Dr Philippe Collin

Orthopaedic surgeon, shoulder specialist, Paris 16 & Neuilly-sur-Seine

Former President of the SECEC · ranked best shoulder surgeon in Paris (Le Point) · 20,000+ shoulders operated · 130+ scientific publications

Plan your visitDedicated international patient care

Frozen shoulder, whose medical name is adhesive capsulitis, combines pain with progressive stiffness of the shoulder that eventually limits every movement. It is a common condition and, fortunately, most often a benign one. Here are the explanations of Dr Philippe Collin, shoulder specialist in Paris.

What is frozen shoulder?

The capsule that surrounds the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and then retracts, as if it were tightening around the joint. The arm becomes progressively more difficult to move, both actively and passively, and this is what distinguishes frozen shoulder from a simple tendon problem. To find out everything about its management, see our dedicated page on adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.

The three phases of adhesive capsulitis

Adhesive capsulitis classically develops in three stages:

• Painful phase (freezing): pain sets in, often at night, and mobility begins to decrease;
• Stiffness phase (frozen): the pain eases but the shoulder becomes very stiff;
• Recovery phase (thawing): mobility gradually returns.

How long does frozen shoulder last?

The natural course is a long one: it often extends over 12 to 24 months between onset and full recovery. Appropriate management shortens this duration and, above all, makes the painful phase easier to bear.

What are the treatments?

Treatment is medical first: painkillers, anti-inflammatories, gentle rehabilitation and sometimes injections to calm the inflammation and maintain mobility. Surgery (arthroscopic arthrolysis) remains exceptional and is reserved for very stiff shoulders that do not respond to treatment after several months.

When should you seek advice?

Shoulder pain accompanied by progressive stiffness, especially if it wakes you at night, justifies a specialist consultation to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment as early as possible.

Frequently asked questions

Does frozen shoulder heal on its own?
Most often yes, but the spontaneous course can last one to two years. Treatment aims to relieve the pain and speed up recovery.

Does adhesive capsulitis require surgery?
Rarely. Surgery is considered only for shoulders that remain very stiff despite several months of well-conducted treatment.

What is the difference with tendinitis?
In tendinitis, passive mobility is preserved, whereas in adhesive capsulitis the shoulder is stiff in every direction.

Dr Philippe Collin consults in Paris 16 and Neuilly-sur-Seine, and welcomes international patients. Discover the international patient pathway.