Does Frozen Shoulder Go Away on Its Own?

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that happens when you gradually lose shoulder mobility over time. It typically progresses through three phases: freezing, frozen, and thawing. 

If you’ve noticed your shoulder feels painful and restricted, you might be wondering if your symptoms will go away on their own.

Frozen shoulder may improve on its own, but the process can take years. Seeking medical care can accelerate your recovery and alleviate your pain, and our team at Full Orthopedics Urgent Care in North Miami Beach, Florida, is here to help. 

We offer comprehensive care for shoulder and elbow pain to help you start your journey toward healing.

Understanding frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder typically develops when the connective tissues in your shoulder joint thicken and inflame. There are a few possible causes, including prolonged immobility after an injury or surgery, and certain medical conditions like diabetes or hormonal imbalances. Sometimes, a clear cause can’t be identified.

During the freezing stage, pain and stiffness gradually increase. In the frozen stage, pain may subside slightly, but mobility remains limited. In the thawing stage, movement slowly improves, and you may regain some shoulder function.

Your body can progress through the three stages on its own without treatment, but it can take 1-3 years. The condition can significantly impact your life, making normal daily activities challenging. And even if you wait it out, your shoulder may never recover full mobility without medical intervention.

How frozen shoulder treatment can help

Seeking treatment for frozen shoulder can expedite your recovery and make your pain more manageable. It’s especially important to see your doctor if shoulder stiffness and pain are affecting your daily activities or if your symptoms persist for more than a few weeks.

Early intervention can prevent your shoulder from becoming further restricted and ease the recovery process. At Full Orthopedics Urgent Care, we diagnose your condition and start you on a treatment plan that fits your needs.

Physical therapy is often the first step in frozen shoulder treatment. It’s focused on exercises that gradually improve your flexibility and range of motion. Your therapist guides you through movements tailored to each stage of your condition to help restore mobility and maintain muscle strength.

If you’re experiencing significant pain, we might also recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and make it easier to participate in therapy. Other treatments, like ultrasound therapy or joint distension, can also help relieve discomfort and restore function more quickly.

Most people find that conservative care is enough to relieve their shoulder pain, but in some cases, surgery might be the best option. 

A minimally invasive procedure called arthroscopic capsular release involves removing thickened scar tissue in your shoulder capsule to allow for improved range of motion. This option is typically considered only after other treatments have failed.

In short, frozen shoulder can go away on its own, but the process may be prolonged and painful without treatment. Seeking medical attention can help accelerate your recovery, minimize your pain, and restore your shoulder function, and it doesn’t have to be a hassle. 

At Full Orthopedics Urgent Care, we offer accessible, convenient urgent care services. Don't hesitate to reach out to our team by calling our office to schedule an appointment, checking in online to let us know you’re coming, or stopping by our office — we take walk-ins.