Also called adhesive capsulitis, this condition can sneak up on you and take its time leaving. It starts slow, gets worse, and—thankfully—often improves over time with the right approach.
Let’s dive into what frozen shoulder actually is, how to spot it, and what the natural healing process typically looks like.
What Exactly Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder happens when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint thickens and tightens. That makes it harder—and sometimes impossible—to move your shoulder without pain. It doesn’t usually show up because of one injury. Instead, it’s more common after periods of immobility, like after surgery or a long recovery from another condition.
It’s also more likely to affect people between the ages of 40 and 60 and tends to show up more often in women than men.
The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder
This condition unfolds in three clear stages.
1. Freezing Stage: At first, you’ll notice pain in the shoulder, especially during movement. As time goes on, the pain increases and your range of motion decreases. This phase can last anywhere from six weeks to nine months.
2. Frozen Stage: Pain might ease up a bit, but stiffness becomes the main issue. You may find it hard to lift your arm or perform simple tasks like reaching for a seatbelt or brushing your hair. This stage can last four to six months.
3. Thawing Stage: Movement slowly returns, and pain continues to lessen. Your shoulder starts to feel more like itself again. The thawing phase can take six months to two years, depending on your body and how you treat it.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Dull, aching pain in the shoulder
Limited movement or stiffness
Pain that worsens at night
Trouble with daily tasks involving shoulder use
These symptoms often build up gradually and worsen over time. But the good news? Frozen shoulder usually goes away on its own.
Natural Recovery Timeline
While the total healing process can take up to three years, most people regain full function without surgery. The key is staying active without pushing too hard. Gentle stretching, physical therapy, and heat can help.
Adding chiropractic care for frozen shoulder to your routine may speed things up a bit. Chiropractors often use soft tissue techniques and Directional Non-Force Technique (DNFT) to improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation. That gentle support can make it easier to get through the toughest stages.
You don’t need to live in pain or wait helplessly. Natural healing works best when you give your body the tools it needs—like movement, rest, and consistent care. Frozen shoulder takes patience, no doubt. It’s a long road, but most people do see full recovery. Whether you’re just starting to notice stiffness or you’re deep in the frozen phase, knowing what to expect can make all the difference. If you're open to non-invasive support, chiropractic care for frozen shoulder can be part of a solid plan to regain movement and comfort. Always listen to your body and don’t rush the process. With steady effort, that frozen joint will thaw—and stay that way.Final Thoughts
