Frozen Shoulder

The term "frozen shoulder," also known as "adhesive capsulitis," describes a shoulder joint that becomes incredibly painful and stiff. This is thought to be from a combination of the joint capsule, a ropey bag surrounding the joint, becoming inflammed and sticking down as well as the rotator cuff muscles going into spasm. A frozen shoulder stiffens over time to the point where it cannot move or be moved (by someone else) before slowly improving and usually returning to normal. This typically develops over the course of three stages and resolves within one to three years. However, those people suffering autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes can have a prolonged course.