Sometimes freezing occurs because the shoulder has been immobilized for a long time by injury, surgery, or illness.

We don't fully understand what causes a frozen shoulder, but an inflammatory process is probably involved. It affects mainly people ages 40 to 60 - women more often than men. The resulting disability can be serious, and the condition tends to get worse with time if it's not treated.

But what is a frozen shoulder, exactly?įrozen shoulder (also called adhesive capsulitis) is a common disorder that causes pain, stiffness, and loss of normal range of motion in the shoulder. Simple activities like fastening a bra or taking a book off an overhead shelf can be impossible when you have a frozen shoulder.