Shoulder Stiffness
Restricted, hard-to-move shoulder motion
Quick Facts
- Type: Musculoskeletal condition
- Common causes: Frozen shoulder, arthritis, injury
- Main symptom: Reduced range of motion
- Main treatments: Stretching, physical therapy
Overview
Shoulder stiffness is a loss of normal movement in the shoulder, so that lifting the arm overhead, reaching behind the back, or rotating it becomes difficult or painful. It can come on slowly over weeks to months or develop after an injury or a period of keeping the arm still.
Stiffness is a sign rather than a single disease. It may reflect tightening of the joint capsule, inflammation of the tendons, arthritis within the joint, or guarding of the muscles after an injury. Identifying the cause matters because treatment and recovery time vary widely.
A stiff shoulder can make everyday tasks surprisingly difficult, from washing your hair to reaching a seatbelt. In many cases the stiffness develops gradually, so people adapt and avoid certain motions without realizing how much range they have lost. Catching the problem early and keeping the joint moving, within comfort, often prevents the stiffness from becoming severe and shortens recovery.
Symptoms
Along with limited motion, people with a stiff shoulder often notice:
- Difficulty raising the arm overhead or out to the side
- Trouble reaching behind the back, such as fastening a bra or reaching a back pocket
- Pain at the end of the available range of motion
- A sense that the shoulder is tight or locked
- Aching that may disturb sleep, especially when lying on that side
Causes
Common reasons a shoulder becomes stiff include:
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): The joint capsule thickens and tightens, causing progressive stiffness.
- Arthritis: Wear of the joint cartilage limits smooth movement.
- Rotator cuff problems: Pain from tendinitis or a tear can lead to guarding and reduced motion.
- Immobilization: Keeping the arm still after surgery, a fracture, or an injury can stiffen the joint.
- Inflammation: Bursitis and tendinitis make movement painful and restricted.
Risk Factors
- Diabetes, which strongly raises the risk of frozen shoulder
- Thyroid disorders
- Recent shoulder surgery, fracture, or prolonged arm immobilization
- Older age
- A previous shoulder injury
- Long periods of inactivity of the arm
Some of these factors, such as diabetes and prolonged immobilization, are particularly important because they can be managed or avoided, lowering the chance that stiffness develops or becomes severe.
Diagnosis
A doctor examines how far the shoulder can move both on its own and when the examiner moves it, which helps separate true joint stiffness from pain-related guarding. Tests may include:
- X-rays: To look for arthritis, bone changes, or prior fractures.
- MRI or ultrasound: To assess the rotator cuff, joint capsule, and surrounding soft tissues.
- Blood tests: Occasionally used if an inflammatory or thyroid condition is suspected.
Treatment
Treatment aims to restore motion and relieve pain, tailored to the cause:
- Stretching and physical therapy: Gentle, progressive exercises are the most important treatment for most causes of stiffness.
- Heat and gentle movement: Warming the shoulder before exercises can ease tightness.
- Pain relief: Anti-inflammatory medicine reduces pain that limits movement.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation, especially in frozen shoulder.
- Procedures: For severe, stubborn stiffness, manipulation under anesthesia or surgery is occasionally needed.
Frozen shoulder can take many months to a few years to fully resolve, while stiffness from inactivity often improves more quickly with consistent exercise. Whatever the cause, gentle daily movement and a steady, gradual increase in range tend to work better than forceful stretching, which can aggravate an irritated joint. A physical therapist can teach the right amount of stretch and progress the program safely.
Prevention
- Keep the shoulder moving gently after injury or surgery, as advised by your care team
- Do regular range-of-motion and stretching exercises
- Address shoulder pain early before stiffness sets in
- Manage diabetes and thyroid conditions well
- Avoid long periods of complete arm immobilization when possible
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if shoulder stiffness lasts more than a few weeks, steadily worsens, or interferes with daily activities such as dressing or grooming. Seek prompt care if stiffness follows a significant injury, comes with severe pain, or appears with redness, warmth, fever, or the inability to move the arm at all, which may point to infection or another problem needing urgent attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a stiff shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, arthritis, rotator cuff problems, and prolonged immobilization after injury or surgery are the most common causes. A doctor can examine your range of motion and use imaging to find the specific reason.
How long does a stiff shoulder take to get better?
It depends on the cause. Stiffness from inactivity often improves over weeks with stretching, while frozen shoulder can take many months to a few years to fully resolve even with treatment.
Can I fix a stiff shoulder with exercises at home?
Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises help many people, but it is best to have a diagnosis first so the exercises fit your condition. A physical therapist can guide a safe, progressive program.
Is shoulder stiffness the same as frozen shoulder?
No. Frozen shoulder is one specific cause of stiffness, where the joint capsule tightens. Stiffness can also come from arthritis, tendon problems, or simply keeping the arm still, so the underlying cause needs to be identified.
When should I see a doctor about a stiff shoulder?
See a doctor if stiffness lasts more than a few weeks, keeps worsening, or limits daily tasks. Seek prompt care if it follows a major injury or comes with severe pain, fever, warmth, or inability to move the arm.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Frozen Shoulder.
- Mayo Clinic. Frozen shoulder — Symptoms and causes.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Shoulder injuries and disorders.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).