Dr. Samhitha Reddy
Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
MBBS, MS, FMAS, FISCP, DMAS
- 8 Yrs
- ASCRS Member
Frozen shoulder: the three stages and how long each lasts
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Meghana Alluri, MS, DNBConsultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Last reviewed · 7 min read
Frozen shoulder is a self-limiting condition that nonetheless takes one to three years to run its course. Knowing the stage you are in shapes what treatment helps.
Dr. Meghana Alluri
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS, MS, DNB (Orthopaedics)
8 Yrs
Book AppointmentView Profile →The three stages
1
Freezing — pain dominates
Lasting roughly six weeks to nine months. Pain is worst at night and movement gradually reduces.
2
Frozen — stiffness dominates
Four to twelve months. Pain often eases, but the shoulder stays very stiff.
3
Thawing — movement returns
Six months to two years. Range gradually comes back, helped considerably by physiotherapy.
Speak to the orthopaedics team
Daycare procedures, cashless insurance, and consultations seven days a week at Gachibowli.
When should I see a doctor about shoulder stiffness?
Book a consultation if symptoms persist, get worse, wake you at night, or come with bleeding, fever or unexplained weight loss. Anything that does not settle within a few weeks is worth having looked at.
Will I need surgery?
Often not. Many conditions settle with medication, physiotherapy or a change in daily habits. Surgery is discussed when simpler measures have been tried, or when the problem is structural.
Still unsure what is causing your symptoms?
A short consultation with a Lux orthopaedics specialist can tell you what you are dealing with — and what, if anything, needs treating.
Gachibowli, Hyderabad · Seven days a week · Cashless insurance accepted
Sources & references
Published · Last reviewed · Next review due March 2027
This article is published for general education. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an in-person consultation. If you are worried about a symptom, please speak to a qualified doctor.
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