What are the early signs of frozen shoulder in Chennai IT professionals?

Early signs include night pain and mild difficulty lifting the arm, often dismissed as fatigue or work strain.

Can diabetes cause frozen shoulder without injury?

Yes, diabetes and other conditions like hypothyroidism increase risk as tissues stiffen faster, leading to capsular tightening even without injury.

How long does frozen shoulder recovery take for desk workers?

With consistent physiotherapy and habit changes, desk-related frozen shoulder recovery can take 8-12 weeks.

Home / Health / Frozen Shoulder: The Silent Desk Job Danger

Frozen Shoulder: The Silent Desk Job Danger

3 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Frozen shoulder affects 2-5% of the general population.
Desk workers are at higher risk due to prolonged immobility.
Early symptoms are often subtle and dismissed as fatigue.

Frozen Shoulder: The Silent Desk Job Danger

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, affects an estimated 2-5% of the population, with individuals with diabetes being particularly susceptible. Experts highlight that the condition often begins with subtle, easily overlooked symptoms. Many assume shoulder pain requires a significant injury, but this is incorrect, as it frequently develops quietly, especially among sedentary workers whose routines limit shoulder movement.

The condition often starts subtly, with early signs resembling ordinary tiredness or mild work strain. These can include slight tightness when lifting the arm, difficulty reaching behind the back, or a persistent feeling of heaviness. Desk workers often experience pain when reaching behind their back, difficulty lifting the arm fully, and nighttime discomfort, with a dull tightness building after prolonged computer use.

Management focuses on correcting daily habits, improving posture, and incorporating shoulder mobility breaks. Physiotherapy is a primary treatment, requiring guided mobilization. For desk-related cases, workstation ergonomics are crucial. While desk-related frozen shoulder tends to recover faster with consistent therapy, prompt recognition and intervention are key to preventing progression and achieving a good range of motion.