NYC Gazette

Frozen shoulder is a condition affecting the joint capsule, according to Gabriella Ode, MD, a sports medicine surgeon at HSS. Dr. Ode explains that the shoulder joint capsule consists of strong ligaments and synovial fluid, which stabilize the upper arm bone within the shoulder socket. In cases of frozen shoulder, this capsule becomes inflamed and thickened, leading to stiffness and pain.

Dr. Ode notes that frozen shoulder can sometimes occur after an injury or surgery that limits joint movement, referred to as "secondary" frozen shoulder by medical professionals. However, in most instances, frozen shoulder develops without any identifiable cause.

Individuals with diabetes or thyroid disease are considered higher-risk groups for developing frozen shoulder. Although the exact reason is unclear, researchers suggest that inflammation from these diseases might contribute to the condition.

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