- 19/11/2025
- Dr. Ashwini Gaurav
- 0 Comments
- Joint Pain
Frozen Shoulder: Why It’s More Common in Winter?
When winter arrives, many people start complaining of shoulder stiffness and pain that makes even daily tasks difficult. This condition is popularly known as a frozen shoulder, and it tends to worsen during the cold season. According to Dr. Ashwini Gaurav, an experienced Orthopedic Specialist in Patna with more than 15 years of expertise in joint and bone care, winter weather can significantly aggravate shoulder immobility and discomfort. Understanding the reason of frozen shoulder and its link with low temperatures can help you manage and prevent it effectively.
Dr. Ashwini Gaurav is currently practicing as the Director and Head of the Department of Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgery at Jeevandan Health OPD, Patna. He is a famous Joint Replacement Surgeon in Patna, Bihar, well-known for his advanced techniques in joint replacement and complex orthopedic procedures. He has completed MBBS (Hons) from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Bhagalpur and MS (Orthopaedics) from the renowned Patna Medical College, where he earned a Gold Medal for his outstanding academic performance. A highly academic professional, he has published over 10 research papers in national and international journals.
What is a Frozen Shoulder?
A frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and stiff condition where the shoulder joint capsule thickens and tightens, restricting movement. When patients ask, “What is shoulder frozen?” doctors explain that the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, and the connective tissue around it forms scar tissue, limiting motion. In simple terms, frozen shoulder where is the pain — it’s usually felt deep inside the joint, radiating to the upper arm and neck.
Common Causes and Risk Factors:
There are several shoulder frozen causes that can trigger this painful condition.
- Injury or Surgery – After a shoulder or arm injury, people tend to move the shoulder less, leading to stiffness.
- Medical Conditions – Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular disease increase the risk of frozen shoulder.
- Age and Gender – It is more common among individuals aged 40–60, especially women.
- Prolonged Immobilisation – Wearing a sling for long periods can cause the shoulder to “freeze.”
- These are the primary periarthritis shoulder causes, and being aware of them can help you take preventive steps early.
Why Frozen Shoulder Worsens During Winter?
The winter shoulder pain phenomenon is very real. Cold weather tends to tighten muscles and reduce blood circulation, making the shoulder joint more prone to stiffness.
Here are key reasons why frozen shoulder and treatment discussions spike during winter:
- Reduced Physical Activity – Cold discourages movement, which worsens stiffness.
- Muscle Tightness – Low temperatures cause muscles to contract.
- Inflammation – Cold weather can trigger inflammatory responses.
- That’s why treatment for adhesive capsulitis often becomes more necessary in colder months.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder:
The symptoms of frozen shoulder develop gradually and progress through four distinct stages:
- Freezing Stage: Increasing pain and gradual loss of movement.
- Frozen Stage: Pain may reduce, but stiffness remains.
- Thawing Stage: Mobility starts to improve.
- Recovery Stage: Full movement returns slowly.
Common cold shoulder symptoms include dull aching, shoulder stiffness, and difficulty in reaching overhead or behind your back. Many patients confuse stiff shoulder joint pain with arthritis, but in frozen shoulder, the pain is more constant and limits rotation.
How Cold Weather Affects Shoulder Mobility?
During winter, the muscles and tendons around the shoulder tighten, restricting range of motion. The joint fluid thickens, reducing lubrication. That’s why frozen shoulder exercises and stretches are crucial for maintaining flexibility. Without proper movement, the joint capsule contracts further, worsening the stiff shoulder sensation. Simple shoulder stretching exercises or pendulum stretch can prevent this stiffness from turning into a serious frozen shoulder episode.
Who is More at Risk in Winter?
Some groups are more likely to develop shoulder frozen problems during cold months:
- Diabetic patients
- Post-surgery or post-fracture patients
- Middle-aged women
- People with sedentary lifestyles
- Individuals with thyroid or heart issues
Such people must pay attention to symptoms of cold shoulder and consult an orthopedic expert early for frozen shoulder treatment in Patna before it worsens.
