Medically reviewed by Dr James Bristol, MD, PhD · Updated 2026-11-14
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) makes the shoulder stiff and painful in every direction and usually goes through freezing, frozen and thawing phases over 1 to 3 years. It is more common in people with diabetes. A large UK trial (UK FROST, 2020) found early structured physiotherapy, manipulation under anaesthetic and keyhole capsular release gave similar results, with physiotherapy the least invasive.
Treatment
- Early (painful) phase: a cortisone injection into the joint helps pain; gentle movement
- Stiff phase: physiotherapy, stretching within comfort
- Hydrodilatation: stretching the capsule with fluid
- Surgery: manipulation or capsular release for persistent cases
- Regenerative injections are being explored for shoulder pain; see stem cells