When shoulder pain begins as mild stiffness and slowly turns into a constant struggle to move your arm, it is not just a passing issue. One of the most common yet often ignored conditions is Frozen Shoulder, also known as Adhesive Capsulitis. Many people in Nagpur and across India dismiss it as a simple muscle strain or ageing-related stiffness. However, this condition can significantly affect daily life if not treated on time.
At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, under the expert care of Dr. Vishal Sahni, Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in Shoulder, Elbow, and Wrist treatments, patients receive advanced diagnosis and world-class management for frozen shoulder and other joint-related conditions. With over 24 years of experience in India and London, Dr. Sahni emphasises that early recognition and proper treatment of frozen shoulder can prevent long-term disability.
In this article, we will explain in detail why you should take frozen shoulder seriously, its causes, symptoms, stages, treatment options, and why consulting a shoulder specialist in Nagpur like Dr. Vishal Sahni is the right step towards recovery.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen Shoulder is a painful condition in which the shoulder joint capsule becomes inflamed, stiff, and thickened, leading to restricted movement. Unlike a minor sprain or injury that improves with rest, frozen shoulder gradually worsens over time and can take months or even years to fully recover if not treated properly.
The hallmark signs of frozen shoulder include:
- Increasing pain, especially at night
- Stiffness that makes raising the arm difficult
- Trouble performing daily activities like combing hair, dressing, or reaching overhead
This condition is most common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60, and women are more likely to be affected than men.
Why Does Frozen Shoulder Happen?
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear, but several risk factors increase the chances of developing it:
- Prolonged Immobilisation – Keeping the shoulder immobile for a long period due to injury, surgery, or illness.
- Diabetes – Frozen shoulder is more common in people with diabetes, possibly due to changes in collagen.
- Thyroid Disorders – Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism increase risk.
- Post-Surgery or Post-Fracture – After shoulder or chest surgery, stiffness may develop if rehabilitation is delayed.
- Other Medical Conditions – Heart disease, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease are also linked with frozen shoulder.
The Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder develops in three distinct phases. Understanding these stages will help you realise why early treatment is essential.
1. Freezing Stage
- Pain is the dominant symptom.
- Shoulder movement becomes increasingly restricted.
- Sleep may be disturbed due to pain at night.
- This stage lasts for 6 weeks to 9 months.
2. Frozen Stage
- Pain reduces but stiffness becomes severe.
- The range of motion is highly limited.
- Simple activities like eating with a spoon or wearing clothes become difficult.
- This stage lasts 4 to 6 months.
3. Thawing Stage
- Shoulder movement gradually improves.
- Pain decreases significantly.
- Recovery can take 6 months to 2 years without proper treatment.
Without medical intervention, the entire cycle can extend up to 3 years, making it one of the most disabling joint conditions.
Why You Should Not Ignore Frozen Shoulder
Many people in India believe shoulder stiffness will go away on its own. Unfortunately, ignoring frozen shoulder often leads to prolonged pain and loss of shoulder function. Here’s why it should be taken seriously:
1. It Can Become a Long-Term Disability
If untreated, frozen shoulder can last for years, affecting your personal and professional life. Imagine not being able to lift your arm to write on a blackboard, drive properly, or even perform puja rituals at home.
2. Daily Activities Become Difficult
Simple tasks like buttoning a shirt, washing hair, or carrying groceries can become painful struggles. For working professionals, housewives, and elderly individuals, this loss of independence can feel frustrating.
3. Ignoring Early Symptoms Makes Recovery Harder
Early treatment can prevent severe stiffness. Once the shoulder is fully frozen, recovery takes much longer and requires more intensive therapy.
4. Associated Health Risks
Frozen shoulder is often linked with systemic conditions like diabetes and thyroid disease. Ignoring it may mean you are missing early warning signs of other health issues.
5. Emotional & Psychological Impact
Chronic pain and inability to move freely can lead to stress, irritability, and even depression. Taking treatment early helps maintain not just physical health but also mental well-being.
How Frozen Shoulder is Diagnosed
At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, Dr. Vishal Sahni uses a detailed evaluation process to confirm frozen shoulder. This includes:
- Medical History – Understanding the patient’s lifestyle, health conditions, and symptoms.
- Physical Examination – Checking range of motion and pain points.
- Imaging Tests – X-rays or MRI may be recommended to rule out arthritis, rotator cuff tear, or other conditions.
Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder
The good news is that frozen shoulder can be successfully treated with the right medical guidance. Treatment depends on the stage and severity of the condition.
1. Medications
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines reduce pain and swelling.
- These should only be taken under the supervision of an orthopedic doctor in Nagpur like Dr. Sahni.
