Frozen shoulder is a disease in which the shoulder gets stiff and the free movement of the joint becomes difficult or sometimes even impossible called adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint. It can occur because of injury, overuse and disease like diabetes and stroke. The tissue around the joint stiffens leading to scar tissues generation and movements become difficult and painful. It comes and slowly goes away within a time period of almost one year. The incidence of pain is not age specific, the younger generation is more prone to suffer from such pain. In a few it is momentary and lasts only a few months. Frozen shoulder is related to Apabahuka in Ayurveda which usually affects the shoulder joint because of vitiation of Vata dosha. According to Ayurveda, wasting of the shoulder is considered as the preliminary stage of the disease and the stiffness which occurs is the contribution of Kapha dosha. In many patients, because of involvement of Kapha dosha cold exposure is felt at night time and the stiffness worsens.
The bones, ligaments and tendons are covered in a capsule of connective tissue in the shoulder joint. When this capsule thickens and tightens it leads to restricted movement called frozen shoulder. This thickening and tightening can because of the effect of injury, overuse of the joints in case of drivers and weight lifters, degenerative disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylosis or neck disc displacement. This thickening and tightening lead to scar tissue around the joints causing restricted movement and pain on movement. Injury to vital parts, excess exposure to wind, A.C., sleeping in the wrong posture, vata aggravating diet and activities and excess consumption of pungent, bitter and astringent foods can also cause frozen shoulder.
Frozen shoulders usually last in 3 stages which can last for a few months. Freezing stage: In this stage shoulder movements cause pain and ability to move shoulder reduces Frozen stage: in this stage, pain may decrease but stiffness increases Thawing stage. In this stage the range of movement begins to improve.
40 year and older especially women are affected more. Prolonged immobility and reduced mobility because of Rotator cuff injury, fractured arm, stroke or after surgery have more chances of frozen shoulder. It may also be seen associated with disease like Diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, heart disorders, TB etc.
Ayur Healthcare follows following treatments to relieve pain and stiffness of joints and rejuvenate the degenerated connective tissue like oil massage, oleation, Pizhichil (streaming of hot oil), herbal leaf poultice, rice poultice, herbal powder poultice and cotton swabs soaked in hot medicated oil applied to the affected joint. Herbal Nasal drops and Medicated enema along with some oral medications are also found effective. Though frozen shoulder is not a life-threatening illness, it causes difficulty to do daily work as hand and shoulder is involved in almost all the work. So attention, regular treatment and exercises plays a significant role in the management.
Ayur Healthcare will provide the right custom made tailored diet and lifestyle guidelines to follow. Warm and unctuous food, proper and regular exercise, warm water bath and use of anti- inflammatory spices like turmeric and black pepper are to be followed. Cold water bath, excess use of AC, excess use of oil and fried food, heavy exercise and improper laying, sitting and sleeping position etc. should be avoided.
