Frozen shoulder: stages and course

In frozen shoulder the lining of the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and gradually sticks to the head of the joint. This gives long-lasting pain and reduced mobility [1]. The Danish patient handbook describes how the joint capsule becomes thick and stiff, so that the joint moves less [2].

About 2 to 5 in 100 people develop the condition during their lifetime, most often between 40 and 60 years of age. Diabetes and thyroid disorders increase the risk [1]. In many people there is no known cause. The condition can also follow an injury or a long period of inactivity in the arm, for example after a fracture [1].

Pain and stiffness develop gradually over weeks to months. Many have pain at rest and at night, and some cannot lie on the affected shoulder [1]. The pain is often felt on the outer side of the upper arm and can radiate down towards the forearm [1].

Over time it becomes difficult to get dressed and to lift the arm above shoulder height [1]. If the condition follows an injury, the pain may appear days or weeks later, and the course is often faster [1].

NHI describes three stages [1]. The source does not give an exact duration for each individual stage.

• Painful stage: Pain dominates, especially at night and at rest, and mobility begins to decrease.
• Stiffness stage: The pain may ease somewhat, but the shoulder is stiff and mobility clearly reduced.
• Recovery stage: Mobility gradually improves and function returns.

The Danish patient handbook describes a similar course, with a painful stage, stiffening of the capsule and then improvement over months to years [2].

The diagnosis is usually made by clinical examination, looking at whether mobility is reduced both when you move the arm yourself and when the examiner moves it [1].

Blood tests can be used to rule out, among other things, diabetes and thyroid disease. X-ray is recommended for people under 30 and over 70 with shoulder pain for more than two months. MRI is rarely necessary, but can be considered if damage to the tendons around the shoulder is suspected [1].

NHI describes that you should yourself keep the arm moving within the pain-free range [1]. The aim of treatment is to relieve pain and prevent the condition from becoming chronic [1].

Injection into the shoulder can reduce inflammation and pain. One to two injections are often enough, but some need more [1]. After an injection it is recommended to rest the arm for a few days and to offload the shoulder for about a month, with gentle pendulum and stretching exercises from day four [1].

Guided physiotherapy has little effect in the first, painful stage. It can have a positive effect after injection and in the last two stages [1]. The Danish patient handbook recommends physiotherapy and exercise only once the pain has subsided [2].

Surgery is little used, because most people improve on their own. Other measures should normally be tried for at least a year first. In keyhole surgery the joint capsule is released, and studies suggest that the procedure can shorten the course. Not all hospitals offer it [1].

In total the course lasts about 1 to 2 years for most people [1]. The Danish patient handbook gives 1 to 3 years [2]. In frozen shoulder after injury or inactivity the stages are somewhat shorter than when the cause is unknown [1].

Most recover, but a few have symptoms for several years, and some may still have problems ten years after onset. About one in ten also develops the condition in the other shoulder, usually within five years [1].

If the pain and stiffness in the shoulder persist or get worse, you should have it assessed by a doctor or physiotherapist [1]. This applies in particular to shoulder pain lasting more than two months if you are under 30 or over 70, since X-ray is then recommended [1].

A physiotherapist can examine the mobility of the shoulder, explain which stage you may be in and plan with you how to keep the shoulder moving. If the diagnosis is uncertain, diagnostic ultrasound can be used as a supplement to the examination. You can read more about injection treatment and about frozen shoulder.

How long does frozen shoulder last?

For most people the course lasts about 1 to 2 years, but some have symptoms for several years [1].

What are the three stages of frozen shoulder?

The painful stage, the stiffness stage and the recovery stage. Pain dominates first, then the shoulder becomes stiff, and finally mobility gradually improves [1].

What causes frozen shoulder?

In many people the cause is unknown. Injury, long-term inactivity, diabetes and thyroid disorders are mentioned as triggering or contributing factors [1].

Can frozen shoulder go away on its own?

The Danish patient handbook describes the condition as benign, usually resolving on its own within 1 to 3 years [2]. NHI writes that most people recover after the healing stage [1].

Can I get frozen shoulder in both shoulders?

About one in ten also develops the condition in the other shoulder, usually within five years [1].

The page about the rotator cuff describes another common cause of shoulder pain. You can find more articles in the overview of articles.

This article was written by Dr.Dropin Fysikalske and is based on the sources listed below. It gives general information and does not replace an examination by a healthcare professional.

The websites were accessed and read on 22 October 2026.

1. Frossen skulder (kapsulitt i skulderen) (Frozen shoulder). NHI.no, based on Legehåndboka. Last updated 3 July 2025. Link

2. Frossen skulder (periartrosis humeroskapularis / kapsulit) (Frozen shoulder). Patienthåndbogen, sundhed.dk. Professional update 7 November 2024. Link