Frozen shoulder, also known as "Adhesive Capsulitis," is a condition where the shoulder becomes stiff, painful, and loses range of motion. The condition develops gradually and often follows an injury, surgery, or period of immobility. In many cases, a cause for frozen shoulders can be traced back to inflammation, scarring, or thickening of the capsule around the shoulder joint which restricts movement.
The presence of frozen shoulder can be identified by progressive stiffness of the joint. Even reaching for something you can hold in hand or lifting your arm, becomes unmanageable as the shoulder feels stiff and unyielding. It gradually exacerbates to the point that usual activities can no longer be performed.
As frozen shoulder progresses, pain becomes more severe and activity worsening. For instance, an individual might have serious or aching pain on raising the arm or attempting to reach out of the back. The patient finds this especially worse at night, which makes frozen shoulder pain relief at night particularly bothersome and sleep-disrupting.
As the disease advances, restricted mobility in the shoulder joint will increase. Even simple movements such as bringing the arm above the head or rotation of the shoulder, or even dressing, become impossible without severe pain and inability.
While the reasons why frozen shoulder occurs are not well defined, some causes of common cases may include:
Prolonged Shoulder Immobilization After Injury or Surgery: When the shoulder remains immobile for extended periods following an injury, surgery, or due to conditions like a fracture, it can lead to the tightening and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule, restricting movement. Immobilisation limits the use of shoulder muscles and joints, which can gradually lead to the onset of frozen shoulder.
Diabetes: Frozen shoulder is more prevalent in diabetic patients. Diabetes renders people more susceptible to frozen shoulder disease, as some studies have found. Hyperglycemia may cause inflammation in the connective tissues around the shoulder, thereby creating stiffness and pain.
Autoimmune Diseases: In some people suffering from autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the tissues in the area surrounding the shoulder joint, which causes inflammation and scarring that can lead to movement restriction.
There are 4 stages of frozen shoulder:
Freezing Stage: At this first stage, the pain and stiffness in the shoulder worsen gradually. With worsening pain, it becomes increasingly difficult to carry out activities, which are carried out less effectively also. This stage can last anywhere from six weeks to nine months, depending on individual circumstances.
Frozen Stage: Pain begins to subsidise during this stage, but stiffness is extremely severe. Lying abductors are highly restricted, and the shoulder feels "frozen" or locked in place. As pain will begin to abate, immobility can greatly affect someone's ability to carry out routine activities. This phase can last anywhere from four to six months.
Thawing Stage: In this thawing stage, gradual improvement in the range of motion is noticed. Nonetheless, while there is stiffness, the shoulder gradually softens in terms of movement and is also less painful. This is also commonly a phase that lasts between six months to two years.
Recovery Stage: This is the final stage, which is a recovery phase. Gradually, normal shoulder function usually improves, and pain subsides, while mobility is mostly retrieved, though full recovery can take time. Some patients will never get to 100% mobility but will still function normally in daily life.
In Ayurveda, frozen shoulder treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and improving mobility. Here's how Ayurvedic practices address frozen shoulder:
Ayurveda makes use of an array of herbs in order to reduce inflammation and enable the restoration of the function of joints. Here are some of the most potent herbs that can be used for frozen shoulder:
Ashwagandha: It is an anti-inflammatory herbal which only serves to alleviate the swelling, and it limits the oedema that is found around the shoulder area, hence making healing easier.
Shallaki (Boswellia): It is mainly known for pain relief and stiffness. Shallaki is majorly used under Ayurveda for the treatment of diseases related to joints, the frozen shoulder condition, etc.
Guggulu: Guggulu is an Ayurvedic medication used to enhance flexibility in the joints and work on inflammation. It decreases stiffness, therefore speeding recovery.
A diet rich in anti-inflammatory food shall supplement Ayurvedic treatment for frozen shoulders. Besides, the diet shall consist of:
Fresh fruits and vegetables: These are high in antioxidants and help reduce inflammation naturally.
Whole grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and oats stabilise your energy levels without contributing to the inflammation.
Herbs like turmeric and ginger: Herbs like turmeric and ginger contain highly potent anti-inflammatory content. These are used in many dishes, taken as supplements, for the relief of frozen shoulders.
