CONDITION - Shoulder Stiffness

Other names for shoulder stiffness include adhesive capsulitis and frozen shoulder. Shoulder stiffness can be due to many problems. Sometimes the shoulder can become stiff simply because it hurts to move the shoulder, so you don't, then scar tissue builds up. Other times, the shoulder can get stiff for no apparent reason at all.

These are some of the common causes of shoulder stiffness:

• Rotator cuff problems
—Either a rotator cuff tear or tendonitis causes pain and/or weakness, which then results in a frozen shoulder.
• Diabetes
—Sometimes, diabetics will get a frozen shoulder for no apparent reason.
• Shoulder arthritis
—Because arthritis destroys part of the joint, the shoulder gets more and more difficult to move.
• Prior surgery—
Stiffness can be a result of prior surgery. Whenever surgery is performed, scar tissue can form, and in the shoulder, this can limit motion.
• Idiopathic—
Sometimes shoulder stiffness happens for no apparent reason. When doctors can't figure out why a problem happens, they call it idiopathic.