Reduced Range of Motion in the Shoulder (Frozen Stage)
In this stage, known as the frozen stage, the symptoms of limited shoulder movement gradually worsen over a period of up to 12 months. Although the intensity of pain may decrease, the stiffness in the shoulder becomes more pronounced. Consequently, you will experience greater restrictions in your ability to move your shoulder. Among all the movements, the outward rotation of your arm will be particularly affected. It is crucial not to let the stiffness impede your range of motion, as this can cause the muscles surrounding your shoulder to weaken. Therefore, it is important to engage in regular shoulder exercises, even if they cause some discomfort or stiffness.
The Diminishing of Pain (Thawing Stage)
As the frozen stage gives way to the thawing stage, a new set of symptoms begins to surface. One common condition that can arise during this stage is adhesive capsulitis, which can persist for a significant period of time. Unfortunately, because the symptoms of the thawing stage develop gradually, many individuals tend to disregard them as nothing more than ordinary discomfort. The initial sign of the thawing stage is the gradual fading of pain that you have been experiencing. However, it is important to note that the pain may still linger to some extent and may even resurface at different intervals. Given that the pain is gradually diminishing, there is no immediate urgency to address this symptom. It is simply a matter of allowing the pain to fade until it becomes unnoticeable.