How Is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed and When Should You See a Doctor?

FAQ Series — The Pain Relief Clinic Singapore


How is frozen shoulder diagnosed?

Frozen shoulder is diagnosed based on a detailed medical history, physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, diagnosis typically involves:

  • Assessing your range of motion (both active and passive movement)
  • Asking about pain patterns, such as pain at night or when lifting the arm
  • Reviewing your medical history, including any injuries, surgeries, or underlying conditions
  • If needed, performing X-rays or an MRI scan to rule out other causes like rotator cuff tears or arthritis

A diagnosis is often made clinically, but imaging helps confirm the condition and exclude other issues.


What should I do if I think I have frozen shoulder?

If you have increasing shoulder stiffness and pain that worsens over time, especially if it’s limiting your daily activities or sleep, it’s important to seek early assessment. Early diagnosis allows for non-invasive treatments to begin, improving your chance of recovery and avoiding unnecessary suffering.

Delaying diagnosis can make the frozen phase more prolonged and treatment more difficult.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, we provide same-day imaging (X-rays, Ultrasound, MRI if needed) and explain the available non-invasive treatment options in a single visit.


How long have you had symptoms?

This is a key question in diagnosing frozen shoulder. The condition typically progresses through three phases:

  1. Freezing phase (pain and increasing stiffness — can last 6 weeks to 9 months)
  2. Frozen phase (stiffness remains but pain may improve — 4 to 6 months)
  3. Thawing phase (gradual return of mobility — can take 6 months to 2 years)

Understanding how long you’ve had symptoms helps determine the stage and best course of treatment.


When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if you have:

  • Persistent or worsening shoulder stiffness
  • Pain that disturbs your sleep or daily activities
  • Difficulty with basic movements like combing hair or reaching overhead

The earlier you receive appropriate treatment, the better the outcome.