Menopause & Frozen Shoulder: Know the Four Stages – Beauty Cooks Kisses

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) doesn’t just appear overnight; it typically progresses through four distinct stages, each with its own characteristics and timeline. As discussed in a previous post, women are indeed more susceptible to frozen shoulder, particularly around the time of menopause, and this may be linked to declining estrogen levels. Therefore, understanding these stages can help you recognize what’s happening in your body and better navigate and manage the recovery process.

How Menopause May Influence the Four Stages of Frozen Shoulder

Discover how menopause could potentially affect the progression through the four stages of frozen shoulder.

Stage One: Freezing Stage (Painful Stage) – The First of the Four Stages

The first sign of frozen shoulder is usually a gradual onset of pain in your shoulder. This pain can often be quite severe, even at rest, and can tend to worsen with movement. Many people find that the pain is particularly worse at night, disrupting sleep. As the pain intensifies, you’ll likely start to notice a subtle but increasing stiffness in your shoulder joint. Reaching overhead, behind your back, or across your body may become increasingly difficult. This “freezing” stage (the first of the four stages) can last anywhere from two to nine months, and the primary characteristic is the increasing pain that limits your range of motion.

Stage Two: Frozen Stage (Adhesive Stage) – Navigating the Second of the Four Stages

As you move into the second stage, the pain may actually start to lessen somewhat, but the stiffness becomes significantly more pronounced. Your shoulder will feel noticeably restricted, and you’ll likely have a limited range of motion in all directions. Simple everyday activities, like getting dressed, brushing your hair, or reaching for objects on a shelf, can become challenging and require different movements from other parts of your body to deal with it. While the intense pain of the first stage might subside, a dull ache may still be present, especially when you try to push your shoulder beyond its current limits. This “frozen” or “adhesive” stage (the second of the four stages) can last for a more extended period, typically four to twelve months. The hallmark here is significant stiffness despite potentially reduced pain.

Stage Three: Thawing Stage (Recovery Stage) – The Third Stage of the Four

The good news is that frozen shoulder eventually begins to resolve on its own in the “thawing” or “recovery” stage. During this phase, you’ll gradually start to regain the range of motion in your shoulder. The stiffness will slowly ease, and movements that were once difficult will become more manageable. The pace of recovery varies from person to person, and it can be a slow process. You might experience periods of improvement followed by plateaus, but the overall trend will be toward increased mobility and reduced stiffness. This “thawing” stage (the third of the four stages) can be the longest, often lasting anywhere from five to twenty-four months. Patience and continued gentle movement are key during this time.

Stage Four: Post-Thaw Stage – The Final of the Four Stages

In the final “post-thaw” stage, most people experience a considerable return of function and range of motion in their affected shoulder. While some individuals may regain full, prefrozen shoulder mobility, others might experience some remaining stiffness or minor limitations. It’s important to continue with gentle exercises and stretches for that shoulder even in this stage (the final of the four stages) to maintain the progress you’ve made and prevent recurrence. The duration of this stage can vary, and for some, it can essentially mark a return to normal shoulder function.

The Four Stages of Frozen Shoulder: What This Means for Women in Menopause

Having explored the evolving research, where earlier studies suggested a limited connection between menopause and frozen shoulder, while more recent findings point toward a significant role for hormonal changes, particularly the decline of estrogen, it’s natural to wonder how this information impacts women navigating the menopausal transition. While menopause may not be a direct cause of frozen shoulder, the evidence suggests that the hormonal shifts can create a biological environment that increases susceptibility to inflammation and stiffness in the shoulder joint. This means that if you’re experiencing the symptoms of frozen shoulder around the time of perimenopause or menopause, the hormonal changes your body is undergoing could be a contributing factor.

Furthermore, understanding the four stages of frozen shoulder in the context of menopause can be particularly helpful. The potential for increased inflammation due to lower estrogen levels might influence the intensity or duration of the “freezing” (painful) stage. Similarly, hormonal changes could potentially affect the tissues in the “frozen” (adhesive) stage, impacting the degree of stiffness experienced within those four stages. While the “thawing” stage is generally a natural recovery process, recognizing the potential hormonal influence might encourage women to be proactive with gentle exercises and seek appropriate support to aid their recovery through all four stages.

It’s crucial to remember that every woman’s experience with menopause and frozen shoulder is unique. While research suggests a potential link, it doesn’t mean that every woman will experience frozen shoulder once hitting menopause. On the same note, it also doesn’t mean that every case of frozen shoulder in this age group is solely due to hormonal changes. Other factors, such as injury, overuse, and underlying medical conditions, can also play a role. However, acknowledging the potential hormonal influence can empower women to have more informed conversations with their healthcare providers about their shoulder pain and explore all possible contributing factors throughout the four stages of this condition.