How is the diagnosis of a frozen shoulder made?
A frozen shoulder causes a typical set of symptoms that can be identified by your doctor. The most important finding is restricted movement. Other shoulder conditions can cause difficulty with movement of the shoulder, such as a rotator cuff tear; therefore it is important to have an examiner familiar with this condition for a proper diagnosis. What are the typical symptoms of a frozen shoulder? • Shoulder pain; usually a dull, aching pain • Limited movement of the shoulder • Difficulty with activities such as brushing hair, putting on shirts/bras • Pain when trying to sleep on the affected shoulder What are the stages of a frozen shoulder? • Painful/Freezing Stage This is the most painful stage of a frozen shoulder. Motion is restricted, but the shoulder is not as stiff as the frozen stage. This painful stage typically lasts 6-12 weeks. • Frozen Stage During the frozen stage, the pain usually eases up, but the stiffness worsens. The frozen stage can last 4-6 months. • Thawing Stage Th
