Pain and persistent stiffness in the shoulder joint are the two main symptoms of a frozen shoulder.
This makes it painful and difficult to carry out the full range of normal shoulder movements. You may find it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as:
- bathing
- dressing
- driving
- sleeping comfortably
Symptoms may vary from mild, with little interference to daily activities, to severe, where it may not be possible to move your shoulder at all.
Stages of frozen shoulder
The symptoms of a frozen shoulder usually progress gradually over a number of months or years.
There are three separate stages to the condition (see below), which can sometimes be difficult to distinguish. The symptoms may also vary greatly from person to person.
Stage one
During stage one, often referred to as the ‘freezing’ phase, your shoulder will start to ache and become very painful when reaching.
The pain is often worse at night and when you lie on the affected side. This stage may last 2-9 months.
Stage two
Stage two is often known as the ’frozen’ phase. Your shoulder may become increasingly stiff, but the pain does not usually get worse and may decrease.
Your shoulder muscles may start to waste away slightly because they are not being used. This stage lasts 4-12 months.
Stage three
Stage three is the ’thawing’ phase. During this period, you will gradually regain some movement in your shoulder. The pain will begin to fade, although it may recur from time to time as the stiffness eases.
Although you may not regain full movement of your shoulder, you will be able to carry out many more tasks. Stage three can last from five months to many years.
