Frozen shoulder is most common in adults between 40 and 60, and women are affected more often than men. People with diabetes or thyroid problems also have a higher risk. It can develop after an injury or surgery if the shoulder must stay still for a long time. However, it can affect people outside these groups, and having a risk factor does not mean it will happen.
Which age group is most likely to develop frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, most commonly affects adults between 40 and 60 years old. The condition involves thickening and tightening of the tissue capsule surrounding the shoulder joint, which can cause pain and make arm movement difficult. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this age group is affected most often, and women develop the condition more frequently than men.
Age is a risk factor rather than a rule. Younger adults and people older than 60 can also develop frozen shoulder. Being outside the most commonly affected age group does not completely rule out the condition.
Which medical conditions increase the risk of frozen shoulder?
Some health conditions are associated with a greater likelihood of developing frozen shoulder. The Mayo Clinic identifies diabetes, thyroid conditions, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson's disease among the conditions linked to an increased risk.
Important health-related risk factors include:
- Diabetes: Frozen shoulder is more common in people with diabetes. The exact reason for this association is not fully understood.
- Underactive thyroid: Hypothyroidism is associated with an increased risk.
- Overactive thyroid: Hyperthyroidism is also linked to an increased risk.
- Cardiovascular disease: Heart and blood vessel conditions are among the medical problems associated with frozen shoulder.
- Parkinson's disease: This neurological condition may also increase the likelihood of developing the problem.
These conditions do not mean frozen shoulder is inevitable. They are factors healthcare professionals may consider when assessing persistent shoulder pain and restricted movement.
Can shoulder injuries or surgery make frozen shoulder more likely?
Yes. A period of limited shoulder movement is an important risk factor, particularly when the shoulder needs to remain still while an injury heals. The Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that shoulder immobilization after an injury can contribute to the development of frozen shoulder.
Situations that may limit shoulder movement include:
- Recovery after shoulder surgery.
- A broken arm or another injury that restricts shoulder movement.
- A rotator cuff injury that makes arm movement difficult.
- Recovery after a stroke that affects arm movement.
- Other situations in which the shoulder must remain still for an extended period.
Not everyone who experiences an injury or surgery develops frozen shoulder. The risk depends in part on how much shoulder movement is restricted and the circumstances surrounding recovery.
Does keeping the shoulder still for too long matter?
Reduced movement can contribute to stiffness in the shoulder joint, and prolonged immobilization can increase the risk of frozen shoulder. According to the NHS, the condition may develop when an injury or operation prevents someone from moving their arm normally.
However, the appropriate amount of movement depends on the injury, operation, and stage of healing. After surgery or a fracture, follow the treating professional's instructions about when and how to move the shoulder. Do not remove a sling or begin forceful exercises without appropriate guidance.
Can someone develop frozen shoulder without these risk factors?
Yes. Frozen shoulder can occur in people who do not have diabetes, thyroid disease, a recent injury, or another recognized risk factor. Its exact cause is not always clear, and some people develop the condition without an obvious trigger.
Having several risk factors does not guarantee that someone will develop frozen shoulder, just as having none of the known factors does not make the condition impossible. Risk factors help explain who is more likely to be affected, but they cannot predict an individual's outcome with certainty.
Can the risk be reduced after an injury or operation?
Following an appropriate recovery plan can help reduce the risk associated with prolonged shoulder immobility. The MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia recommends professional evaluation and appropriate care for shoulder pain and stiffness, and its guidance highlights the importance of addressing restricted shoulder movement.
Depending on the injury or procedure, a healthcare professional or physical therapist may recommend suitable range-of-motion exercises when it is safe to begin them. These exercises should match the person's recovery needs; moving a shoulder too forcefully or too early may be inappropriate after certain injuries or operations.
When should shoulder pain or stiffness be checked?
Arrange a medical assessment if shoulder pain or stiffness persists, worsens, interferes with sleep, or makes everyday activities such as dressing and reaching difficult. These experiences can occur with frozen shoulder, but they can also have other causes, including rotator cuff problems and arthritis.
A healthcare professional will consider the person's medical history, previous injuries or operations, the timing of symptoms, and how the shoulder moves during an examination. This helps determine what may be causing the problem and whether further assessment or treatment is needed.
The main takeaway is that adults aged 40 to 60, women, people with diabetes or thyroid disease, and people whose shoulders have been kept still after injury or surgery are among those more likely to develop frozen shoulder. The condition can still affect anyone, so ongoing shoulder pain and restricted movement deserve appropriate attention regardless of a person's risk factors.