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Shoulder Pain Treatment
in Horsham
Is It a Frozen Shoulder?
Not Every Stiff Shoulder Is Frozen
If your shoulder feels painful, tight, or difficult to move, it’s natural to wonder:
“Is this a frozen shoulder?”
The truth is — many shoulders labelled as frozen are not actually adhesive capsulitis.
A true frozen shoulder is specific.
And it behaves in a predictable way.
Understanding the difference matters, because treatment depends on it.
What Is a True Frozen Shoulder?
A genuine frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) involves:
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Inflammation of the joint capsule
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Thickening of the capsule
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Global restriction of movement
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Significant loss of external rotation
The key sign is this:
Even when someone else moves your shoulder, it still won’t go much further.
That’s capsular restriction.
Common Conditions Mistaken for Frozen Shoulder
Many painful shoulders are actually caused by:
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Rotator cuff tendinopathy from overreaching
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Subscapularis pulling the shoulder forward
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Inflammation of the anterior deltoid
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Biceps tendon irritation at the front of the shoulder
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Postural overload from desk work
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Mild brachial plexus irritation
These can feel tight and restricted.
But they are not true frozen shoulder.
They are often mechanical overload patterns.
Simple Signs It May Not Be Frozen Shoulder
It may not be frozen shoulder if:
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Someone can move your arm further than you can
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The range varies day to day
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It improves with warming up
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Pain is sharp rather than deeply stiff
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Movement feels painful but not physically blocked
These patterns usually indicate muscular or tendon-related restriction.
How Frozen Shoulder Typically Progresses
True frozen shoulder often follows stages:
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Increasing pain over weeks
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Progressive stiffness
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Severe loss of rotation
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Gradual thawing over months
It can take 12–24 months to fully resolve.
Which is why accurate assessment is important.
Why Self-Diagnosis Can Delay Recovery
If a muscular restriction is mistaken for frozen shoulder:
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People often avoid movement unnecessarily
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Strength decreases
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Compensation patterns increase
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Neck and upper back tension develop
Equally, if true adhesive capsulitis is ignored, stiffness can worsen.
Differentiation matters.
How Assessment Works
In clinic, assessment involves:
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Comparing active and passive movement
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Testing external rotation
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Assessing end-feel of the joint
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Evaluating rotator cuff and tendon involvement
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Checking thoracic and pelvic mechanics
From there, treatment is structured accordingly.
Frozen shoulder requires a different approach from tendon overload.
When to Seek Assessment
Consider evaluation if:
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Your shoulder has progressively stiffened
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External rotation is significantly reduced
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Pain disturbs sleep
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Symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks
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You’re unsure what’s actually going on
Early clarity prevents months of uncertainty.
FAQ: Is It a Frozen Shoulder?
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How do I know if I have a frozen shoulder?
A true frozen shoulder usually involves significant stiffness in all directions, especially difficulty rotating the arm outward. The movement feels physically blocked, not just painful.
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What is the main symptom of frozen shoulder?
Progressive stiffness combined with persistent shoulder pain, often worse at night. External rotation is usually the most limited movement.
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Can I still move my arm with frozen shoulder?
Yes, but movement is restricted in both active and passive range. Even when someone else moves your arm, it won’t go much further.
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What if my shoulder is painful but still moves?
If passive movement is greater than what you can achieve yourself, it’s more likely muscular or tendon-related rather than true adhesive capsulitis.
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Can rotator cuff tendinitis feel like frozen shoulder?
Yes. Rotator cuff irritation can limit movement due to pain, creating a “frozen” sensation without capsular restriction.
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Does frozen shoulder come on suddenly?
Usually no. It often develops gradually over weeks with increasing pain followed by progressive stiffness.
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Why is my shoulder worse at night?
Inflammation within the joint capsule or irritated tendons can increase discomfort when lying still, especially when sleeping on the affected side.
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How long does frozen shoulder last?
A genuine frozen shoulder often progresses through phases and can last 12–24 months, although symptoms vary between individuals.
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Should I keep moving my shoulder if I suspect frozen shoulder?
Gentle movement is usually beneficial, but forcing range aggressively can increase irritation. Proper assessment helps guide safe progression
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Why does my shoulder feel locked when reaching behind my back?
Internal rotation dominance, subscapularis tightness, or capsular involvement can restrict this movement.
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When should I get it checked?
If stiffness is progressive, sleep is disturbed, or range of motion is clearly reducing over weeks, assessment is advisable.
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