Effective Home Remedies and Self-Care Tips:
If you’re wondering how to treat frozen shoulder at home, here are effective home remedies for frozen shoulder recommended by specialists:
- Warm Compress: Improves circulation and eases stiffness.
- Gentle Massage and Shoulder Pain Relief: Try a frozen shoulder massage or shoulder pain massage with warm oil.
- Stretch Regularly: Perform shoulder stretches for frozen shoulder to maintain mobility.
- Maintain Posture: Avoid slouching or keeping your arm still for long.
- Use Frozen Shoulder Massager or Acupressure Points: Some patients find relief through frozen shoulder acupressure points or massage for frozen shoulder.
These remedies for frozen shoulder can ease symptoms, but medical supervision is still essential for complete recovery.
Medical Treatments and Physiotherapy Options:
Professional frozen shoulder treatment in Patna usually includes a mix of medication, physiotherapy, and, in severe cases, minor procedures.
Common approaches include:
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory frozen shoulder medicine reduces swelling and pain.
- Physiotherapy: Targeted physiotherapy exercises for a frozen shoulder improve joint mobility.
- Exercise Therapy: Frozen shoulder exercises at home such as pendulum exercise shoulder, frozen shoulder stretches, and stretching exercises for a frozen shoulder are part of rehab programs.
- Hydrodilatation or Injections: In some cases, fluid injection helps stretch the joint capsule.
Dr. Ashwini Gaurav recommends a customised combination of rehabilitation exercises for frozen shoulder, shoulder stiffness exercises, and gentle frozen shoulder and massage therapy for lasting relief.
Preventive Measures During the Cold Season:
Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how you can avoid winter shoulder pain and stiffness:
- Perform stretching exercises for frozen shoulder daily.
- Keep your shoulder warm with proper clothing.
- Avoid sitting in one position for long periods.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in Vitamin D and calcium.
- Stay physically active — regular movement prevents the joint from “freezing.”
Following these habits ensures that your shoulders stay healthy even in winter.
When to Consult an Orthopedic Specialist in Patna?
If your shoulder pain lasts more than two weeks, or you feel limited movement despite home care, it’s time to see a professional. Persistent shoulder frozen issues may need medical imaging and expert evaluation.
Early intervention can prevent the condition from reaching advanced stages. For residents of Bihar, Dr. Ashwini Gaurav, a renowned orthopedic specialist in Patna, provides advanced treatment for adhesive capsulitis using minimally invasive and physiotherapy-based approaches.
Why Choose Dr. Ashwini Gaurav:
With a proven track record in orthopaedic and joint replacement care, Dr. Ashwini Gaurav is widely recognised for delivering effective and patient-centric frozen shoulder treatment in Patna. At his clinic, Ortho Patna, patients receive advanced care supported by modern diagnostics, personalised physiotherapy, and structured rehabilitation plans.
Known for his precision, dedication, and compassionate approach, Dr. Gaurav combines medical expertise with individualised guidance to ensure faster recovery and long-term relief. His commitment to excellence and focus on restoring mobility make him one of the most trusted orthopedic specialists in Bihar.
Conclusion:
The frozen shoulder is more than just a seasonal ache; it’s a serious condition that can restrict your daily activities if ignored. As temperatures drop, awareness of what causes a frozen shoulder, its symptoms, and effective home remedies for frozen shoulder becomes essential. Don’t let the cold take control of your mobility — keep your joints warm, stay active, and consult an expert when needed.
If you’re struggling with winter shoulder pain or want professional advice on how to cure frozen shoulder fast, contact Dr. Ashwini Gaurav and visit Ortho Patna Clinic, the trusted Orthopedic Specialist in Patna, for comprehensive care, advanced physiotherapy, and lasting relief.