1. Take the Pain Quiz!

Medical Author:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Catherine Burt Driver, MD

Catherine Burt Driver, MD

Catherine Burt Driver, MD, is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Driver is a member of the American College of Rheumatology. She currently is in active practice in the field of rheumatology in Mission Viejo, Calif., where she is a partner in Mission Internal Medical Group.

View Full Profile

In this Article

• Frozen shoulder facts
• What is a frozen shoulder?
• What causes a frozen shoulder?
• What are symptoms and signs of a frozen shoulder?
• How is a frozen shoulder diagnosed?
• What conditions can mimic a frozen shoulder?
• What is the treatment for a frozen shoulder?
• What is the prognosis of a frozen shoulder?
• Can a frozen shoulder be prevented?
• Patient Comments: Frozen Shoulder - Cause
• Patient Comments: Frozen Shoulder - Symptoms
• Patient Comments: Frozen Shoulder - Treatments
• Find a local Orthopedic Surgeon in your town
• Frozen Shoulder Index

The prognosis of a frozen shoulder depends on its response to physical therapy, exercises, and treatments as described above. Again, it is essential to avoid reinjuring the shoulder tissues during the rehabilitation period. Patients with resistant frozen shoulders can be considered for release of the scar tissue by arthroscopic surgery or manipulation of the scarred shoulder under anesthesia. Without aggressive treatment, a frozen shoulder can be permanent.

Prevention of a frozen shoulder involves avoiding injury or reinjury to the shoulder.

Previous contributing editor: Dennis Lee, MD

REFERENCES:

Koopman, William, et al., eds. Clinical Primer of Rheumatology. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2003.

Ruddy, Shaun, et al., eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co., 2000.