What Is Frozen Shoulder—and When Does It Require Surgery?

If you’re experiencing stiffness and pain in your shoulder that worsens over time, you might be dealing with a condition known as frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis. This frustrating and often painful condition can significantly limit your range of motion and affect your daily activities. At Plano Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center, our orthopedic specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating frozen shoulder using both conservative therapies and, when needed, surgical solutions.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint—the capsule—becomes thickened and inflamed. Over time, this inflammation leads to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. The condition typically develops slowly and progresses through three stages:

1. Freezing Stage: Pain increases and shoulder movement becomes limited.

2. Frozen Stage: Pain may lessen, but stiffness remains.

3. Thawing Stage: Range of motion gradually improves.

The entire cycle can take several months to years if left untreated.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of frozen shoulder isn’t always clear, it is more common in people:

• Over age 40 (especially women)

• With diabetes or thyroid disorders

• Who have experienced recent shoulder injuries or surgeries

• Who’ve had to immobilize their shoulder for long periods

When Is Surgery Needed for Frozen Shoulder?

Most cases of frozen shoulder can be managed with non-surgical treatments, such as:

• Physical therapy to restore mobility

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Corticosteroid injections

• Home exercises

However, surgery may be necessary if:

• Symptoms persist after 6–12 months of consistent non-surgical treatment

• Pain severely interferes with sleep or daily activities

• Range of motion remains significantly limited

In these cases, an orthopedic shoulder surgeon may recommend:

• Shoulder Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA): The joint is moved while you’re under anesthesia to break up scar tissue.

• Arthroscopic Capsular Release: A minimally invasive procedure where the tight portions of the capsule are cut to restore motion.

Both surgical options are typically followed by physical therapy to maintain mobility gains and prevent stiffness from returning.

Expert Care at Plano Orthopedic

At Plano Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center, our board-certified shoulder surgeons and physical therapy team work together to develop customized treatment plans for frozen shoulder—starting with conservative approaches and progressing to surgical options when necessary. If you’ve been living with chronic shoulder pain or stiffness, don’t wait for it to “thaw” on its own. Early intervention can help shorten recovery time and improve outcomes.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you’re struggling with frozen shoulder, trust the specialists at Plano Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center to help you regain motion and live pain-free.
Call us today or request an appointment online to start your path toward relief and recovery.