2. Physiotherapy
- Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises help restore mobility.
- Physiotherapy is considered the most effective treatment for frozen shoulder.
- At Dr. Sahni’s clinic, customised physiotherapy plans are given to patients for faster recovery.
3. Steroid Injections
- Corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce severe pain and inflammation.
- This helps patients participate more actively in physiotherapy sessions.
4. Hydrodilatation
- In this advanced technique, fluid is injected into the joint capsule to stretch it and improve movement.
5. Shoulder Surgery (Only in Severe Cases)
- If non-surgical treatments fail, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery may be recommended.
- Surgery releases the tight capsule and restores mobility.
- Dr. Vishal Sahni is an experienced shoulder surgeon in Nagpur who performs such advanced procedures with high success rates.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovering from frozen shoulder is a gradual process. Patients need patience, consistency, and professional guidance. Key points in recovery include:
- Following physiotherapy exercises regularly
- Taking medicines as prescribed
- Avoiding sudden jerks or heavy lifting during recovery
- Monitoring associated conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders
- Regular follow-up with a shoulder specialist in Nagpur to track progress
With proper treatment, most patients regain near-normal function of the shoulder.
Why Choose Dr. Vishal Sahni for Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Nagpur?
- Expertise in Shoulder Conditions – With 24 years of international and Indian experience, Dr. Sahni specialises exclusively in shoulder, elbow, and wrist problems.
- Advanced Treatment Techniques – From conservative management to arthroscopic surgery, patients receive evidence-based care.
- Personalised Approach – Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s age, health condition, and stage of frozen shoulder.
- Holistic Care – Focus on pain relief, mobility restoration, and long-term joint health.
- Reputation in Nagpur – Trusted by thousands of patients for successful shoulder treatments.
Conclusion
Frozen Shoulder is not just a minor stiffness that will disappear on its own. If ignored, it can last for years, making everyday life difficult and painful. With timely diagnosis and expert treatment, recovery is possible, and patients can return to their normal activities.
If you are suffering from shoulder stiffness or pain that does not improve with rest, consult Dr. Vishal Sahni, a leading orthopedic doctor and shoulder specialist in Nagpur, at the London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dhantoli, Nagpur.
Taking frozen shoulder seriously today means saving yourself from years of pain and restricted movement tomorrow.
FAQs on Frozen Shoulder
1. What are the first signs of frozen shoulder?
The earliest sign of frozen shoulder is persistent pain in the shoulder, especially at night or while moving the arm. Gradually, stiffness sets in, making it difficult to raise the arm overhead or behind the back.
2. Can frozen shoulder go away on its own?
Frozen shoulder may improve naturally over time, but the process can take up to 2–3 years. Without treatment, recovery is much slower, and daily activities remain restricted. Early treatment by a shoulder specialist speeds up recovery and prevents long-term disability.
3. Who is most likely to develop frozen shoulder?
People between the ages of 40 and 60, especially women, are more prone to frozen shoulder. It is also common in patients with diabetes, thyroid problems, after a fracture, or following shoulder/chest surgery where the arm was kept immobile.
4. How is frozen shoulder different from normal shoulder stiffness?
Normal shoulder stiffness usually improves with rest and mild exercises. In frozen shoulder, stiffness and pain progressively worsen and severely restrict movement, often lasting for months or years if not treated.
5. Is frozen shoulder related to diabetes?
Yes. Frozen shoulder is more common among people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels may affect collagen, leading to thickening and tightening of the joint capsule.
6. What happens if frozen shoulder is not treated?
If left untreated, frozen shoulder can cause severe stiffness, long-term disability, and difficulty performing basic tasks like dressing, combing hair, or lifting objects. It may also worsen associated health conditions such as diabetes and thyroid problems.
7. How long does frozen shoulder last?
Frozen shoulder typically lasts between 1 to 3 years if untreated. With medical treatment and physiotherapy, recovery can be achieved much faster, often within months.
8. What is the best treatment for frozen shoulder?
The best treatment depends on the stage of frozen shoulder. It usually includes pain-relieving medicines, physiotherapy, steroid injections, and in severe cases, minimally invasive shoulder surgery. A shoulder specialist in Nagpur like Dr. Vishal Sahni can guide the right treatment plan.
9. Can frozen shoulder come back after treatment?
Frozen shoulder usually does not return in the same shoulder once treated. However, there is a chance of developing it in the other shoulder, especially in people with diabetes or thyroid disorders.
10. When should I see a doctor for frozen shoulder?
You should see a doctor if:
- Shoulder pain persists for more than 2–3 weeks
- You cannot move your arm properly
- Night pain disturbs your sleep
- Daily activities like combing, wearing clothes, or lifting objects become difficult