How long does it take for frozen shoulder to heal?

　　In daily life, periarthritis of the shoulder (also known as “frozen shoulder”) may develop due to inattention—often resulting from prolonged fatigue or exposure to cold. In short, recovery from periarthritis of the shoulder requires substantial personal effort; it cannot simply be cured with medications or surgical interventions alone. Therefore, we should protect our shoulders in daily life—for example, by covering them with blankets while sleeping to prevent cold exposure. But how long does it take for periarthritis of the shoulder to resolve?

　　How Long Does It Take for Periarthritis of the Shoulder to Resolve?

　　Generally, noticeable improvement in periarthritis of the shoulder occurs within approximately three months. Currently, the natural self-healing period for this condition is also considered to be around three months. If symptoms persist or worsen beyond this timeframe, timely medical intervention should be sought. Current treatment strategies primarily include topical therapies (e.g., medicated plasters), needle-knife release, silver-needle release, oral medications to improve microcirculation, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief. These are combined with targeted shoulder functional exercises to promote rehabilitation, along with attention to shoulder warmth and prevention of cold exposure. During treatment, patients should avoid spicy and irritating foods, maintain a balanced work–rest schedule, and avoid excessive pressure on the shoulder to prevent secondary injury.

　　Some cases of periarthritis of the shoulder resolve spontaneously, whereas others require therapeutic intervention for improvement. A hallmark of periarthritis is pain and joint stiffness—hence its alternative name, “frozen shoulder.” Most patients achieve full recovery within 1–2 years, progressing through three distinct phases: (1) the painful phase, (2) the stiffening (or freezing) phase, and (3) the recovery (or thawing) phase. Over half of patients regain normal function after more than one year; however, some individuals continue to experience limited range of motion. When mobility is significantly restricted, arthroscopic surgery may be performed to release adhesions and restore joint function. Another potential cause of shoulder pain resembling periarthritis is an intra-articular rotator cuff tendon tear, which typically does not heal spontaneously and may result in long-term functional impairment.

　　Patients are advised to maintain a balanced diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, quit smoking and alcohol, and engage regularly in outdoor physical activity—all of which contribute positively to both physical and mental health. We hope this information proves helpful.