How Long Does a Frozen Shoulder Last?

If you’ve been told you have a frozen shoulder, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is, “How long is this going to last?” It’s a fair question; living with a stiff, painful shoulder can be incredibly frustrating, especially when simple movements like reaching for a seatbelt, getting dressed, or sleeping comfortably become a challenge.

The truth is, frozen shoulder doesn’t improve overnight. It’s a condition that runs its course over time, but exactly how long that takes can vary from person to person.

Contents:

• The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder

• Recovery Time: What's Typical?

• What Affects How Long It Lasts

• Final Thoughts

• Shoulder Pain Questionnaire

The Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder usually progresses in three distinct stages, each with its own timeline:

1. The Freezing Stage (2 to 9 months)

At first, the pain is usually what dominates patients the most, with sharp, nagging pain that is often worse at night, making sleep difficult.

2. The Frozen Stage (4 to 12 months)

As the pain gradually settles, stiffness takes over, and people often describe their shoulder as feeling “blocked” or “stuck”, no matter how hard they try to move it.

3. The Thawing Stage (5 to 24 months)

The final stage is the most encouraging. Patients see that movement starts to return, and everyday activities like reaching overhead, fastening a bra strap, or putting on a coat become easier again.

While each stage has its challenges, understanding where you are in the journey can help guide your treatment and set realistic expectations for recovery.

Recovery Time: What’s Typical?

For most patients I see at my private clinics in Dorset, a frozen shoulder tends to last between 1 and 3 years. Some recover as quickly as 12 months, while others may take up to 42 months (about three and a half years). It completely depends on the individual.

When left entirely to its own devices, a frozen shoulder can take two years or more to resolve. However, with an initial consultation and the right treatment plan that includes non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy or steroid injections, recovery can often be quicker and symptoms more manageable and help patients get back to doing what they love most.

It’s also worth knowing that while pain usually settles with time, some people may experience a degree of stiffness even after recovery.

What Affects How Long It Lasts?

There are several reasons why frozen shoulder can last longer for some people than for others. One of the most important factors is underlying health conditions. People with diabetes, thyroid problems, or certain other medical issues are more likely to experience a slower recovery.

In fact, frozen shoulder is known to be more common and sometimes more severe in people with diabetes, making the condition trickier to manage and often more resistant to treatment.

Another key factor is the timing of treatment. If frozen shoulder is diagnosed early and managed with targeted physiotherapy, the shoulder can often be kept moving enough to prevent severe stiffness.

This doesn’t always shorten the entire course of the condition, but it can make the symptoms more manageable and reduce the impact on everyday life. In some cases, treatments such as steroid injections may also help to reduce pain and allow physiotherapy to be more effective.

Finally, it’s important to remember that there’s a lot of individual variation. Everyone’s shoulder responds differently, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all timeline. Some people see steady progress, while for others the condition can seem to improve very slowly with occasional setbacks along the way. Age, general health, and even activity levels all play a role in how quickly (or slowly) the shoulder moves through the stages of recovery.

Final Thoughts

So, how long does a frozen shoulder last? On average, you’re looking at 1 to 3 years, which may sound like a long time, but the journey is different for everyone. The good news is that with the right support, timing, and treatment plan, it is possible to manage the pain, improve mobility, and get your shoulder moving again.

If you’re struggling with stiffness or pain that feels like it’s not shifting, it’s worth getting your shoulder assessed. Understanding what stage you’re in is the first step to finding the right treatment and making sure your recovery is as smooth as possible.

Why not start your journey by completing my online Score Your Shoulder questionnaire? I'll be able to review and respond to your results and advice on the best way forward.

Feel free to contact my friendly team and book an initial consultation to discuss your shoulder pain.