Question 1

What causes a frozen shoulder?

Accepted Answer

The cause of frozen shoulder is poorly understood, but it is often associated with diabetes and hormonal changes, particularly in middle-aged premenopausal women.

Question 2

How long does frozen shoulder usually last?

Accepted Answer

The natural course of frozen shoulder can last one to two years. With treatment, however, we can often shorten that significantly, with patients experiencing an 80-90% reduction in symptoms over a six-month period.

Question 3

Will frozen shoulder eventually get better on its own?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most frozen shoulders eventually improve on their own, though it takes time and the process can last one to two years. Treatment is primarily aimed at shortening that course and restoring comfort and motion sooner.

Question 4

What treatments can speed up recovery from frozen shoulder?

Accepted Answer

Physical therapy and a consistent home stretching program are important, but the key to speeding recovery is calming the inflammation. This is best accomplished with a cortisone injection directly into the shoulder joint, sometimes combined with an injection into the subacromial space.

Question 5

When is surgery necessary for frozen shoulder?

Accepted Answer

Surgery is almost never required. It is generally reserved for patients who continue to have significant symptoms with little improvement after 6-12 months of appropriate treatment.

Frozen Shoulder