This occurs when the flexible tissue that surrounds the shoulder joint - known as the capsule - becomes inflamed and thickened, affecting one or both shoulders, although it's not fully understood why. It's also called adhesive capsulitis, or shoulder contracture.
Your risk increases if you have previous shoulder injuries or surgery, diabetes or thyroid problems, Dupuytren's contracture (hardening of the tissue in your palm), heart disease or stroke.
Typically, the shoulder pain becomes more severe over several months, then increasing stiffness occurs. In particularly severe cases, you can't move your shoulder at all. Symptoms vary from mild, with little difference to daily activities, to severe, with no shoulder movement, making it difficult to do everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing, driving and sleeping comfortably, worsening gradually. The stages of frozen shoulder are:
1 The 'freezing' phase, lasting two to nine months. Your shoulder starts to ache and can become very painful, such as when reaching out for things, especially worse at night or lying on the affected side.
This story is from the March 26, 2024 edition of Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 26, 2024 edition of Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Love is a BANANA SPLIT
Did Mum's new boyfriend know the way to a woman's heart?
'I still remember poems I learnt at school'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Actor and Jane Asher
CHERRY GARDEN Street
It was a place of magical childhood memories- but was it home?
JERSEY shores
Beautiful beaches and a mash-up of British and French culture make this island a delightful destination
Lovely lighter DINNERS
Whip up a healthy and nutritious meal
Looking after our WORLD
Two women talk about their efforts to help better the environment
Summer SURPRISES
For a weekend treat, try these classic bakes with a twist
200 years of heroism
The RNLI celebrates its bicentennial of saving people from the sea
Cut your risk of HEART DISEASE!
Some things can increase your chances, including menopause and diabetes. Here's what you need to know – and what you can do
'I want Bob Dylan to join the cobbles'
Dame Maureen Lipman on ageing, her dream co-star in Corrie and overcoming tragedy