A frozen shoulder – also known as adhesive capsulitis – produces stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, which can be severe. The condition, which can last from twelve months to two years, usually comes on gradually with three progressing phases:
- Freezing – you start to experience a more limited range of motion in your shoulder and significant pain when you try to move it due to inflammation in the capsule. As you then move your shoulder less you enter a vicious cycle and progress to the next stage.