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When your shoulder locks up, your arm becomes harder to move and daily life begins to feel restricted. The jacket you used to slip on without thinking now feels like a battle.
Reaching for your seatbelt or opening a cupboard reminds you of how much freedom you’ve lost. Even at night, when you should be resting, the stiffness keeps you awake, slowly wearing down your energy and patience.
What makes it harder is that people around you may not fully understand. Tasks as simple as washing your hair or tucking in your shirt have turned into exhausting challenges. That constant frustration weighs in just as heavily as the pain itself.
At Resilience Orthopedics, we understand the toll frozen shoulder takes on both your body and your daily life. With the right care, we can help you restore movement and ease pain.
Key Takeaways:
- Frozen shoulder causes pain, stiffness, and limited movement in the shoulder. Starting treatment early may ease symptoms and make recovery smoother.
- Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted injections often relieve pain and restore motion.
- Advanced therapies like PRP and stem cells may help patients who need more than standard conservative care.
- Surgery is rarely necessary, but when it is, minimally invasive techniques help patients recover faster and return to daily activities with greater comfort.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder, often without an obvious injury.
Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that normally allows smooth, free movement. But when the tissue around the joint (capsule) becomes inflamed and tight, movement becomes restricted and the shoulder can feel “frozen” in place.
It often begins with mild pain, then gradually limits movement, sometimes making even simple tasks difficult. Without treatment, stiffness may persist for months, or even years.
At Resilience Orthopedics, I help people recognize and treat frozen shoulder early, before it starts interfering with daily life. If shoulder pain is holding you back, now is the time to take action.
Book a Consultation with Dr. Pamela Mehta, MD
The Best Orthopedic Surgeon in San Jose
Dr. Mehta is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who can help you recover from your joint condition. If you:
- Are Suffering From Pain and Mobility Issues
- Need Orthopedic Assessment and Advice
- Want Treatment From a Top Orthopedic Doctor
We Can Help
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder usually develops slowly. The first sign is often a dull, aching pain in your outer shoulder or upper arm. You might notice:
- Pain that gets worse at night or makes it difficult to sleep
- Stiffness that makes it hard to lift your arm
- Trouble reaching behind your back or head
- Difficulty reaching behind your back or overhead
- Shoulder movement that becomes more limited over weeks or months
Frozen shoulder often progresses in three stages:
| Stage | Common symptoms | How long does it last |
| Freezing | Pain increases, stiffness begins, and moving your arm becomes harder. | About 6 weeks to 9 months |
| Frozen | Pain may lessen, but stiffness is severe, and movement is very limited. | About 4 to 12 months |
| Thawing | Pain eases and movement gradually returns. Everyday tasks get easier again. | About 6 months to 2 years (can vary by person) |
Early treatment can help reduce stiffness and improve your chances of full recovery.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
A question I hear often is, “Why did this happen to my shoulder?”
Sometimes frozen shoulder develops without an obvious reason or injury. Other times, it’s linked to conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues. It’s also related to the body’s immune or inflammatory response, which causes the shoulder capsule to tighten and stiffen over time. In some cases, underlying inflammatory conditions such as shoulder synovitis may contribute to or accompany the development of frozen shoulder. If this stiffness showed up during perimenopause or menopause, it may help to read frozen shoulder in menopause.
Who’s at Risk?
You’re more likely to develop frozen shoulder if you:
- Are 40-60 years old
- Are female (women are affected more often than men)
- Have had shoulder or chest surgery
- Have been in a sling or immobile for a long period
- Have diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, or Parkinson’s disease
- Have limited shoulder movement due to injuries such as rotator cuff problems or bursitis
When the shoulder doesn’t move enough, it can become increasingly stiff, painful, and difficult to use.
If any of this sounds familiar, don’t wait to get evaluated early as it can make all the difference. Book your appointment today!
