Frozen Shoulder: Why It Happens and How to Finally Get Relief

When Your Shoulder Just Won’t Move

At first, it’s just a little stiffness, maybe when reaching behind your back or putting on a jacket. But over time, your shoulder becomes harder and harder to move until even simple tasks cause pain. This gradual loss of motion, often paired with dull, deep pain, is the hallmark of frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis.

It’s a condition that can last for months (or even years) if not treated properly, but with the right approach, full motion can often be restored naturally.

What Exactly Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue surrounding your shoulder joint thickens and tightens, forming adhesions that restrict movement. The joint capsule  which should glide smoothly , becomes inflamed and stiff. As a result, lifting, rotating, or reaching overhead becomes difficult and painful.

While it can affect anyone, frozen shoulder is most common among adults ages 40–70, especially women, and people who have experienced shoulder injury, surgery, or prolonged immobility.

The 3 Phases of Frozen Shoulder

1. Freezing Phase
   Pain and stiffness gradually increase. Movement becomes difficult and the shoulder starts to “lock up.”
2. Frozen Phase
   Pain may lessen, but range of motion becomes severely limited.
3. Thawing Phase
   The shoulder slowly begins to regain flexibility as the tissue loosens.

Each stage can last weeks or months, but with treatment, this timeline can be dramatically shortened.

Common Triggers and Risk Factors

• Shoulder injury or surgery that limited movement
• Extended immobility (like from a fracture or sling)
• Diabetes or thyroid imbalance
• Inflammatory conditions like arthritis
• Postural strain or poor circulation

Even stress or poor blood flow can make inflammation linger longer than it should.

Why Cortisone or Rest Don’t Solve the Problem

Cortisone shots and pain medications may dull the discomfort temporarily, but they don’t address the tightened joint capsule and restricted blood flow that are the root causes of frozen shoulder. Without improving circulation and tissue mobility, stiffness continues and the shoulder “refreezes” as soon as medication wears off.

A Natural Way to Loosen and Heal the Shoulder

At Buffalo Arthritis & Joint Pain Center, we use non-surgical treatments designed to reduce inflammation and restore motion naturally.

Our process helps to:

• Decrease deep inflammation in the joint capsule
• Improve circulation and tissue elasticity
• Stimulate your body’s healing response
• Loosen stiff tissue and restore smoother movement

Most patients begin to notice improved flexibility and less pain within weeks, even after months of frustration.

Everyday Tips to Support Shoulder Mobility

🧘 Gentle stretching: Perform slow, controlled arm circles and pendulum swings daily.
💪 Posture awareness: Keep shoulders back and chest open when sitting or standing.
🧊 Ice after use: Helps manage inflammation after movement exercises.
🚶 Stay active: Movement is key — immobility only makes the shoulder tighter.
🥗 Eat anti-inflammatory foods: Fish, olive oil, berries, and leafy greens can help reduce pain naturally.

Get Your Motion Back — Without Surgery

Frozen shoulder can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right non-surgical approach, most people regain comfort and range of motion faster than they ever thought possible.

👉 Schedule your consultation today at www.painreliefbajc.com
and discover how our proven shoulder pain treatments can help you move freely again.

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