- #11-13 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard)
- Mon Fri 9am — 6pm | Sat 9am — 12.30 pm
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, limiting movement over time. This page provides an overview of its causes, symptoms, and frozen shoulder treatment options available in Singapore to help improve comfort and mobility.
MBBS (Singapore) | MRCS (Edin) | MMed (Singapore) (Ortho) | FRCS (Edin) (TR & Ortho)
Home > Conditions > Frozen Shoulder
Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that limits movement in the shoulder joint. It usually goes through stages, increasing in pain and stiffness over time. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is characterized by inflammation and thickening of the capsule around the shoulder joint, limiting its range of motion.
Frozen shoulder typically goes through three stages, each with distinct symptoms:
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood. However, several factors are believed to contribute to its development:
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing frozen shoulder:
Diagnosis of frozen shoulder usually includes:
A health care professional will examine your shoulder to identify:
Imaging tests are not usually necessary for diagnosis but can sometimes be helpful in ruling out other conditions:
Treatment focuses on managing pain, improving mobility, and preventing further stiffness. Here’s an overview of common
Imaging tests are not usually necessary for diagnosis but can sometimes be helpful in ruling out other conditions:
Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) or stronger prescription pain medications can be used to manage pain and discomfort.
Strategies such as ultrasound therapy, heat therapy, or electrical stimulation can be used to manage pain and inflammation.
Gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion in the shoulder joint. These exercises should be done within your pain tolerance to avoid further injury.
As pain and stiffness improve, strengthening exercises for the muscles around the shoulder joint, including the rotator cuff and core muscles, will be added to the program. This helps improve stability and prevent future problems.
In some cases, injecting corticosteroids directly into the shoulder joint can relieve pain and reduce inflammation, helping with physical therapy exercises. However, repeated injections are not recommended due to possible side effects.
In severe cases with significant stiffness, a healthcare professional may recommend manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). This procedure involves gently stretching the shoulder capsule while you are under anesthesia to improve range of motion. This is usually followed by intensive physical therapy to maintain increased mobility.
Frozen shoulder surgery is rarely necessary and is usually only considered in rare situations when conservative treatment fails to provide significant improvement after a long period of time (usually more than a year). Surgical procedures may include:
Spine - Neck
Shoulder & Elbow
Spine — Back
Wrist & Hand
Knee Pain
Ankle Pain
Foot Pain
Book a consultation with us for a more comprehensive diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan best suited to your needs.
Spine - Neck
Shoulder & Elbow
Spine — Back
Wrist & Hand
Knee
Ankle
Foot
MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edin), MMed (Ortho), FRCSed (Orthopaedics & Trauma)
Recovery can take several months to over a year. It typically progresses through three stages, freezing, frozen, and thawing, with gradual improvement in shoulder mobility over time.
Early signs include mild shoulder pain that worsens at night or when moving the arm. Over time, stiffness develops, making simple actions like reaching overhead or behind your back difficult.
After surgery or trauma, the shoulder joint may remain immobile during recovery. This lack of movement can cause the surrounding capsule to tighten, leading to stiffness known as adhesive capsulitis.
Yes. Non-surgical options are often the first line of care and may include physiotherapy, medication, or injections. Surgery is only discussed if symptoms persist after prolonged conservative care.
Exercises that focus on stretching and mobility, such as pendulum swings or gentle arm raises, may help. These should be done under professional guidance to avoid aggravating the condition.
Surgery is generally considered when symptoms persist for more than a year despite physiotherapy and other conservative care. It may involve releasing the tightened shoulder capsule to restore motion.
Understand how joint instability can affect the shoulder and impact arm movement.
Explore how separation of the acromioclavicular joint may affect shoulder motion and stability.
Explore how tears in the shoulder’s tendons may cause pain and reduced mobility, and how they are managed.
Our clinic is located at: 3 Mount Elizabeth, #11-13, Singapore 228510
