Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition in which inflammation and adhesions form in the joint capsule surrounding the shoulder, causing pain along with a progressive loss of range of motion. The formal name is adhesive capsulitis. It is most common in patients around their 50s (hence the Korean name "fifty-shoulder"), but it can appear anywhere from the 40s to 70s and is more frequent in women.

Frozen shoulder pain
▲ Inflammation and adhesion of the joint capsule restrict shoulder movement
Main Causes and Related Factors:
  • Age-related degeneration of the joint capsule and ligaments
  • Prolonged shoulder disuse (e.g., after surgery or fracture immobilization)
  • Higher risk when combined with metabolic conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disease
  • Secondary causes such as rotator cuff injury or calcific tendinitis

The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder progresses through three stages, and the treatment approach differs at each stage.

Freezing (Painful Stage)

Early phase with worsening inflammation. Shoulder pain gradually intensifies and night pain is prominent. Typically lasts 2 to 9 months.

Frozen (Adhesive Stage)

Pain eases somewhat, but adhesions in the joint capsule cause significant loss of range of motion. Can last 4 to 12 months.

Thawing (Recovery Stage)

Adhesions gradually release and joint mobility returns. Highly variable, ranging from 5 months to several years.

Q. Symptoms That May Suggest Frozen Shoulder

Pain-related Symptoms
  1. Persistent deep, dull ache in the shoulder
  2. Pain worsens at night and disturbs sleep
  3. Unable to lie on the affected side
  4. Sharp pain with certain movements
Range-of-Motion Symptoms
  1. Difficulty raising the arm to the side or overhead
  2. Cannot reach back pocket or behind the back
  3. Trouble washing hair or dressing
  4. Difficulty reaching into the back seat while driving
Frozen shoulder symptoms can resemble those of rotator cuff tears, calcific tendinitis, or referred shoulder pain from a cervical disc. An accurate diagnosis comes first.

Osundosun's Approach to Frozen Shoulder

A Stage-Matched, Step-by-Step Approach

During the painful stage, priorities are controlling inflammation and relieving pain; in the frozen stage, we focus on releasing capsule adhesions and restoring mobility.

Our Solution:
Acupuncture relaxes tense muscles around the shoulder, and ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture allows us to precisely target the joint capsule and rotator cuff region. When needed, chuna therapy is used to address alignment of the shoulder joint, scapula, and cervical spine together.
The Role of Concurrent Herbal Medicine
Depending on constitution and overall condition (fatigue, coexisting metabolic disease, etc.), herbal medicine to support inflammation recovery and circulation may be prescribed. Addressing the whole body, not just the shoulder, aids recovery.

Do not ignore shoulder pain.

Frozen shoulder can resolve on its own, but if left unmanaged it may cause years of pain and limited motion, significantly impacting quality of life.
Starting care at the right time can shorten the recovery period and reduce lingering effects.

Regain your shoulder health with Osundosun Korean Medicine Clinic.