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Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a condition where inflammation around the shoulder joint causes stiffness and pain. 

Reviewed by Mr Ravi Singh, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

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What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition that can last from a few months to a couple of years. When the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint become inflamed they tighten and shrink, causing stiffness and pain in the shoulder area.

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The chances of developing frozen shoulder increase:

  • If you are over 40
  • If you are female
  • If you have diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or an overactive or underactive thyroid
  • If you have had a previous shoulder injury and movement of the arm has been restricted
  • If you have had shoulder surgery and movement of the arm has been restricted.

If you have frozen shoulder you may experience:

  • Gradually worsening pain and stiffness
  • Pain can be worse at night when sleeping
  • Difficulty moving your arm and shoulder.

Diagnostic tests for frozen shoulder

To determine if you have frozen shoulder, your orthopaedic consultant will take a detailed history and will need to know about any previous injuries and what exercise you currently do.

You’ll be asked to move your shoulder through a range of movements so your orthopaedic consultant can assess your shoulder and see which area is causing the problem.

Your orthopaedic consultant may also suggest an X-ray or MRI scan to aid their diagnosis or check for another condition.

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Frozen shoulder treatment

Your orthopaedic consultant will develop a personalised treatment plan based on your symptoms. It may include a combination of the treatments outlined below:

  • Avoid movements or specific exercises that cause pain
  • Use pain relief to manage pain and reduce swelling
  • Physiotherapy, to help increase and improve movement in the shoulder, and strengthen your shoulder muscles
  • Steroid injections in the shoulder.

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Paying for your treatment

We welcome both self-paying and insured patients.

Self-pay patients

We offer several ways for patients to self-pay, including pay-as-you-go and self-pay packages.

Find out more about self-pay >

Insured patients

At Cromwell Hospital, we accept private health insurance from most major providers, including AXA, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality.

How to use your private health insurance >
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Our locations

Cromwell Hospital

Cromwell Hospital

164-178 Cromwell Road
London SW5 0TU
United Kingdom

+44 (0)20 7460 5700

More about Cromwell Hospital >
Basinghall Clinic

Basinghall Clinic

4 Basinghall Street
London EC2V 5BQ
United Kingdom

+44 (0)20 7244 4891

More about Basinghall Clinic >
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Book an appointment today

Our telephone lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm Saturdays.

 

Alternatively, fill out our appointment request form and we'll be in touch shortly.

Please note - regrettably we are unable to answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice via email or telephone.