Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a
disorder characterized by pain and loss of motion or stiffness
in the shoulder. It affects about two percent of the general
population. It is more common in women between the ages of 40
years to 70 years old.
Frozen shoulder occurs much more commonly in individuals with
diabetes, affecting 10 percent to 20 percent of these
individuals. Other medical problems associated with increased
risk of frozen shoulder include: hypothyroidism,
hyperthyroidism, Parkinson's disease, and cardiac disease or
surgery. Frozen shoulder can develop after a shoulder is
injured or immobilized for a period of time. Attempts to
prevent frozen shoulder include early motion of the shoulder
after it has been injured.
Symptoms:
Pain due to frozen shoulder is usually dull or aching. It can
be worsened with attempted motion. The pain is usually located
over the outer shoulder area and sometimes the upper arm. The
hallmark of the disorder is restricted motion or stiffness in
the shoulder. The affected individual cannot move the shoulder
normally. Motion is also limited when someone else attempts to
move the shoulder for the patient. Some physicians have
described the normal course of a frozen shoulder as having
three stages:
-
Stage one: In the "freezing" stage, which
may last from six weeks to nine months, the patient develops
a slow onset of pain. As the pain worsens, the shoulder
loses motion.
-
Stage two: The "frozen" stage is marked by
a slow improvement in pain, but the stiffness remains. This
stage generally lasts four months to nine months.
-
Stage three: The final stage is the
"thawing", during which shoulder motion slowly returns
toward normal. This generally lasts five months to 26
months.
Root Causes:
Most often, frozen shoulder occurs with no
associated injury or discernible cause. There are patients who
develop a frozen shoulder after a traumatic injury to the
shoulder, but this is not the usual cause. Some risk factors
for developing a frozen shoulder include:
-
Age & Gender
Frozen shoulder most commonly affects patients between the
ages of 40 to 60 years old, and it is twice as common in
women than in men.
-
Endocrine Disorders
Patients with diabetes are at particular risk for developing
a frozen shoulder.
-
Shoulder Trauma or Surgery
Patients who sustain a shoulder injury, or undergo surgery
on the shoulder can develop a frozen shoulder joint. When
injury or surgery is followed by prolonged joint
immobilization, the risk of developing a frozen shoulder is
highest.
-
Other Systemic Conditions
Several systemic conditions such as heart disease and
Parkinson's disease have also been associated with an
increased risk for developing a frozen shoulder.
Herbs which is
useful:
Erand (Ricinus communis):
Erand can be applied on frozen shoulder, gout & rheumatic
swellings with beneficial results. A decoction of the roots of
castor plant is very helpful in treating lumbago & rheumatism.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera):
Ashwagandha is a rejuvenative that helps maintain proper
nourishment of the tissues, particularly muscle and bone which
is due to frozen shoulder, while supporting the proper
function of the adrenals and reproductive system. A unique
herb with anti-stress adaptogenic action that leads to better
physical fitness and helps cope with life's daily stress. It
is especially beneficial in stress related disorders such as
arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, general debility.
Shatavari (Asparagus
racemosus ):
Asparagus
is used by Ayurveda in the treatment of rheumatism and edema
due to heart failure. Shatavari roots have been recognized in
Ayurveda as a drug acting on all tissues as a powerful
anabolic. This cooling and bitter herb is also known for it's
anti-inflammatory qualities and used in frozen shoulder. Its
cooling action also works on chronic fevers, rheumatism,
inflamed membranes of the lungs, Stomach, Kidneys and Sexual
organs. It also used as a nervine tonic.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus):
Eucalyptus oil is useful as a warming oil
when used for muscular aches like frozen shoulder pain,
rheumatoid arthritis, sprains etc. It is also used in
inhalations for deep bronchial infection or in massage oil for
muscular aches, frozen shoulder, poor blood circulation and
arthritic complaints.
Exercise :
Stretch your shoulders:
Strengthen the tendons around your shoulders: There are many
ways to strengthen the tendons that surround your shoulders,
but the single best method that I know of is to hang on a bar.
Stretch your spine:
Diet :
When it comes to diet, it is very important
to avoid eating toxins and foods that Kill. Important part
of your diet should also be water intake.
Life Style :
Do meditation
Walk or jog in the nature
Do not exhaust yourself !
Do not exercise with full stomach !
Do not hurt yourself !
