Podcast Summary
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is far more common in women over 50 than most people realise, and menopause is a big reason why. In this episode, we unpack the link between hormonal change and shoulder health, and what you can actually do about it.
We cover why declining estrogen matters: it reduces collagen, which affects the connective tissue in your shoulder and makes it more prone to stiffening and pain. We walk through the early warning signs, how a diagnosis is confirmed (including when imaging like MRI is useful), and the typical stages a frozen shoulder moves through, from freezing to thawing.
On treatment, we go through the full spectrum, from gentle movement and physiotherapy through to injections and, as a last resort, surgery. The key message: early, consistent, gentle movement matters, and conservative approaches come first. We also talk honestly about the timeline, because recovery can stretch out to two years or more, and how to stay active and motivated when progress feels slow.
If you’re over 50 and dealing with unexplained shoulder stiffness, this one’s worth your time.
Key takeaways:
* Gentle movement early on is critical, don’t let the shoulder go completely still
* Menopause-driven collagen loss makes shoulder tissues more vulnerable
* MRI can confirm the diagnosis when it’s unclear
* Patience matters: recovery can take up to 26 months
* Surgery is a last resort, only after conservative treatment fails
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