It often starts quietly and seems to come out of nowhere. What begins as a nagging shoulder ache can gradually progress into persistent pain, stiffness and loss of motion. Many women brush it off, but Memorial Health System orthopedic surgeon Dr. Arthur Black says these are often the first signs of a condition that disproportionately affects middle-aged women, commonly referred to as frozen shoulder.
“One of the earliest things many women notice is difficulty unclasping a bra strap or reaching up the back,” Dr. Black explains. “They also commonly complain of pain at night, pain with movement and eventually discomfort that can become almost constant.”
WHAT’S REALLY HAPPENING
Frozen shoulder isn’t just stiffness; it’s inflammation, and it’s estimated to affect women roughly three to four times more commonly than men.
“I often describe it almost like a bloodshot eye inside the shoulder. The tissues become red, thickened, inflamed and irritated,” Dr. Black explains. That inflammation triggers a cascade: deep, unrelenting pain, followed by progressive stiffness and a loss of motion. Rotational movements, the ones women rely on for everyday tasks, become the hardest.
“We believe there is likely a hormonal and endocrine component because frozen shoulder is associated with conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, though the exact cause isn’t fully understood.”
WHY SO MANY WOMEN ARE MISDIAGNOSED
“One of the biggest issues with frozen shoulder is that it is very commonly misdiagnosed early on,” Dr. Black says. “Physical therapy alone often does not solve the problem and can lead to frustration because there are usually other components of treatment required.”
He emphasizes that women should seek medical attention when they develop “persistent pain and stiffness lasting more than several weeks.”
RESTORING HOPE
Frozen shoulder often resolves on its own eventually, according to Dr. Black, “but the process can take up to two years.
“The shoulder often goes through phases where it starts out inflamed and very painful, then progressively becomes frozen and stiff, and eventually begins to thaw and loosen again,” he says. “With my treatment protocol, though, the vast majority of cases — about 90% — get resolution within six months.”
His treatment typically includes intra articular cortisone injection to calm inflammation and decrease pain, then moves into supervised physical therapy to restore mobility safely and an at-home stretching program to maintain progress.
“Surgery is rarely required, and once frozen shoulder resolves, it almost never returns in the same shoulder.”
If you’re struggling with persistent shoulder pain or stiffness, don’t wait. Frozen shoulder is treatable, and early intervention can make all the difference.
Dr. Arthur Black has been practicing for more than three decades and performs 200 shoulder surgeries annually. To learn more, call (228) 575-2636 or visit wearememorial.com.