What Causes Shoulder Periarthritis?

Chronic overuse injury is the most common cause of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Prolonged physical labor inevitably involves frequent use of the shoulders. In particular, the soft tissues surrounding the glenohumeral joint are relatively weak and thus prone to overuse injuries. When such an injury occurs, the surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia may become congested and exudative, leading to aseptic inflammation of the periaricular tissues—ultimately resulting in restricted shoulder joint mobility. Occasionally, even minor strains that are not promptly or adequately treated can accumulate over time and eventually progress to adhesive capsulitis.

As we age, physiological functions throughout the body gradually decline. Combined with prolonged physical inactivity, this significantly increases the risk of developing adhesive capsulitis in later life. Moreover, adhesive capsulitis occurs more frequently during winter and spring, suggesting a close association between ambient temperature fluctuations and disease onset. Cold exposure to the shoulder joint can slow local blood flow and induce muscular spasm in the surrounding tissues, thereby causing pain and limiting joint mobility. Additionally, certain systemic diseases are linked to the development of adhesive capsulitis. For example, disorders affecting the heart, lungs, or biliary tract may produce referred pain to the shoulder region. If these underlying conditions remain untreated for extended periods, the shoulder musculature may persistently remain in a state of spasm and ischemia—eventually evolving into adhesive capsulitis.