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Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a condition where inflammation around the shoulder joint causes stiffness and pain. 

Reviewed by Mr Ravi Singh, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

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What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition that can last from a few months to a couple of years. When the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint become inflamed they tighten and shrink, causing stiffness and pain in the shoulder area.

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The chances of developing frozen shoulder increase:

  • If you are over 40
  • If you are female
  • If you have diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or an overactive or underactive thyroid
  • If you have had a previous shoulder injury and movement of the arm has been restricted
  • If you have had shoulder surgery and movement of the arm has been restricted.

If you have frozen shoulder you may experience:

  • Gradually worsening pain and stiffness
  • Pain can be worse at night when sleeping
  • Difficulty moving your arm and shoulder.

Diagnostic tests for frozen shoulder

To determine if you have frozen shoulder, your orthopaedic consultant will take a detailed history and will need to know about any previous injuries and what exercise you currently do.

You’ll be asked to move your shoulder through a range of movements so your orthopaedic consultant can assess your shoulder and see which area is causing the problem.

Your orthopaedic consultant may also suggest an X-ray or MRI scan to aid their diagnosis or check for another condition.

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Frozen shoulder treatment

Your orthopaedic consultant will develop a personalised treatment plan based on your symptoms. It may include a combination of the treatments outlined below:

  • Avoid movements or specific exercises that cause pain
  • Use pain relief to manage pain and reduce swelling
  • Physiotherapy, to help increase and improve movement in the shoulder, and strengthen your shoulder muscles
  • Steroid injections in the shoulder.

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Paying for your treatment

We welcome both self-paying and insured patients.

Self-pay patients

We offer several ways for patients to self-pay, including pay-as-you-go and self-pay packages.

Find out more about self-pay >

Insured patients

At Cromwell Hospital, we accept private health insurance from most major providers, including AXA, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality.

How to use your private health insurance >
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Our locations

Please note, Basinghall Clinic may not provide all the services listed on this page.

Cromwell Hospital

Cromwell Hospital

164-178 Cromwell Road
London SW5 0TU
United Kingdom

+44 (0)20 7460 5700

Cromwell Hospital >
Basinghall Clinic

Basinghall Clinic

4 Basinghall Street
London EC2V 5BQ
United Kingdom

+44 (0)20 7244 4891

Basinghall Clinic >
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Book an appointment today

Call us now for appointment bookings, general queries, and personalised quotes.

Alternatively, you can contact us using our online form.