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:
Freezing stage – Increasing pain and stiffness
Frozen stage – Pain may lessen, but stiffness remains
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:
Physical therapy and targeted stretching exercises
Anti-inflammatory medications
Minimally invasive arthroscopic capsular release (for severe cases)
OUR SHOULDER SPECIALISTS
Ljiljana Bogunovic, MD
Specialties:
Hip, Knee, Shoulder, Sports Medicine
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
Steven J. Merkow, MD
Specialties:
Hip, Knee, Shoulder & Sports Medicine
Rick F. Papandrea, MD
Specialties:
Shoulder, Elbow, & Sports Medicine
Thomas B. Viehe, MD
Specialties:
Knee, Shoulder, Sports Medicine, Foot & Ankle
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.
