• Gradual onset of shoulder pain
• Shoulder stiffness that worsens over time
• Limited range of motion in all directions
• Pain that is often worse at night
• Difficulty reaching overhead, behind the back, or across the body
• Trouble with daily activities such as dressing or grooming

• Deep aching shoulder pain
• Tight or stiff shoulder
• Difficulty moving the arm in any direction
• Pain when reaching overhead or behind the back
• Shoulder feels 'stuck'
• Nighttime discomfort that may interrupt sleep

• Shoulder immobilization after injury or surgery
• Rotator cuff injury
• Shoulder inflammation
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Stroke or Parkinson's disease
• Often develops without a clear cause

• Difficulty raising the arm overhead
• Unable to reach behind your back
• Limited movement even when someone else moves your arm
• Gradually worsening stiffness over several weeks or months
• Pain during everyday activities

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

1. 1Keep the shoulder moving with gentle stretching
2. 2Apply heat before stretching if helpful
3. 3Ice after activity if painful
4. 4Avoid forcing painful movements
5. 5Schedule an evaluation with a healthcare provider or physical therapist

• Sudden severe pain after trauma
• Visible shoulder deformity
• Unable to move the arm after an injury
• Arm numbness or significant weakness
• Fever, redness, or warmth around the shoulder
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing

• Recovery often takes months to over a year
• Perform stretching exercises consistently
• Physical therapy is the primary treatment
• Pain usually improves before motion returns
• Most people recover without surgery
• Stay consistent with home exercises