The grouping of symptoms and examination findings or signs that make up the frozen shoulder syndrome were first described about 80 years ago. The pattern is very typical and with practice and experience doctors can spot it very quickly.
Shoulder pain is the main feature of the pattern.
The pain is felt around the upper arm and often spreads down towards the elbow or sometimes to the wrist. It's usually made worse by lying on the affected side or by trying to use the arm above the head or behind the back. Many people find these two movements simply impossible when the frozen shoulder is at its worst. The pain is usually a chronic dull background ache but sudden unexpected movements often cause agony - enough to bring a tear to the eye or to cause nausea and sweating.
Stiffness is also a big issue in the picture.
As the weeks and months go past the joint becomes more and more stiff. At the worst time people find movement so limited that they struggle to get dressed or undressed and cant manage simple personal hygiene tasks without a lot of difficulty.
You'll find lots more information about all of the associated symptoms and signs elsewhere on this site. You can read about the connection with diabetes mellitus and about treatment options including exercises, acupuncture, medications and surgical operations.
You might also want to take a look at Doctor Cameron's 84 page book on how to get your life back to normal when you are struggling with frozen shoulder pain.