Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Abstract

People who have certain diseases appear to develop frozen shoulders. Inflammation and stiffness around the joint make it difficult to move. Frozen shoulder rarely occurs again but may occur on the other side shoulder with time. This condition is mainly found in females than males and mostly in the age group of 40 years and above. In this article, we will discuss causes, symptoms, and ayurvedic treatment for frozen shoulders.

Introduction

A frozen shoulder is characterized by pain and stiffness of the shoulder joint. It is also called adhesive capsulitis. People with associated diseases like diabetes and heart problems are at risk of developing a Frozen shoulder. The capsule of the shoulder thickens and becomes stiff. In some cases, synovial fluid also becomes less. This leads to restriction in the movement of the shoulder and pain in the joint. This can occur because of injury, overuse of the shoulder, immobilization of the shoulder, and pathological causes. Frozen shoulders may come and go away slowly within 12 to 24 months.

The three stages of a frozen shoulder are

• Freezing stage – pain without stiffness
• Frozen stage – pain with stiffness
• Thawing stage – improve in condition

Ayurvedic Aspect

According to Ayurveda, Frozen shoulder is correlated to Apabahuka. Apabahuka occurs due to the vitiation of Vata dosha along with Kapha dosha. Pain in the joint indicated the involvement of Vata dosha alone while pain along with stiffness in the joints indicated the involvement of Vata dosha along with Kapha dosha anubandh. All its symptoms are the same as explained for the Frozen shoulder. Various treatment modalities are used to manage this condition which is explained in detail further in the article.

Causes

The cause of a Frozen shoulder is not understood very clearly, few factors may increase the chances of developing a Frozen shoulder are

• Age more than 40 years
• Shoulder trauma
• Hormonal imbalance
• Systemic diseases like – diabetes, thyroid, and heart diseases.
• Spinal surgery

Causes according to Ayurveda

• Poor diet (Vata vardhak aahar)
• Inadequate lifestyle (sedentary)
• Sleeping in the wrong posture
• Consuming food with Katu, Tikta, kshaya ras in excess (bitter, pungent, astringent)
• Improper sitting and lying patterns

Symptoms

Pain in the Frozen shoulder is the main symptom that can be aching and located in the outer shoulder area. Along with it, other symptoms vary according to the degree of disease

• Restricted movement of the shoulder
• Cannot raise the arm straight
• Pain in the shoulder may radiate to the neck region
• Stiffness in joint
• Stiffness in muscles
• Difficulty in moving shoulder
• In some people, the pain worsens at night and may interfere with sleep patterns.

Diagnosis

History, symptoms, and physical examination (by checking pain and stiffness level) are enough to make the diagnosis, but your doctor can suggest some screening tests to rule out the exact cause

• X-ray
• MRI scan

Treatment

The frozen shoulder gets better with time and goes on its own within 1 to 2 years or more in some cases. Treatment offered to patients is

• Analgesics
• Steroids
• Physical therapy

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation is a procedure to reduce pain in frozen shoulder patients. It is a minimally invasive treatment and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. In addition to improving pain, there can be an improved range of motion of the shoulder after Radiofrequency Ablation.

Radiofrequency Ablation has many side effects depending upon the severity of the disease. Certain complications are listed below

• Bleeding wounds
• Scarring
• Infections
• Damaged blood vessels
• Stroke
• Vomiting
• Feel fatigued
• Sleepy for the next few days following the procedure

Treatment in Ayurveda for frozen shoulder

Various treatment modalities for frozen shoulders are performed in Ayurveda. It includes

Abhyanga

Massaging the shoulder with certain medicated oils reduces the tension and stiffness in the joint. Oils and technique are used differently according to the person’s condition.

Pizhichil

Also known as steaming of hot oil or oil bath. It is a purification therapy by eliminating toxins from the body through the skin. It is the topmost rejuvenating ancient treatment for recovering from certain health conditions. Lukewarm oils are applied by experts on the overall body. In the case of a frozen shoulder, the treatment may be localized and done on the shoulder, arm, and neck area, which are mainly involved in the condition.

Potli

Potli swedana is a very effective treatment for frozen shoulders. Various vatanashak leaves are used with vatnaskah or shoolghan oils for swedana. This traditional therapy provides nourishment to the shoulder and reduces the stiffness of the joints. It reduces the Vata dosha in the region and balances the dosha with a reduction in stiffness and pain in the joints.

