Frozen Shoulder: Symptoms and What You Need to Know

FAQ Series — The Pain Relief Clinic Singapore

What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It typically develops slowly and progresses through three stages:

1. Freezing stage: Pain gradually increases and shoulder movement becomes limited
2. Frozen stage: Pain may lessen, but stiffness worsens
3. Thawing stage: Range of motion gradually improves

It usually affects one shoulder and can last from several months to a few years without treatment.

What does a frozen shoulder feel like?

Patients often describe frozen shoulder as:

• A deep, aching pain in the shoulder
• Stiffness that limits movement, especially raising the arm or reaching behind
• Discomfort even at rest or while sleeping
• Pain that worsens with shoulder use or during certain arm positions

The severity of symptoms often varies by stage.

What are the symptoms of frozen shoulder?

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent shoulder pain, especially around the outer shoulder and upper arm
• Increasing difficulty with overhead movements (e.g. reaching for shelves or putting on clothes)
• Restricted range of motion
• Stiffness that worsens over time
• Pain during the night or while lying on the affected side

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term limitation and discomfort.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, we often help patients with shoulder stiffness or pain investigate whether they have frozen shoulder using on-site imaging such as ultrasound and X-ray, and guide them toward non-invasive treatment options.

If your shoulder is stiff, painful, or affecting your daily activities, it’s important to have it assessed early to avoid long-term complications.