How long does frozen shoulder take to resolve spontaneously?

Patients with periarthritis of the shoulder (frozen shoulder) commonly experience persistent shoulder joint pain in daily life, significantly impairing both daily activities and work performance. How long does it take for periarthritis of the shoulder to resolve spontaneously?

How long does it take for periarthritis of the shoulder to resolve spontaneously?

Periarthritis of the shoulder generally does not resolve spontaneously. If a patient is diagnosed with this condition, functional exercises should be performed to gently stretch the contracted ligaments and joint capsule, thereby restoring normal shoulder flexion and extension.

In cases where periarthritis of the shoulder is severe and prolonged, marked adhesions and contractures of the shoulder ligaments and joint capsule may develop. When this occurs, surgical intervention at a hospital becomes necessary to alleviate symptoms. Thus, while periarthritis of the shoulder cannot be fully “cured” without appropriate treatment, patients can regain functional recovery through lifestyle modifications and complementary therapies such as acupuncture and massage. For patients with very mild, early-stage periarthritis, normal shoulder function may be restored after a period of targeted exercise. However, if proper care and preventive measures are neglected, recurrence remains likely.

Additionally, patients are advised to maintain moderate movement of all joints throughout treatment, avoiding strenuous activities that could cause joint injury. They should also prevent exposure to cold and avoid living in damp environments. For elderly patients, calcium supplementation and bone broth consumption may be beneficial. Heat therapy and massage are also recommended as adjunctive measures for symptom relief. We hope this information is helpful to you!