Frozen Shoulder Symptoms
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) has a very recognisable pattern of symptoms — but they don’t always appear all at once. Most people experience a combination of deep persistent pain, sharp pain with overstretching and a progressive loss of movement that feels very different from other shoulder problems.
This page helps you understand the symptoms, how they evolve, and what separates frozen shoulder from rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, and other common causes of shoulder pain.
For personalised assessment and treatment, book an appointment at Perth Shoulder Physio — frozen shoulder is one of our core areas of expertise.
The Three Hallmark Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
1. Deep, Constant Shoulder Pain
- Usually felt deep inside the shoulder joint
- Often worse at night
- Can radiate down the upper arm
- Not necessarily linked to movement — it can ache even at rest
People often describe it as a “toothache in the shoulder” or a deep burn that never switches off.
2. Severe Loss of Shoulder Movement (Stiffness)
This stiffness is not just soreness — it is a true mechanical block caused by tightening of the joint capsule.
Most limited movements:
- Reaching behind your back
- Reaching overhead
- Reaching out to the side
- Rotating the arm outward
It’s common for both active and passive movement to be equally restricted.
3. Painful Sleep Disturbance
Night pain is one of the most frustrating symptoms of frozen shoulder.
- Turning in bed wakes you
- Lying on the shoulder may feel impossible
- Pain may worsen at 2–4am
Many patients say lack of sleep becomes one of the hardest parts of the condition.
How Symptoms Change Across the Stages
Frozen shoulder symptoms evolve through three stages.
Understanding these differences helps you build realistic expectations.
Stage 1: Pain-Dominant (“Freezing Stage”)
- Severe, constant shoulder pain
- Sharp pain with sudden movements
- Increasing stiffness
- At its worst at night
- Significant impact on sleep and daily tasks.
Movement becomes progressively more difficult.
Stage 2: Stiffness-Dominant (“Frozen Stage”)
- Pain starts to settle
- Stiffness becomes the main limitation
- Range of motion is significantly restricted
- Sharp pain may still occur at end range
Daily tasks feel physically blocked, not just uncomfortable.
Stage 3: Recovery (“Thawing Stage”)
- Pain continues improving
- Movement starts to return slowly
- Function gradually improves
- Symptoms fluctuate but trend upward
Recovery is gradual — often over many months.
Learn more about the three frozen shoulder stages here.
Symptoms That Suggest It Isn’t Frozen Shoulder
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms match frozen shoulder, these signs usually point to a different diagnosis:
Symptoms NOT typical of frozen shoulder:
- Pain that improves with rest and returns only with movement (often rotator cuff)
- Weakness without pain
- Numbness or tingling down the arm
- Sudden onset after a specific injury (likelier tear or acute bursitis)
- Good passive movement despite limited active movement
If you have any of these, it’s still worth being assessed — misdiagnosis is extremely common.
How Severe Can Frozen Shoulder Symptoms Get?
Severity varies, but many people experience:
- Pain levels 7–9/10 during the early stage
- Up to 50–70% movement loss in the frozen stage
- Difficulty dressing, driving, and sleeping
- Significant impact on work, gym, and daily function
The good news: frozen shoulder treatment is available, and with the right management, symptoms improve — even in severe cases.
Frozen Shoulder Self-Care Guide
For a deeper, step-by-step recovery plan — including exercises, pain management strategies, sleep tips, timelines, and stage-specific advice — explore our full Frozen Shoulder Treatment Guide.
When to See a Shoulder Physiotherapist
You should seek assessment if you notice:
- Increasing pain without a clear cause
- Difficulty sleeping due to shoulder pain
- Rapidly decreasing shoulder movement
- Pain lasting more than 2–3 weeks
- Conflicting diagnoses or advice
A physiotherapist experienced in frozen shoulder can:
- Accurately diagnose your stage
- Provide pain relief strategies
- Ensure you’re doing the right frozen shoulder exercises at the right time
- Prevent worsening stiffness
- Guide you through recovery
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are related to frozen shoulder, we can help.
Book an appointment with Perth Shoulder Physio
Frozen shoulder diagnosis and treatment in Perth.