Two percent to five percent of the Dutch population encounter a frozen shoulder in their life. The first signs are the slowly increasing limited mobility in the upper arm. An infection makes the joint capsule enclose the joint, shrivel up and thicken. That’s why the shoulder can’t make, at least not painless, all the movements required. The pain from a frozen shoulder can be nagging and/or stinging. It can be continuously or on and off , especially during the night. The pain is felt on the outer side of the shoulder and often in the upper arm. You are unable to move your arm properly even while assisted by someone. The pain occurs most clearly during activities such as dressing or undressing, reaching in high places and while driving a car.

Cause; In my experience I find that less or no sufficient activity using your upper arm or shoulder, lies at the bottom of this problem. A frozen shoulder for an example may also occur through an injury or after an operation in the shoulder area. The joint capsule may contract because of scar tissue. When for some reason the shoulder has been immobile for a while, a stiff shoulder can also occur. Working a long period of time above your head, upper hand car driving or working at your computer with no arm support or long time using the computer mouse can cause a frozen shoulder as well.