When to See a Specialist for Frozen Shoulder
You should see an orthopedic specialist if:
- Shoulder pain is waking you up at night
- Everyday tasks like dressing, driving, and even holding a mug are difficult
- You’ve lost shoulder movement over weeks or months
- Rest and basic care haven’t helped
If a frozen shoulder is left untreated, recovery may take much longer.
Frozen Shoulder Treatment Options
At Resilience Orthopedics, I create a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms, health history, and the stage of your condition.
Conservative Treatments
I don’t jump to surgery right away. Instead, most of my patients begin with conservative care, which is often highly effective, especially when started early.
- Physical therapy: Targeted exercises, performed 3-4 times per week, may ease your pain and regain movement within a few months.
But not all stretches are right for every stage, which is why I design a personalized program for each patient.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen may reduce pain and swelling, particularly early on.
- Steroid injections: A cortisone shot may ease pain and inflammation, especially during the freezing phase.
When combined with physical therapy, it may improve movement and speed up recovery within the first year.
Advanced Options
For chronic cases, I also offer advanced regenerative treatments at my San Jose clinic:
- PRP therapy uses your body’s own healing factors to reduce inflammation and support recovery. I often recommend it during the early freezing or later thawing stages.
Research shows PRP may provide longer-lasting relief than steroid injections, helping many patients regain motion within three months.
- Stem cells are your body’s natural repair cells. These cells are injected into the joint to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and support healing of the stiff capsule.
Surgical Care
Surgery is rarely needed for frozen shoulder. But in some cases, I may recommend arthroscopic shoulder surgery if you’ve had:
- Ongoing pain or stiffness for over 6-12 months
- Difficulty with daily activities like lifting or sleeping
- Little or no improvement despite conservative treatments
The goal is to release the tight capsule and restore your motion, so you can return to your daily routine.
What is the Best Frozen Shoulder Treatment?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; it depends on your symptoms and the stage of your condition.
In the early freezing phase, we focus on pain relief and controlling inflammation. As you move into the frozen and thawing stages, the treatment shifts to gentle stretching and regaining mobility.
In my experience, most patients improve without surgery. We always begin with the least invasive approach and adapt based on how your shoulder responds.
If you’ve already been given a diagnosis or treatment recommendation but want to explore all your options, it can be helpful to seek a second opinion before moving forward.
Why Choose Resilience Orthopedics for Frozen Shoulder Relief?
At Resilience Orthopedics, you’ll have a one-on-one consultation with me. As a shoulder specialist in San Jose, I offer personalized care that combines expertise with compassion.
Many patients come to me frustrated, unsure, and sometimes told surgery is their only option. My philosophy is different as I prioritize conservative care first and create a plan that supports your recovery.
What Sets Us Apart
- Specialized care from a board-certified shoulder surgeon
- Clear, honest guidance without unnecessary tests or procedures
- A full spectrum of treatments, including injections, physical therapy, PRP, and surgery when appropriate
- Whole-person, personalized care for every age and activity level
- Conveniently located to serve San Jose, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Los Gatos, and surrounding Bay Area communities
Patient Testimonial Highlight
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What to Expect During Your Appointment
From the moment you arrive, my priority is to make sure you feel informed, supported, and confident in your care. During your visit, we’ll:
- Discuss your symptoms and medical history
- Examine your shoulder to check mobility, strength, and pain points
- Perform imaging tests, like X-rays or an MRI, if needed, to get a closer look
- Explain your diagnosis in clear, straightforward terms
- Create a treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle and goals
In many cases, treatment can begin the same day so you can get back to doing what you love, pain-free.
Ready to Get Relief from Frozen Shoulder?
Struggling with constant shoulder pain or stiffness? You don’t have to push through it alone. If you’re in San Jose or nearby and you’re struggling to move comfortably, it’s time to take the next step.
At Resilience Orthopedics, we listen closely to understand your needs and create a personalized treatment plan, without rushing into surgery. Most of our patients see real progress and return to the activities they enjoy.
Schedule your consultation today and take control of your shoulder health.
