

How Is It Diagnosed?
A thorough physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs help rule out other conditions and confirm a diagnosis of frozen shoulder.

Treatment Options
At Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin, our team of shoulder specialists offers a full range of treatment options to help reduce pain and restore motion. These may include:

OUR SHOULDER SPECIALISTS

Ljiljana Bogunovic, MD

Specialties:
Hip, Knee, Shoulder, Sports Medicine

DEREK DAMROW, MD

Specialties:
Shoulder, Elbow

William A. Davies, MD

Specialties:
Hip, Knee, Shoulder, Sports Medicine, Joint Replacement

Jon M. Englund, MD

Specialties:
Sports Medicine, Knee, Hip, Shoulder, Spine, Foot & Ankle, Elbow, Hand & Wrist

James A. Foley, MD

Specialties:
Shoulder, Elbow, Hand & Wrist

Christopher Kilian, MD

Specialties:
Shoulder, Joint Replacement

Steven J. Merkow, MD

Specialties:
Hip, Knee, Shoulder & Sports Medicine

Rick F. Papandrea, MD

Specialties:
Shoulder, Elbow, & Sports Medicine

Samuel Steiner, MD

Specialties:
Knee, Shoulder & Sports Medicine

Thomas B. Viehe, MD

Specialties:
Knee, Shoulder, Sports Medicine, Foot & Ankle

Specialties:
Spine, Shoulder, Hip & Knee

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Relief?

If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion, you may be experiencing frozen shoulder. Our orthopedic specialists are here to help restore movement and reduce discomfort. Request an appointment today and take the first step toward relief.

orthopaedic-associates-wisconsin-pewaukee-location-exterior