Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, is a distinct clinical condition, with main characteristics of sudden or gradual chronic pain in the shoulder and limitation of all movements of the joint, both active and passive, in all directions, without particularly pathological findings in the x-rays of the shoulder.

Acute stage:

There is sudden night pain. The mobility of the shoulder joint is limited and particularly painful.

Subacute stage: Pain subsides slightly, mobility remains limited, periarticular muscles atrophy, and there is permanent stiffness. All movements of the upper limb are performed exclusively by the scapula.