Shoulder Pain vs Frozen Shoulder – Causes & Treatments

Shoulder discomfort is common, but not all shoulder pain is the same. While general shoulder pain can result from muscle strain, injury, or overuse, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition where the shoulder becomes stiff and loses mobility. Understanding the difference helps in timely treatment and preventing long-term complications.

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Causes of Shoulder Pain

• Muscle strain or overuse: Heavy lifting or repetitive movements.

• Arthritis: Wear and tear of the shoulder joint.

• Injury: Sprains, dislocations, or fractures.

• Poor posture: Leading to chronic discomfort.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder develops gradually and often follows immobilization or injury. Key causes include:

1. Post-surgical immobilization – Shoulder kept inactive after surgery.

2. Diabetes or thyroid issues – Increases risk of adhesive capsulitis.

3. Inflammation – Thickening of the shoulder capsule leads to stiffness.

Symptoms to Distinguish Shoulder Pain vs Frozen Shoulder

Feature	Shoulder Pain	Frozen Shoulder
Pain	Sharp, dull, or aching	Gradual, can worsen at night
Range of Motion	Often normal	Restricted movement in all directions
Onset	Sudden or related to activity	Gradual, over weeks or months
Duration	Temporary or intermittent	Persistent for months

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Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Shoulder Pain:

• Rest and avoiding aggravating activities

• Physical therapy for strengthening

• Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medication

Frozen Shoulder:

• Physical therapy to improve flexibility

• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation

• In severe cases, surgery may be recommended

Prevention Tips

• Maintain good posture and ergonomics

• Regular stretching and shoulder exercises

• Avoid prolonged immobilization after injury or surgery

• Manage underlying conditions like diabetes

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Conclusion

Recognizing the difference between shoulder pain and frozen shoulder ensures proper treatment and faster recovery. Ignoring frozen shoulder can lead to long-term stiffness.

For specialized care and expert treatment, consult our Dr. Arun Vontela Orthocare.

FAQs

Q. Can frozen shoulder heal on its own?

A. Mild cases may improve with physical therapy, but recovery can take months.

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Q. Is shoulder pain always a sign of frozen shoulder?

A. No, most shoulder pain is due to strain or injury, not frozen shoulder.

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Q. When should I see an orthopedic specialist?

A. If pain lasts more than a few weeks or limits movement significantly.

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Q. What exercises help with frozen shoulder?

A. Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises guided by a physiotherapist.

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Q. Can diabetes cause frozen shoulder?

A. Yes, diabetic patients have a higher risk of developing adhesive capsulitis.