Frozen Shoulder: Cause, Symptoms & Treatment In Homeopathy

Hello, My self Dr.Tanay Patel (B.H.M.S) Consultant Homeopath. In this article we will share information about frozen shoulder and it’s treatment in homeopathy. Frozen shoulder also known as adhesive capsulitis in medical term.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thickened and tight, restricting movement. This condition can develop slowly and can be quite painful, affecting daily activities like reaching overhead or lifting objects.

Symptoms Of Frozen Shoulder

• Pain: Often the first symptom, usually felt in the outer shoulder and can radiate down the arm. It may worsen at night or with movement.
• Stiffness: A noticeable reduction in the ability to move the shoulder joint, making it hard to perform everyday tasks like reaching or lifting.
• Weakness: The affected shoulder may feel weak, making it difficult to lift or carry objects.
• Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty in moving the arm in various directions, particularly overhead or behind the back.
• Tenderness: The shoulder may feel sensitive to touch, especially around the joint.

• Swelling: In some cases, mild swelling may occur, indicating inflammation in the shoulder area.
• Discomfort: General discomfort during activities that involve shoulder movement, which can impact daily life.
• Radiating Pain: Pain may extend down the arm, leading to discomfort in the elbow or wrist.
• Difficulty Reaching: Struggles with tasks requiring reaching or stretching, such as putting on a coat or reaching for items on a high shelf.
• Progressive Symptoms: Symptoms often develop gradually, with increasing severity over time, usually leading to a “freezing” phase where movement becomes severely restricted.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear, but it is believed to occur after an injury or period of immobilization. For instance, if you’ve had surgery or an injury that requires you to keep your shoulder still for an extended time, you might be at risk. The inflammation that leads to the thickening of the shoulder capsule is a key factor in this condition.

Several underlying health issues can contribute to the development of frozen shoulder:

1. Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk, possibly due to the body’s inflammatory response.
2. Thyroid Disorders: Conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can be linked to frozen shoulder.
3. Heart Disease: Some heart conditions may increase the risk of developing shoulder issues.
4. Age and Gender: It most commonly affects people between 40 and 60 years of age, and women are more likely than men to develop this condition.

Also Read: Chalazion Treatment In Homeopathy

Risk Factors For Frozen Shoulder

Several risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing frozen shoulder:

• Age: Most common in middle-aged individuals.
• Gender: Women are more likely to be affected than men.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular diseases can elevate the risk.
• Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle or prolonged immobility after an injury or surgery may contribute to the onset of frozen shoulder.

How To Diagnose Frozen Shoulder

Diagnosing frozen shoulder typically involves a physical examination and a review of your medical history. A healthcare provider will assess your shoulder’s range of motion and may perform specific tests to determine the extent of the stiffness and pain. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, might be utilized to rule out other conditions like fractures or arthritis.

Treatment Options For Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder or Adhesive Capsulitis Is Treatment is available both medicinal system. We have described about both in detail.

Allopathy

In allopathic medicine, the treatment for frozen shoulder often includes:

1. Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
2. Physical Therapy: A structured physical therapy program focuses on stretching and strengthening the shoulder to improve range of motion.
3. Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, injections of corticosteroids into the shoulder joint can alleviate pain and inflammation.
4. Hydrodilatation: This involves injecting a sterile solution into the shoulder joint to help stretch the capsule and improve mobility.
5. Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to release the tightness in the shoulder joint.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy offers an alternative approach to treating frozen shoulder, focusing on the individual’s overall health and specific symptoms. Here are five commonly recommended homeopathic remedies for frozen shoulder:

1. Calcarea Phosphorica: Best for patients experiencing severe pain and stiffness, especially if it worsens with cold.
2. Rhus Toxicodendron: Useful for those who feel better with movement and experience increased pain at rest.
3. Bryonia: Ideal for patients whose pain worsens with motion and improves with rest; often recommended when there is swelling in the joint.
4. Kali Carbonicum: Beneficial for individuals with acute pain, especially if it extends down the arm.
5. Silicea: Good for patients with chronic stiffness and those who have a history of recurrent shoulder issues.

Homeopathic treatment aims to stimulate the body’s healing process and restore mobility without the side effects associated with conventional medications.

Precautions to Prevent Frozen Shoulder

While not all cases of frozen shoulder can be prevented, there are several precautions you can take to minimize your risk:

1. Stay Active: Regular exercise helps maintain shoulder flexibility and strength. Include shoulder-specific stretches and strengthening exercises in your routine.
2. Avoid Prolonged Immobilization: If you have an injury or are recovering from surgery, follow your doctor’s advice about movement. Gentle mobilization can help prevent stiffness.
3. Manage Underlying Health Conditions: Keep conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders well-managed with regular check-ups and medication if necessary.
4. Warm Up Before Activities: Always warm up before engaging in activities that involve shoulder movements, especially sports or heavy lifting.
5. Use Proper Techniques: When lifting heavy objects, use proper techniques to avoid strain on the shoulder joint.

FAQ About Frozen Shoulder