Can You Get Frozen Shoulder Twice? Understanding Recurrence

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and often frustrating condition that limits mobility in the shoulder joint. Recovery can take months—or even years—and for many patients, the biggest concern after healing is whether the condition might return. So, can you get frozen shoulder twice?

The short answer is yes, it is possible, though not always in the same shoulder. In this article, we’ll explore what frozen shoulder is, how recurrence can happen, ways to reduce your risk of a second episode, and the treatment options available if it does return.

1. What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder develops when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint—the capsule—thickens and tightens. This leads to stiffness, pain, and a reduced range of motion that gradually worsens over time.

Typical symptoms include:

• Gradual onset of pain in the shoulder.

• Increasing stiffness, making everyday activities difficult (such as reaching overhead or behind your back).

• Limited mobility that doesn’t improve with simple stretching or rest.

The condition typically develops in three stages:

1. Freezing stage – Increasing pain and stiffness.

2. Frozen stage – Pain may ease slightly, but stiffness and loss of motion worsen.

3. Thawing stage – Gradual improvement in mobility as the shoulder “unfreezes.”

Each stage can last several months, making recovery a lengthy process.

👉 Learn more about shoulder conditions and treatments with our team of specialists.

2. Can Frozen Shoulder Recur?

So, can you get frozen shoulder twice? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. While it is not guaranteed, some patients do experience recurrence.

Here’s what the research tells us:

• Same shoulder recurrence is uncommon: Once frozen shoulder resolves in one shoulder, it usually does not return in that same joint. However, lingering stiffness may remain if therapy was incomplete.

• Opposite shoulder risk: Studies show that up to 20–30% of patients may develop frozen shoulder in the opposite shoulder at some point in their lifetime.

• Underlying conditions: Patients with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune conditions are more likely to develop frozen shoulder more than once.

The possibility of recurrence underscores the importance of early intervention, guided rehabilitation, and proactive prevention strategies.

3. Preventing a Second Episode

If you’ve experienced frozen shoulder once, you’re probably motivated to avoid going through it again. While not every case can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Tips to help prevent frozen shoulder recurrence:

• Stay active: Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises can keep your shoulder capsule flexible.

• Address injuries promptly: Don’t ignore shoulder pain—early treatment prevents stiffness from setting in.

• Manage underlying conditions: If you have diabetes or thyroid disease, keeping these conditions under control lowers your risk.

• Follow post-surgery protocols: Frozen shoulder sometimes develops after shoulder surgery or immobilization. Consistently following your rehab plan reduces this risk.

• Regular check-ins: A follow-up with a hand and shoulder specialist ensures you’re progressing well and maintaining mobility.

4. Treatment Options if Frozen Shoulder Returns

Even if frozen shoulder does recur, the good news is that several treatment options can help restore comfort and mobility.

Conservative treatments:

• Physical therapy: Gentle stretching, strengthening, and mobility exercises are the foundation of recovery.

• Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter or prescribed options can help manage pain and swelling.

• Corticosteroid injections: These may reduce inflammation and improve range of motion.

Advanced treatments:

• Hydrodilatation: A procedure where fluid is injected into the joint capsule to stretch it and improve mobility.

• Surgical options: In severe or long-lasting cases, minimally invasive surgery may be performed to release the tight capsule.

Recovery timelines vary, but with the right approach, most patients regain significant function and return to their normal activities.

👉 Explore our article on frozen shoulder care and treatment for more guidance.

Final Thoughts

So, can you get frozen shoulder twice? Yes—it is possible, especially in the opposite shoulder or if you have underlying risk factors. But the right preventive steps, along with prompt treatment when symptoms appear, can greatly reduce your chances of a recurrence.

If you’re concerned about frozen shoulder or experiencing new shoulder stiffness, the specialists at the Hand & Shoulder Center are here to help. With expertise in advanced shoulder care, we’ll provide the guidance and treatment you need to keep your shoulders healthy and mobile.

Reference

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – Frozen Shoulder