If you’ve been struggling with a stiff, painful shoulder that won’t budge — and you also live with diabetes — you might be dealing with something called frozen shoulder.

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is far more common in people with diabetes, especially those over 40. At Thrive Body Clinic, we see this condition regularly — and while it can be frustrating and slow to resolve, the good news is: there’s help available.

In this blog, we explain what frozen shoulder is, why it’s linked to diabetes, how to spot it early, and how osteopathy can support your recovery.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition where the connective tissue surrounding your shoulder joint (the capsule) becomes inflamed and tight, gradually leading to pain, stiffness, and severely reduced movement.

It usually follows a clear pattern, with symptoms developing slowly over time.

The 3 Stages of Frozen Shoulder:

1. Freezing Stage (2–9 months):
   Pain gradually increases, especially at night. Movement starts to become limited.
2. Frozen Stage (4–12 months):
   Pain may ease slightly, but stiffness is at its worst. Daily tasks like dressing, reaching, or lifting become very difficult.
3. Thawing Stage (5–24 months):
   Gradual return of movement and function over time — although full recovery can take 1–2 years or more.

Why Is Frozen Shoulder More Common in People with Diabetes?

Studies show that people with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop frozen shoulder than the general population — and it’s more likely to affect both shoulders over time.

The exact reason isn’t fully understood, but likely involves:

• Changes in collagen and connective tissue linked to high blood sugar levels
• Low-grade inflammation that affects soft tissues
• Circulatory issues which may impair healing
• An increased tendency toward joint stiffness and limited mobility

If you also have thyroid issues, which are more common in people with diabetes, your risk may be even higher.

Early Signs to Watch For

The earlier you spot frozen shoulder, the easier it is to manage. Look out for:

✅ Pain in the front or outer part of your shoulder
✅ Night pain, especially when lying on the affected side
✅ Difficulty reaching overhead or behind your back
✅ Gradually worsening stiffness over weeks or months
✅ No recent injury or strain to explain the pain

If this sounds familiar, it’s worth speaking to your GP or booking in with your osteopath — getting support early can make a big difference to your recovery.

What Can You Do About It?

Frozen shoulder won’t go away overnight, but there are several things that can help you manage pain, protect your movement, and feel more in control.

🩺 See Your GP

They may refer you to physiotherapy, discuss pain relief, or consider corticosteroid injections if inflammation is high.

🦴 See Your Osteopath

Osteopathic treatment can play a valuable role, especially in the frozen and thawing stages, by helping improve joint mobility and reduce surrounding tension.

How Osteopathy Can Help

At Thrive Body Clinic, we’ve supported many people through the long journey of frozen shoulder. Our treatment is gentle, safe, and adapted to your stage of recovery.

Here’s how we help:

✅ Gentle Joint Mobilisation

We use safe, controlled movements to encourage shoulder mobility and prevent further stiffness — always within your pain limits.

✅ Soft Tissue Release

Tightness in the surrounding muscles (especially the neck, upper back, and chest) can worsen pain and restrict movement. We work to ease these tensions gently.

✅ Lymphatic Drainage

Supporting lymph flow in the shoulder area can help reduce inflammation and improve fluid movement — especially useful during the early and middle stages.

✅ Postural Support

When one shoulder isn’t moving well, the rest of your body compensates. We help correct posture and movement patterns to reduce strain elsewhere.

✅ Home Advice

We’ll guide you through gentle, stage-appropriate exercises and show you how to protect your shoulder while it heals — including when to move it, and when to rest it.

Hope for Recovery

Frozen shoulder can feel incredibly frustrating — especially if it stops you dressing, sleeping comfortably, or enjoying hobbies you love.

The key is patience, the right support, and consistent care. Most people do recover, even if it takes time — and with the right approach, you can reduce the impact it has on your daily life.

Osteopathy won’t fix it overnight, but it can make the journey smoother, less painful, and more empowering.

Final Thoughts

If you’re living with diabetes and have developed shoulder pain or stiffness, don’t ignore it. Frozen shoulder is common, treatable, and something we can help with.

At Thrive Body Clinic, we’re here to support your recovery — with hands-on care, clear advice, and treatment that respects where your body’s at.

📆 Coming next in our diabetes blog series:
“Living Well with Diabetes: Movement, Stress, and Whole-Body Health”