Frozen shoulder usually occurs after a person injures the shoulder and does not move it for a period of time because of pain.

What is going on in the body?

When the shoulder is immobilized by pain, physical changes take place within the shoulder joint. Adhesions, or abnormal bands of tissue, grow between the bones of the shoulder joint and severely limit movement. In addition, the normal synovial fluid found in the shoulder joint begins to disappear, causing further pain and restricted motion.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

This condition can occur after an injury to the shoulder, chest, or head. Any injury that prevents normal shoulder or arm movement may result in a frozen shoulder. Other risks for frozen shoulder include:

Frozen shoulder is most common in middle-aged women or people who have depression.