Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) goes through painful, frozen and thawing stages over 12–18 months. Most cases resolve with physiotherapy and a hydro-distension injection. Resistant cases need arthroscopic capsular release.
Who gets frozen shoulder?
Diabetics, thyroid patients, women aged 40–60, and those with a recent shoulder injury or surgery are at higher risk.
Stages
Painful (freezing) stage: 2–6 months of pain even at rest.
Frozen stage: 4–9 months of pronounced stiffness, less pain.
Thawing stage: 6–12 months of gradual return of motion.
Treatment
First line: structured physiotherapy and an intra-articular hydro-distension injection.
Resistant cases: arthroscopic capsular release — a 30-minute keyhole surgery that immediately restores motion.