Frozen Shoulder & Menopause: What’s the Connection?

If you’re a woman in your 40s or 50s and you’ve suddenly developed pain and stiffness in your shoulder—often for no clear reason—you’re not alone. Many women going through perimenopause or menopause experience a frustrating condition called frozen shoulder, and hormone changes may be a key part of the puzzle.

Let’s unpack what frozen shoulder is, how it’s linked to menopause, and how physiotherapy can help you recover and regain control.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the capsule of the shoulder joint becomes thickened, tight, and inflamed. This leads to:

  • Gradual loss of shoulder movement
  • Persistent stiffness and pain
  • Difficulty sleeping or doing everyday tasks like dressing or reaching overhead

It typically develops in stages and can last 12 to 24 months without treatment.

Why Does It Happen?

While it can result from trauma, surgery, or prolonged immobility, in many cases, frozen shoulder seems to appear out of nowhere. Interestingly, one of the most overlooked risk factors is hormonal change—particularly the changes that happen during perimenopause and menopause.

The Menopause Link

Research has shown that women—especially those aged between 40 and 60—are up to four times more likely than men to develop frozen shoulder. Why?

The answer lies in the hormonal shifts that occur during menopause:

  • Declining oestrogen levels can affect the collagen and connective tissue in joints, making them less flexible and more prone to inflammation.
  • Menopause is also associated with changes in pain sensitivity, circulation, and healing capacity, all of which can contribute to the onset and persistence of frozen shoulder.
  • Some women also experience an autoimmune-like response, where the body’s inflammatory processes become more active, potentially triggering joint capsule inflammation.

Symptoms to Watch For

If you’re in midlife and experiencing:

  • Shoulder pain that gradually worsens
  • A “stuck” feeling when trying to move your arm
  • Trouble sleeping on the affected side
  • Difficulty with bras, clothing, or reaching into cupboards

…it could be frozen shoulder.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

The good news is that you don’t have to wait it out. Physiotherapy plays a critical role in managing frozen shoulder, especially when started early. At Head2Toe Solutions, we combine manual therapy, gentle stretching, targeted strengthening, and education to support you through each stage of the condition.

Our holistic approach also considers other contributing factors like hormonal changes, stress, sleep, and overall joint health.

Need Menopause-Specific Support?

If you’re going through menopause and dealing with unexplained joint or muscle pain—including frozen shoulder—you may benefit from more than just physio. Our menopause specialist pharmacist can help identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide you through lifestyle or treatment options to support healing.

Final Thoughts

Frozen shoulder can feel overwhelming, but you’re not stuck with it forever—and you’re certainly not alone. If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and experiencing shoulder pain or stiffness, don’t ignore it or chalk it up to “just getting older.”

With the right support, recovery is possible.

👉 Book an appointment with our physio to start your recovery today.