Traditional Healing
with Modern Touch

Ayurvedic Treatments for Frozen Shoulder

Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a condition which freezes your shoulder to move within its range of motion. It is caused by the thickening and tightening of tissues in the shoulder joint, developing scar tissue over time, taking up the allotted space for the shoulder joint to rotate at its full capacity. People with weak immune systems, hormonal imbalance, and diabetes are prone to joint inflammations. In addition, stiff tissues, scar tissues, and adhesions that form over long periods (usually 3 – 9 months) of inactivity will restrain the shoulder’s range of motion. People who are sedentary are prone to getting frozen shoulders, especially those who came from an injury or other conditions that do not permit them to move or even do the normal physical activities. Some examples of these are people who are wearing a shoulder sling after an injury, people who suffered from stroke, or people who had surgery and need to remain as motionless as possible
Symptoms
Frozen shoulder symptoms are tricky. At first, certain shoulder movements will hurt, forcing you not to repeat such movements again. The next thing you know, reaching something in the cupboard and other normal everyday tasks are impossible.
How can Ayurveda treat Frozen Shoulder?
Podikizhi
This Ayurvedic treatment is known for reducing swelling and pain and spasms. It uses hot boluses of herbs and medicated oil to relieve body ache and strengthen muscles.
Lepam
This treatment uses medicated herbal paste and lathers it on the affected area of the body. It eases pain and swelling in the muscles.
Bandage
This treatment involves the use of hot paste and leaves. The affected area will be massaged followed by the application of hot paste. Then it will be covered with leaves and a cloth will be used to act as a bandage.
Herbal steam
This type of steam uses herbs and medicated oil to warm up the sore muscles and joints of the body, improve flexibility and increase the range of motion.
Nasyam
The application of medicated herbal oils into the nostrils coupled with a steam bath will relax the stiff muscles

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Painful phase - shoulder pain gradually increases
  • Stiffening phase - the gradual increase of shoulder pain stops at this stage, though it is still stiff
  • Resolving phase - pain during movements is mitigated. Shoulder slowly gets back its normal functions
  • "Thawing” a frozen shoulder will take up to 2-3 months with 3 sessions per week of physical therapy with an Ayurvedic physician.

  • Mix two teaspoons of turmeric powder with one teaspoon of coconut oil and make a paste.
  • Apply this paste to the shoulder and let it dry.
  • Wash it with warm water afterwards.
  • Do this twice a day.