Locked Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, What to Do, and Prevention

How Do You Get a Locked Shoulder?

A "locked shoulder" is not a condition one intentionally acquires, but rather a distressing symptom or medical condition characterized by a sudden, involuntary, and often painful inability to move the shoulder joint freely. It typically signifies an underlying injury, inflammation, or degenerative process within the complex shoulder anatomy.

Understanding "Locked Shoulder"

From an exercise science and kinesiology perspective, the term "locked shoulder" refers to a significant restriction in the glenohumeral joint's range of motion, often accompanied by pain. This limitation can be mechanical (something physically blocking movement) or neurological (pain inhibition causing guarding). Unlike a temporary muscle cramp, a truly "locked" shoulder implies a more severe issue where the joint feels stuck, making even passive movement difficult or impossible without intense discomfort. Understanding the causes is crucial for proper management and rehabilitation.

Common Causes of a Locked Shoulder

Several conditions can lead to the sensation or reality of a "locked shoulder," each affecting the joint's intricate network of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage differently.

• Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) This is perhaps the most common condition referred to as a "locked shoulder." It involves inflammation and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule, leading to severe stiffness and pain. It progresses through distinct stages:

  • Freezing Stage: Gradual onset of pain, with increasing loss of motion.
  • Frozen Stage: Pain may decrease, but stiffness remains severe.
  • Thawing Stage: Gradual return of motion. It can be primary (idiopathic, no clear cause) or secondary (following trauma, surgery, or other medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues).

• Shoulder Dislocation or Subluxation A dislocation occurs when the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) completely separates from the glenoid fossa (socket) of the scapula (shoulder blade). A subluxation is a partial dislocation where the bone partially comes out of the socket. Both are acutely painful and render the shoulder immobile or "locked" in an unnatural position until reduced (put back into place).

• Rotator Cuff Injuries The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder and enable a wide range of motion. Tears (partial or complete) or severe tendinitis (inflammation) can cause intense pain, weakness, and guarding, making it feel as though the shoulder is locked, particularly during specific movements.

• Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease) As the cartilage cushioning the bones in the shoulder joint wears down, bone-on-bone friction can occur. This leads to pain, stiffness, and the development of bone spurs (osteophytes) that can physically impede joint movement, creating a "locked" sensation.

• Bursitis or Tendinitis Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints) or tendons around the shoulder can cause significant pain and swelling. The body's natural response to this inflammation is often to guard the joint, limiting movement and making it feel stiff or locked.

• Labral Tears The labrum is a rim of cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket, providing stability. Tears to the labrum (e.g., SLAP tears, Bankart lesions) can cause pain, clicking, catching, and a sensation of the shoulder locking or giving way due, often due to a piece of torn cartilage getting caught in the joint.

• Fractures A break in any of the bones forming the shoulder joint (humerus, scapula, or clavicle) can lead to severe pain, swelling, and an inability to move the arm, effectively locking the shoulder due to instability and pain.

Symptoms Accompanying a Locked Shoulder

Beyond the primary sensation of being "stuck," a locked shoulder is usually accompanied by a range of other symptoms:

• Severe Pain: Often sharp, throbbing, or aching, which can worsen with attempted movement.
• Restricted Range of Motion: Inability to actively or passively move the arm through its normal arcs.
• Stiffness: A feeling of tightness or rigidity in the joint.
• Weakness: Difficulty lifting or moving the arm, even if the pain subsides slightly.
• Popping, Clicking, or Grinding Sounds: Especially if mechanical catching is involved.
• Swelling and Bruising: Indicative of acute injury or inflammation.
• Visible Deformity: In cases of dislocation or severe fracture.

What to Do If Your Shoulder Locks

If you experience a locked shoulder, immediate and appropriate action is crucial to prevent further injury and manage pain:

• Do Not Force Movement: Attempting to forcefully move a locked shoulder can exacerbate the injury.
• Rest: Immobilize the arm as much as possible. A sling can provide support and prevent accidental movement.
• Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce pain and swelling.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and inflammation.
• Seek Medical Attention Promptly: A locked shoulder is a symptom that requires professional diagnosis. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or self-treat.

Prevention Strategies

While not all causes of a locked shoulder are preventable, several strategies can significantly reduce your risk:

• Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Always prepare your shoulder joint for activity with dynamic stretches and gradually increase intensity. Conclude with static stretches to maintain flexibility.
• Correct Lifting and Exercise Technique: Focus on proper form, especially during resistance training. Avoid sudden, jerky movements or lifting weights that are too heavy for your current strength level.
• Strengthen Supporting Muscles: Focus on exercises that strengthen the rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers (rhomboids, serratus anterior, trapezius), and core to improve overall shoulder stability and biomechanics.
• Maintain Flexibility and Mobility: Regular stretching and mobility exercises help maintain the full range of motion in your shoulder joint, preventing stiffness.
• Ergonomic Awareness: Adjust your workspace and daily activities to avoid prolonged awkward positions that stress the shoulder.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to pain signals. Persistent discomfort or limited movement should be addressed rather than ignored.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It is imperative to consult a healthcare professional, such as a physician, physical therapist, or sports medicine specialist, if:

• Your shoulder locks suddenly and severely.
• You experience intense pain that doesn't subside with rest and ice.
• You cannot move your arm at all.
• There is a visible deformity or swelling.
• You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand.
• Symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days.

Conclusion

A "locked shoulder" is a serious and often painful condition that demands attention. It is not something to be taken lightly or to try and "fix" on your own. Understanding the potential underlying causes, from adhesive capsulitis to acute injuries like dislocations or fractures, is the first step toward effective treatment. Prioritizing proper movement mechanics, strength, and flexibility can significantly reduce the risk of such an event, but when it does occur, prompt medical evaluation is the safest and most effective course of action to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate rehabilitation.