What it is
It usually gets better on its own, but this can take from several months to a few years.
Pain relief, physiotherapy exercises and steroid injections can help. Some people need a procedure to free up the joint.
Common signs
- Shoulder pain, often worse at night
- Stiffness that makes it hard to move the arm
- Difficulty dressing or reaching up
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination of the shoulder
- X-ray or ultrasound to rule out other problems, sometimes
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Imaging reports
- Physiotherapy notes
- Injection dates
- Orthopaedic letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which stage is my shoulder in?
- Would an injection or physiotherapy help?
- How long might recovery take?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A hot, red, swollen shoulder with fever: get urgent medical help, it may be an infection
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.