Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful. The pain can be severe and may restrict one’s range of motion.

A frozen shoulder occurs when the synovial fluid in the joint becomes thickened, reducing your ability to move your arm. The condition is caused by the inflammation of the ligaments that help keep your shoulder stable. It’s also called adhesive capsulitis or acromioclavicular joint contracture.

The main symptom of a frozen shoulder is pain, which worsens when you use your arm, but can decrease with rest. Other symptoms are limited movement in all directions, including upward rotation and abduction of the arm, as well as down-ward rotation and adduction of the arm.