There is also a requirement of exercises for frozen shoulders as movement helps loosen the stiff muscles and joints. Ayurveda has stated that yoga and gentle stretches have been the most integral elements of therapy for frozen shoulders. Some of the specific frozen shoulder exercises that one can perform at home are:
Shoulder rotations: These exercises help in restoring movement and decrease the stiffness.
Wall walks: Doing slow walks up the wall can extend and strengthen the shoulder.
Arm raises: The arm is slowly raised, which increases flexibility and mobility.
Frozen shoulders can be treated through Ayurveda's cleansing and detoxifying therapy, which is very helpful for Panchakarma. Panchakarma treatments include the following:
Abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage): This warm, oil-based massage using herbal oils like Mahanarayan oil is also an excellent method to improve circulation and remove stiffness in the shoulder by reducing inflammation.
Pinda Sweda (herbal compress): In this treatment, a warm herbal compress is applied over the shoulder to relieve the discomfort and improve flexibility.
Virechana (purgation): This cleansing process eliminates the toxins out of the body, which makes overall health better and works towards frozen shoulder recovery.
Ayurvedic treatment emphasises the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and consistent exercise routine for managing frozen shoulders. Here’s why:
Diet: Diet is full of anti-inflammatory contents fosters healing of the affected joint along with the overall health. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and herbs like turmeric reduce inflammation and promote healing in frozen shoulders.
Exercise: Gentle frozen shoulder physical exercises are important to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Regular practice of yoga for frozen shoulders can also help stretch and strengthen the muscles around the joint, aiding in a quicker recovery.
We, at Jiva Ayurveda, realise the crippling impacts on one's routine life and all-around well-being that a frozen shoulder leads to. Holistic treatment, through traditional Ayurvedic wisdom integrated with modern therapeutic techniques, is directed to fit a specific treatment to each one of you, provided by experienced practitioners at Jiva Ayurveda through potent herbal remedies, specialised Panchakarma therapies, and exercises for relief in pain.
To expedite recovery from a frozen shoulder, a combination of Ayurvedic herbal remedies and Panchakarma therapies can be effective. Incorporating specific frozen shoulder exercises—such as shoulder rotations and arm stretches—can also help improve mobility and reduce pain. While results may vary, these treatments can facilitate a quicker healing process.
The best treatment of frozen shoulders is the combination of Ayurvedic therapies including herb supplements and detoxification procedures, with physical therapy and exercises concentrated solely on frozen shoulders. A healthy diet and Ayurvedic massage can complement this to maintain a holistic recovery from the condition.
There are home remedies for frozen shoulders such as regular exercises, lifestyle adjustments, and natural remedies. Frozen shoulder exercises, Ayurvedic oils massages, and hot compresses help relieve stiffness and pain. An anti-inflammatory diet also aids recovery.
The best Ayurvedic medicine for frozen shoulders is Ayurvedic herbal remedies such as Shallaki, Ashwagandha, and Guggulu. These can treat the underlying causes of pain and inflammation. They can be included in the holistic treatment plan towards recovering joint function and relief from pain.
Frozen shoulder diabetes is very common due to inflammation associated with high sugar blood levels that may be likely to cause stiffness in the shoulder. Properly managing blood sugar can help reduce the possibility as well as severity of frozen shoulders in diabetic patients.
Recovery from frozen shoulders varies from individual to individual but often takes from several months to a few years. Early intervention and continuous treatment can shorten the recovery period.
Yes, frozen shoulders are common with people at the age of 40 to 60 years. Besides, it affects women more than men. This medical condition predisposes those suffering from diabetes or those with other diseases.
The exercises of choice for frozen shoulders are shoulder rotations, wall climbing, and gentle arm stretches. Such movements progressively aim to enhance flexibility and decrease stiffness in the shoulder joint.
Frozen shoulders cannot always be prevented; however, retention of shoulder mobility through regular exercise, avoidance of prolonged immobility, and management of underlying health conditions such as diabetes can reduce the risk.
Differential diagnosis may involve rotator cuff tears, impingement at the shoulder, arthritic involvement, and tendonitis. In fact, consultation with a healthcare provider is very important to ensure proper diagnosis and management of frozen shoulders.