The joint capsule of the shoulder joint has ligaments that hold the shoulder bones to each other. When the capsule becomes inflamed, the shoulder bones are unable to move freely in the joint.

• Cervical disk disease of the neck
• Diabetes
• Shoulder injury
• Shoulder surgery
• Open heart surgery
• Hyperthyroidism

The main symptoms are:

• Decreased motion of the shoulder
• Pain
• Stiffness

Frozen shoulder without any known cause starts with pain. This pain prevents you from moving your arm. The lack of movement leads to stiffness and then even less motion. Over time, you become unable to perform activities such as reaching over your head or behind you.

The health care provider will make the diagnosis based on your symptoms and an examination of your shoulder.

You will have a loss of rotation in your shoulder. You may have x-rays of the shoulder to make sure there is no other problem, such as arthritis. Sometimes an MRI exam may show inflammation, but there are no specific signs to diagnose frozen shoulder.