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Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes painful and stiff, with a gradual loss of movement.

Here’s what happens:

• The capsule (a soft tissue envelope surrounding the shoulder joint) becomes inflamed and thickened.
• Adhesions (scar-like tissue) may form inside, and the capsule tightens, limiting motion.
• This leads to pain at first, then stiffness, and eventually a slow recovery phase.

Typical course – It often develops in three stages:

1. Freezing stage – Increasing pain, especially at night, and gradual loss of movement (lasts 2–9 months).
2. Frozen stage – Stiffness is the main problem; pain may decrease but the shoulder is very limited in movement (4–12 months).
3. Thawing stage – Movement slowly returns (5–24 months).

Causes & risk factors

• Often develops after injury, surgery, or prolonged immobilization of the shoulder.
• More common in people over 40, and in those with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or other metabolic conditions.
• Sometimes occurs for no clear reason (idiopathic).

Treatment

• Early: Pain control (medications, heat, gentle stretching, acupuncture, physical therapy).
• Later: Focus on restoring mobility through guided exercises.
• In resistant cases: Steroid injections or, rarely, surgical release.

Flow acupuncture is an English-friendly clinic. Please feel free to contact us.

03-6453-6376