Many of us have experienced instances of stiff shoulders and pain in our day-to-day lives. However, prolonged period pain and stiffness, which worsens over time, can be a frozen shoulder or Apabahuka.

A frozen shoulder can occur while recovering from an injury. Interestingly, frozen shoulders are also critical measures of inherent conditions such as diabetes. Frozen shoulders gradually worsen and soon you are not able to control the pain with simple medications and it affects your daily routine.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder and its Causes

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that affects the shoulder joint, causing stiffness and reduced mobility. This condition often develops gradually, progressing through three distinct phases: freezing, frozen, and thawing. While the exact cause of a frozen shoulder is not always clear, it can result from factors like hormonal imbalances, underlying health conditions, and even previous shoulder injuries. Prolonged immobility of the shoulder joint due to surgery, injury, or certain medical conditions can trigger the development of frozen shoulder. The pain and discomfort associated with this condition can severely impact daily life activities.

Common Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder develops over time with main symptoms like pain and stiffness in the shoulder region. People with Frozen Shoulders also mark the inability to move the shoulder. Common symptoms of this condition are:

• Severe pain
• Stiffness in the shoulder region
• Pain on moving the shoulder in the initial stage
• Restricted movement
• Difficulty moving the shoulder in the later stage
• Hormonal changes especially in menopause

Ayurveda’s Holistic Approach to Frozen Shoulder

Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine from India, offers a holistic approach to healing frozen shoulder. According to Ayurveda, imbalances in the body’s Doshas, particularly Vata dosha, can contribute to conditions like frozen shoulder. The accumulation of toxins and poor digestion can aggravate Vata, leading to joint issues. Ayurvedic remedies for frozen shoulder focus on balancing the doshas, reducing inflammation, and restoring joint health through natural and gentle methods.

Effective Ayurvedic Remedies:

Fomentation of Herbal pastes, known as Lepam, is an effective way to support Frozen Shoulder. These herbal pastes are mixed in proportion and applied to the affected area as they are helpful for relieving pain and swelling. Various Ayurveda therapies are also important in treating the condition like:

• Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Massage): Abhyanga, the practice of massage using warm herbal oils, is highly beneficial for frozen shoulders. This practice helps improve blood circulation, relax muscles, and reduces stiffness. Regular abhyanga can promote joint flexibility and ease discomfort associated with a frozen shoulder.
• Pizhichil: is the squeezing of warm medicated oil into the body of the patient from a piece of cloth that is periodically soaked in a vessel containing the medicated oil. It helps to improve shoulder muscle tone and strengthen them thereby providing the much needed support.
• Elakizhi: is another popular herbal massage that helps in strengthening the muscles.
• Nasyam: This includes the administration of medicated drugs or oils through the nostrils. Medicated oils or powders stimulate some vital centers of the brain that reduce pain perception.
• Greeva Basti: In Greeva Basti specially prepared warm, medicated herbal oil is poured over the neck and retained inside a well, created with black gram paste or whole wheat flour. It reduces pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulder region.
• Panchakarma Therapies: Panchakarma, Ayurveda’s detoxification therapies, can play a significant role in managing a frozen shoulder. Virechana (purification through purgation) and Basti (medicated enemas) help eliminate toxins and restore dosha balance. These therapies are typically administered under the guidance of trained Ayurvedic practitioners.
• Yoga and Gentle Exercises: Yoga postures that focus on gentle stretching and strengthening of the shoulder joint can be beneficial. Poses like Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose) and Garudasana (Eagle Pose) can help improve shoulder mobility and alleviate stiffness

Diet and Lifestyle Activities

• Improve your digestion by using spices, ginger, black pepper, and cumin in your diet
• Avoid frozen food, fast food, carbonated drinks, stale food, white flour, and packaged food.
• Avoid the use of any form of stimulants such as tea, coffee, or alcohol.
• Do not skip meals. Eat only fresh lukewarm foods
• Consume turmeric and black pepper which acts as an anti-inflammatory support
• Do slow gentle and restorative movements like yoga or walking
• Avoid heavy exercises, heavy weight lifting, untimely sleep-wake hours, and exposure to cold environments for too long
• Practice breathing exercises (Nadi shodan )that reduce stress
• Practice shoulder-strengthening exercises
• Include Ashwagandha as a supplement, as it provides effective relief
• Massage the affected area with lukewarm oil twice a day.
• Use an ice pack on the shoulder for 15 minutes at a time several times a day, as it helps decrease the pain.

A customized package of physical procedures, internal administration of herbal medicines, exercise, and lifestyle changes help in overcoming this condition. However, with our experienced Ayurveda doctor’s guidance, you get a complete assessment and the perfect treatment protocol.

Conclusion

Each person’s frozen shoulder condition presents a unique challenge. Hence, never go in for any procedures without your Ayurveda doctor’s assessment and recommendation.

At Ayurclinic Melbourne, we offer specialized treatments for frozen shoulders. With a team of experienced Ayurvedic practitioners, we address the root cause of the condition, aiming to restore dosha balance and provide personalized consultations, herbal therapies, and Panchakarma treatments tailored to individual needs.

Embrace Ayurveda and discover a path to renew your mobility and well-being with Ayurclinic’s expert care.

If you have any further queries about frozen shoulders, Book an online consultation and connect with our Ayurveda doctors today. Or call us at +61 3 9078 2940