Diet

Dietary modification is done according to the involvement of doshas in the disease. Since frozen shoulder is a Vata and kapha dominance disease. The diet is recommended based on this perception. Oily, cow ghee, melons, cued, cheese, and milk are included in the diet to reduce the aggravation of Vata dosha. To reduce swelling of the joint, certain anti-inflammatory herbs are included such as – Haldi and black pepper.

Lifestyle modifications

Avoiding activities that can imbalance tridosha helps to improve the condition. Examples – avoiding cold water baths, sitting in air conditioner rooms, practicing exercises and yoga.

Certain yogasanas

that can be done to improve the movement of shoulder joint are – Dhanurasana, Garudasana, and Namaskarasana.

Herbal remedies by Planet AYurveda for Frozen shoulder

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified ayurvedic company that prepares natural medicines using authentic ways. The herbal medicines prepared by the company are prescribed worldwide for the treatment of many disorders. These medicines are 100% pure without any side effects. Also while formulating these remedies, experts take care of not adding any sort of chemical. The preparation of medicines is purely based on ayurvedic principles and strictly follows government guidelines. Our goal is, not to let the disease extend to such a condition that it may need surgery. The Frozen Shoulder Pack of Planet Ayurveda is being used in the treatment of Frozen Shoulder and has wonderful results in managing the condition

Frozen Shoulder Pack

Ingredients list

1. Boswellia Curcumin
2. Joint Aid Plus
3. Aamvatantak Churna
4. Orthovita Oil
5. Yograj Guggul
6. Anu tailam

Ingredients description

1) Boswellia Curcumin

These capsules are a combination of Curcumin (Curcuma longa) and Shallaki (Boswellia serrata). These herbs increase immunity and act as antioxidants. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling in the shoulder. These capsules are helpful in various bone conditions like- osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and sciatica. These capsules will improve blood circulation in the joint and promote joint health.

Dosage – Have 2 capsules twice with water daily.

2) Joint Aid Plus

This combination is prepared with Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Guggul (Commiphora guggul), Sonth, etc. It aids the joints and provides strength to the muscles and joints. This is helpful in all joint conditions and also in shoulder joints. Consuming capsules regularly will show effective results in frozen shoulders.

Dosage – Have 2 capsules twice with water daily.

3) Aamvatantak Churna –

This classical preparation is composed of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum), Haridra (Curcuma longa), etc. It helps to pacify Vata dosha mainly and thus works in relieving pain. Aamvatantak as the name suggests will eliminate aam (toxins) from the body along with balancing Vata dosha disturbance. This will ultimately reduce symptoms and improve the condition of a frozen shoulder.

Dosage – Eat 1 tablespoon full twice daily 10 minutes before a meal.

4) Orthovita Oil

Massaging the joint with this oil helps relieve pain along with the reduction in joint stiffness. In case of loss of synovial fluid, this oil will add lubrication to the joint. It is composed of saindhavadi tail, turpentine oil, gandhapura, etc. this will strengthen the muscles and reduce muscle spasms too.

Dosage – Do a local massage on the shoulder for 10 to 15 minutes.

5) Yograj Guggul

This is a polyherbal preparation of Vidang (Embelia ribes), Guggul (Commiphora guggul), Ajwain (Carum copticum), etc. Yograj guggul has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to pacify Vata dosha and helps in relieving pain and swelling in joints. It also works on muscle spasms. Thus offers free movement of the joint.

Dosage – Have 2 tablets two times daily with water.

6) Anu tailam

This medicated oil is mainly used for Nasya (nasal route administration). It has herbs like – Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Tilt tel (Sesame oil), etc. Using this oil enhances immunity and strengthens the brain and improves its functioning. Its anti-allergy effects are helpful in conditions like sinusitis and other allergic conditions. It pacifies Vata dosha with anubandh of Kapha dosha in udharvajatrugat disorders, thus helping in easing symptoms of a frozen shoulder.

Dosage –At sunrise every morning, do nasya with 2 drops in each nostril daily

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

Conclusion

Though frozen shoulder is not a life-threatening disorder, it offers difficulties in everyday work. Working with one hand makes it difficult and the condition may become painful if not treated on time. Choose Ayurveda for a good recovery of the shoulder by strengthening it internally. For more queries visit us at www.planetayurveda.com