What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is inflammation and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule, causing pain and a progressive loss of movement — both active and passive. It's most common between ages 40 and 60, in women, and notably in people with diabetes or thyroid disease. It often develops without an obvious cause.
The Three Stages
- Freezing (painful) stage: Increasing pain and gradual stiffness — lasts weeks to months.
- Frozen (stiff) stage: Pain eases but stiffness dominates — movement is markedly restricted.
- Thawing (recovery) stage: Movement gradually returns over months.
The whole process can take 1–3 years, though treatment can speed recovery and ease symptoms.
Treatment Options
- Physiotherapy: Stretching and mobility exercises — the foundation of treatment.
- Pain control: Anti-inflammatory medication and analgesia.
- Corticosteroid injection: Reduces pain and can speed recovery, especially in the painful stage.
- Hydrodilatation: Injecting fluid to stretch the capsule.
- Surgery (manipulation or arthroscopic capsular release): For stubborn cases that don't respond to other measures.
Recovery
Most frozen shoulders improve with non-surgical treatment, though it requires patience over many months. Diabetics may have a more prolonged course. Consistent physiotherapy is key, and earlier treatment in the painful stage can ease symptoms and shorten the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
See who practises in this field: subspecialty focus, credentials and clinic websites, checked against public records.
Browse orthopaedic surgeons →A consultation is roughly S$80–S$250. Physiotherapy is an ongoing cost (~S$80–S$180 per session). A corticosteroid injection costs roughly S$150–S$400; hydrodilatation more. Surgery (capsular release), if needed, is several thousand dollars and Medisave-claimable. Subsidised rates apply at public hospitals.
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through painful, stiff and recovery stages over 1–3 years. Treatment — physiotherapy, injections and pain control — can ease symptoms and speed recovery. People with diabetes may experience a longer course.
Most cases resolve with non-surgical treatment (physiotherapy, injections, time), though it requires patience. Surgery — manipulation under anaesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release — is reserved for stubborn cases that don't improve with conservative measures.
People with diabetes are significantly more prone to frozen shoulder and may have a more prolonged or severe course, thought to relate to effects on connective tissue. Good diabetes control and early treatment are helpful.
General information only — not medical advice. Always verify a doctor’s SMC registration and discuss your individual circumstances with a qualified specialist.