Ayurvedic Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is also known as adhesive capsulitis. It is a condition in which stiffness and pain occurs in your shoulder joint. The signs and symptoms begin gradually, that gets worse with time and resolve within one to three years.

In the case of stroke and mastectomy, the risk of developing frozen shoulder increases as a person is unable to move his/her arm.

In human body, anatomy of shoulder includes ball-and-socket joint that is formed of three bones. These bones are humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). This ball-and-socket joint is surrounded by strong connective tissue known as shoulder capsule. When this shoulder capsule thickens, becomes stiff and tight it leads to a condition known as frozen shoulder.

Frozen Shoulder Stages

Frozen shoulder develops slowly in three stages. Each stage can last for a couple of months.

Stage 1 {Freezing stage} - Due to pain in the shoulder, its movement and motion become restricted. It worse over time and hurt more at night. This stage last from 6 to 9 months.

Stage 2 {Frozen stage} - Diminishing pain occurs in this stage and shoulder starts becoming stiffer and its movement becomes more difficult. It lasts for 4 to 12 months.

Stage 3 {Thawing stage} - Improvement in range of motion of shoulder begins in this stage. This last for 6 months to 2 years.

Frozen Shoulder Causes

The exact cause for Frozen Shoulder is unknown.

In Frozen Shoulder the capsule becomes so thick and tight that it's unable to move. Synovial fluid is less which keeps joint lubricated as well as bands of scar tissue are formed. The movement is restricted due to these factors.

Other causes:-

• Rotator cuff injury
• Broken Arm
• Stroke
• Recovery from surgery

Systemic diseases that may cause Frozen Shoulder:-

• Diabetes
• Tuberculosis
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Cardiovascular disease
• Parkinson's disease

Frozen Shoulder Symptoms

• Pain and stiffness which makes movement restricted.
• Dull and hurting pain in the shoulder.
• Sensation in the upper arm.

Risk Factors of Frozen Shoulder

Common risk factors for frozen shoulder are:

• Age: Being over 40 years of age is a risk factor both in men and women.
• Gender: Women is affected more. More than 70% of people with frozen shoulder are women.
• Recent trauma: Surgery or an arm fracture can lead to immobility which causes stiffness of shoulder during its recovery.
 
• Diabetes: 10 to 20% of people with  diabetes develop frozen shoulder, and symptoms may be more severe. The reasons are unclear.

Frozen Shoulder Diagnosis

To diagnose frozen shoulder, a physical examination is done by a doctor. One will check how badly it hurts and how far it can move. During the "active" part of the exam, one will move their shoulder on your own. During the "passive" portion, a doctor will move it for you, and the difference is noted.

Diagnosis is made on a range of motion. A physical examination is enough to diagnose frozen shoulder, but your doctor may also order imaging tests such as X-rays, USG, or MRI to rule out other problems like arthritis or a torn rotator cuff that is also painful condition and limit how far it moved.

Herbal Remedies for Frozen Shoulder by Rajamruth Vaidyashala

Rajamruth Vaidyashala recommends a pack for frozen shoulder known as Frozen Shoulder Pack. The pack consists of herbal remedies which are a natural formulation, free from chemicals, additives, colors, filers, and yeast etc. This herbal pack maintains healthy body functions. In frozen shoulder, these herbal formulation helps to get relief from pain and stiffness.