Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis , is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the shoulder joint. Over time, the shoulder becomes increasingly difficult to move, even during everyday tasks such as dressing, reaching overhead, or lifting objects.

The condition occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, restricting its movement. While frozen shoulder can resolve on its own in some cases, it often requires medical intervention to restore function and relieve pain.

Dr. Chintan Desai , a leading orthopaedic surgeon in Mumbai, specialises in diagnosing and treating frozen shoulders using non-surgical and arthroscopic techniques, tailored to each patient's needs.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

The primary symptoms of frozen shoulder include:

• Persistent pain in the shoulder joint
• Restricted range of motion in all directions
• Stiffness that worsens over time
• Difficulty with overhead or behind-the-back movements
• Pain that disrupts sleep, especially at night

Stages of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder typically develops in three distinct stages:

1. Freezing Stage (Painful Phase)

• Gradual onset of pain
• Range of motion starts to decrease
• Pain worsens at night

2. Frozen Stage (Stiffness Phase)

• Pain may reduce, but stiffness increases
• Shoulder movement becomes severely limited
• Daily activities are affected

3. Thawing Stage (Recovery Phase)

• Gradual return of movement
• Pain continues to lessen
• Range of motion improves over time

Frozen Shoulder Treatment by Dr. Chintan Desai in Mumbai

Dr. Chintan Desai is a fellowship-trained shoulder specialist in Mumbai with vast experience in treating complex shoulder conditions, including frozen shoulder. His approach combines precision diagnosis, conservative therapy, and minimally invasive surgery when necessary.

Patients from across Mumbai and beyond trust Dr. Desai for:

• Personalized, stage-specific care plans
• Expertise in arthroscopic shoulder surgery
• Strong focus on long-term recovery and prevention
• Patient education and active rehabilitation guidance

Tips to Prevent Frozen Shoulder

• Stay active and avoid long periods of shoulder immobility
• Treat any shoulder injury promptly
• Keep blood sugar levels controlled (if diabetic)
• Perform regular shoulder stretches
• Maintain good posture, especially during desk work

Recovery After Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Recovery timelines vary depending on the stage and treatment method:

• Mild to moderate cases: Improve in 2–3 months with physiotherapy
• Advanced cases: May require 4–6 months for full recovery
• Post-surgical recovery: Most patients regain mobility in 6–12 weeks

Frozen Shoulder is a condition which presents with shoulder pain and stiffness. Often patients with this condition suffer for many years.

Patients with frozen shoulder have severe limitation in shoulder movements and activities of daily living is very difficult. Women especially face a lot of difficulties as they are unable to clasp and unclasp their bras behind their backs.

The capsule of the shoulder becomes tight and thick in frozen shoulder patients. In medical terms frozen shoulder is also known as adhesive capsulitis. The cause of stiffness is still largely unknown in frozen shoulders, however, there is an association with diabetes and hypothyroidism.

The conservative modalities of treatment which involves physiotherapy, injections and pain killer medications take at least 1 to 2 years before patients get relief.

The newer modality of treatment which involves shoulder arthroscopy and capsular release.

Dr. Chintan Desai is an expert in shoulder arthroscopy treatment modality and is the best shoulder arthroscopy surgeon in mumbai. He has performed this procedure on many patients and has achieved great results. With the help of shoulder arthroscopy resolves the shoulder stiffness and pain immediately and complete recovery takes only 7 days, which otherwise takes 1 - 2 years.

FAQs about Frozen Shoulder Treatment in Mumbai by Dr. Chintan Desai