Frozen shoulder affects about 2% to 5% of the general population, with higher rates among menopausal women. According to a recent article in The Post, changes in estrogen can affect the function & quality of connective tissue, which results in increased stiffness and reduced flexibility (Dr. Saleh, South Shore University Hospital).

What are the three stages of frozen shoulder, according to Dr. Saleh:

• Freezing stage: A gradual increase in pain and a slow loss of range of motion. This stage can last six weeks to nine months.

• Frozen stage: The pain starts to wane, but stiffness increases due to the tightness, affecting daily activities. This stage typically lasts four to six months.

• Thawing stage: Motion improves and pain continues to ease. Full recovery can take six months to two years.

What are the treatment options?

Physical therapy is the primary treatment for restoring mobility.

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Find out more: 

What is frozen shoulder? Inside the weird menopause symptom

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