FROZEN SHOULDER
A frozen shoulder is a long-term, painful stiffness of the shoulder joint that progresses and deteriorates over time. The pain and rigidity associated with a frozen shoulder can make it tough to move your arm. Some might think a frozen shoulder Mith arthritis, however, these two conditions have no connection. A frozen shoulder only involves the tissue around the shoulder joint while arthritis refers to multiple joints.
CAUSES
The joints as per Ayurveda are placed for two doshas.
Vata: This is responsible for movements in the joints.
Kapha: To avoid erosion and damage due to friction during movement- it lubricates the joint with its greasy structure and avoids the damage.
Symptoms
- Frozen shoulder typically develops slowly in three stages.
- Freezing stage. Any movement of the shoulder causes pain, and the shoulder’s ability to move becomes limited. This stage lasts from 2 to 9 months.
- Frozen stage. Pain might lessen during this stage. However, the shoulder becomes stiffer. Using it becomes more difficult. This stage lasts from 4 to 12 months.
- Thawing stage. The shoulder’s ability to move begins to improve. This stage lasts from 5 to 24 months.
- For some people, the pain worsens at night, sometimes disrupting sleep.
Risk factors
Certain factors may increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Age and sex
People 40 and older, particularly women, are more likely to have frozen shoulder.
Immobility or reduced mobility
People who’ve had to keep a shoulder somewhat still are at higher risk of developing frozen shoulder. Restricted movement can be the result of many factors, including:
Rotator cuff injury
Broken arm
Stroke
Recovery from surgery
Systemic diseases
People who have certain diseases appear more likely to develop frozen shoulder. Diseases that might increase risk include:
Diabetes
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Cardiovascular disease
Parkinson’s disease.
The Ayurvedic Approach of Treating Frozen Shoulder
To treat a frozen shoulder with Ayurveda, also known as ‘Apabahuka,’ several approaches available.
Depending on the individual case, an Ayurvedic doctor will suggest which approach is best.
Because Ayurveda is personalized health science, each temporary disability requires a different method of treatment.
The root cause of the problem must be discovered before any solution can be provided.
In order to pacify an aggravated Vata Dosha, herbal mixtures, churnas, Guggulu preparations and herbo-mineral rasa medicines are often used.
This is due primarily to Vata Dosha being the primary condition causing this issue.
Many people believe that ‘Panchakarma Therapy‘ is key to treating this condition by unlocking the restricted movement in the shoulder. This is done through medicated lubrication and fomentation, as well as herbal enemas which work to bring balance back to the Vata dosa.
