Your doctor usually can diagnose frozen shoulder after a physical examination and medical history. Since pain is a common symptom of most shoulder problems, other diagnoses including tendinitis, bursitis or rotator cuff tears will need to be ruled out.

Treatment options will focus on restoring your mobility and reducing pain. They may include pain medications and physical therapy to learn simple stretching exercises. You also may benefit from TENS stimulation to help reduce pain.

In some cases there may be ongoing limitations to motion, but you should be able to perform most of your daily activities. Surgery is rarely necessary, but may be beneficial if mobility doesn't sufficiently improve.

• Prepare for your doctor visit with the Symptoms Checklist