Frozen Shoulder Treatment at Veda5 Ayurveda & Yoga Wellness Retreats in Rishikesh, Kerala & Goa, India
Introduction
In a frozen shoulder, the shoulder girdle will be stiff because of which free movement of the joint becomes impossible. In medical terms, it is called adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint. It may happen after an injury or due to overuse or from a disease such as diabetes or a stroke.
The tissues around the joint stiffen, scar tissue forms, and shoulder movements become difficult and painful. The condition usually comes on slowly and then goes away slowly over the course of a year or more.
The incidence of such a pain even though not so age specific, younger age group is prone for this complaint. But in few individuals, it is momentary and lasts only for few months.
Frozen Shoulder in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, this condition is correlated to Apabahuka.
Apabahuka is a disease that usually affects the Amsa sandhi (shoulder joint). It is produced by the Vata dosha. Even though the term Apabahuka is not mentioned in the Nanatmaja Vata vyadhi (Diseases that arise solely due to Vata Dosha), Acharya Sushruta and others have considered Apabahuka as a Vataja Vikara. Amsa shosha (wasting of the shoulder) can be considered as the preliminary stage of the disease. The stiffness to the joints is contributed by Kapha Dosha.
Because of involvement of Kapha Dosha, in many patients, cold exposure and at night time, the stiffness worsens.
Causes
The bones, ligaments and tendons of shoulder joint are covered in a capsule of connective tissue. It can be imagined as ball (capsule), containing the shoulder joint within it. Frozen shoulder occurs when this capsule thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint, restricting its movement.
Causes for Frozen Shoulder as per Ayurveda
(i) External causes
- Injury to the vital parts of the body (marma) or the region surrounding shoulder joint
- Excess exposure to wind, air conditioning, sleeping with wrong posture
(ii) Internal causes
- Vata aggravating diet and activities
- Excess of pungent, bitter and astringent tasting foods
Risk Factors
- 40 years old and older, particularly women
- People with prolonged immobility or reduced mobility due to rotator cuff injury, fractured arm, stroke, after a surgery etc.
- People who have certain diseases appear more likely to develop frozen shoulder. Diseases that might increase risk include Diabetes, hyperactive thyroid, under-active thyroid, heart disorders, TB etc.
Line of Treatment
- Oleation (Snehana) – to the shoulder girdle from back of the neck to the tip of the corresponding arm is usually beneficial
- Swedana (Sudation) – After the oleation, mild sudation should be carried in the oleated area; this stimulates the nerve endings and improves blood circulation too. Thus, the pain and stiffness are relieved
- Nasya (Oleagenous errhines) does have significant effect in this condition as it stimulates the nerve endings
- Basti treatment (rectal enema with oils / herbal decoctions) might be required to bring about Vata balance quickly
External Ayurvedic Procedures Useful in Frozen Shoulder
The below therapies help to relieve pain and stiffness of joints and rejuvenate the degenerated connective tissue.
- Abhyanga – Oil massage. The medicated oils are listed below. Usually, oils are slightly heated over a water bath before massage. Steam therapy is given after massage to relieve stiffness
- Elakizhi – Herbal poultice, prepared with Vata balancing herbs such as castor leaves, Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Dashamoola, Devadaru etc., tied in a pack by cloth, dipped in hot medicated oil and applied over the shoulder joints
- Njavarakizhi – Especially useful in degenerative conditions. First Abhyanga (oil massage) is done, then rice pack dipped in certain kashayams and tied in cloth is applied over the affected area
- Podi Kizhi – Herbal powders taken in linen bags, dipped in oil and applied over shoulder joint
- Pichu – Cloth / cotton swabs soaked in hot medicated oil applied to the affected joint. Gives long time exposure of oil to the joints
Ayurvedic Oils
Herbal oils for frozen shoulder:
- Vishagarbha Taila – Used in Ayurvedic treatment of paralysis, stiffness of hands and legs, neck stiffness etc.
- Mahanarayana Taila – A very famous herbal oil used in Ayurvedic treatment of arthritis, paralysis, and eye diseases. This oil is used for external application, orally and for many Ayurvedic therapies
- Dhanwantara Taila – Used in the treatment of Vata diseases such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, spondylosis, headache and neuro-muscular conditions
- Kottamchukkadi Taila – Ayurvedic oil used in the treatment of Vataja disorders causing neuro muscular pains, sciatica, spondylosis etc. This oil is formulated based on Kerala Ayurveda practice
- Bala Taila – Nourishing in nature. Useful to reverse degeneration
- Prasaranyadi Taila – Especially useful to relieve stiffness
Wholesome Diet and Habits in Frozen Shoulder
- Warm and unctuous food
- Proper and regular exercise
- Warm water bath loosens the stiffness
- Include anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric and black pepper in diet
Unwholesome Diets and Habits in Frozen Shoulder
- Cold water bath
- Excess use of A/C rooms
- Excess of oily and fried food
- Heavy exercise
- Improper lying, sitting and sleeping position
Yoga for Frozen Shoulder
- Surya Namaskara
- Adhomukha Shwanasana
- Gomukhasana
- Pashasana
- Trikonasana
- Ushtrasana
What You Can Do at Home to Prevent Frozen Shoulders?
- Do regular rotatory arm exercises
- Avoid continuous computer work, move often
- Oil massage with steam or hot water bath at least once a week
- Regular exercises and active lifestyle
Marma Therapy
Stimulation of below marmas is done in chronological order for the treatment of frozen shoulder:
- Kshipra Marma
- Kurpara Marma
- Ani Marma
- Urvi Marma
- Amsha Marma
- Krikatika Marma
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