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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • December 21, 2020
What are the Phases of Frozen Shoulder?

Imagine a gradual onset of pain in your shoulder. You find it difficult to move or lift your arm without discomfort radiating throughout the joint. Over time, this restricted motion worsens, and eventually, you find it nearly impossible to move the shoulder at all. If this has ever happened to you, then you are all too familiar with the condition known as frozen shoulder.

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the connective tissues surrounding the bones, ligaments and tendons of the shoulder become increasingly inflamed. The root source of this inflammation is still largely unknown, and the process of frozen shoulder can take up to three years to fully resolve without intervention. Along that path, there are three distinct phases which characterize the condition.


Frozen Shoulder Phase 1: Freezing

The initial onset of symptoms occurs during the freezing phase. This phase is the most painful of the three, hallmarked by intense discomfort more so than restricted motion. Because of this, it is sometimes mistakenly diagnosed as an issue with the rotator cuff. The phase can last up to 6 months, and by the end, mobility of the shoulder joint will also be affected.


Frozen Shoulder Phase 2: Frozen

While the good news is that pain typically subsides during the second phase of frozen shoulder, the bad news is that range of motion becomes drastically limited. Stiffening becomes so severe that not only can the patient not move the shoulder but it can be difficult for the physician to manipulate as well. This restriction can greatly limit arm function and ability to complete routine tasks. While there are steps that can be taken to help ease inflammation and improve motion, most patients will remain in this phase for anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months.


Frozen Shoulder Phase 3: Thawing

During the final phase of frozen shoulder, symptoms begin to gradually improve. Any remaining pain begins to subside and inflammation slowly decreases, allowing the patient to once again experience a normal range of motion. However, this phase also lasts the longest. It can take some patients up to 2 years to fully regain their mobility once the thawing stage has begun.

Frozen shoulder can be a frustrating, painful, and debilitating condition. While patience and time are a necessity to overcome adhesive capsulitis, there are also steps that an orthopedic physician can take to help progress healing, improve comfort, and shorten the process. Medication, injections, and physical therapy are often incorporated in a treatment plan. More severe cases can require more invasive interventions such as closed manipulation or arthroscopic management. If you are suffering from the signs and symptoms of frozen shoulder, contact Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, and learn how our team of specialists can help.



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The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

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By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • February 11, 2025
Damage to the meniscus, which serves as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones, can cause severe pain and impair movement.
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Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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