Ayurvedic Perspective on Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is termed as apabahuka in Ayurveda and comes under upadhatu pradoshaja vyadhi (diseases affecting tendons, ligaments, and vital points of the body).
Ayurveda views aggravated Vata dosha as the culprit for stiffness (Sankocha) and pain and Kapha dosha imbalance contributes to heaviness and restricted movement.
Its pathology begins when Vata dosha and Kapha dosha together lead to a stiffness in the shoulder joint.
Sheetha guna (cold property) and ruksha guna (dryness) lead to joint stiffness.
These pathologies lead to blockness of local rakta vaha srotas (arteries, veins), leading to inflammation and pain.
Diabetes is also considered an inevitable reason for vascular pathology.
The treatment principle of a Frozen shoulder, as per Ayurveda, involves balancing Vata-Kapha Dosha, Removing blockages in the vessels, and providing strength to the associated Muscles, tendon,s and nerves of the shoulder joint.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Frozen Shoulder
Ayurvedic treatment for frozen shoulder primarily focuses on restoring dosha balance, relieving pain, and improving mobility.
It includes the following therapies:
Panchakarma
Panchakarma therapies are an essential component of Ayurvedic treatment for shoulder issues.
Ayurvedic massage techniques help to relax the muscles surrounding the afflicted area and increase blood circulation.
This promotes recuperation and reduces inflammation.
Snehapana
Preferably with Thaila – Dhanwantharam Thaila or Karpasasthyadı Thaila sevyam.
Nasya
Brimhana Nasya with Ksheerabala or Dhanwantharam Avarthi.
Prathimarsa Nasya.
External Treatments
Lepana:
- With Grihadhoomadı lepa choorna in the first stage.
- With tila, masha, satahwa boiled in milk mixed with coconut milk.
Parisheka:
○ With Dhanyamla.
Abhyanga:
Jambheera tailam.
Dhara:
With Kottamchukkadi and Karpasasthyadı Thaila.
With Mashathaila and saindava.
Local ooshma sweda (dry fomentation):
Recommended as it brings smoothness and removes stiffness in the affected part.
Agnikarma (Thermal cautarisation)
Agnikarma (Cauterisation) can help ease pain in frozen shoulder
In addition to these therapies, Treatment methods such as Patra Potala Swedan (Elakizhi), Choorna Swedan (Podi Kizhi), Shastika Swedan (Njavarakizhi), are also performed as per patient’s condition which can help bring the vitiated doshas to normalcy and can be eliminated by virechana (purgation) or vasthi (enema).
These treatment procedures help enhance shoulder mobility while reducing pain.
Marma Therapy
Marma (vital points) chikitsa/
Treatment is beneficial in improving the therapeutic efficiency, particularly in frozen shoulder treatment.
Pressing certain marma points around the shoulder, arm, and hands can help reduce pain and support mobility.
Note: This should be strictly performed under the guidance of a certified marma practitioner.
Rasayana Chikitsa
Rasayana Therapy is also known as The Science of Rejuvenation and Longevity.
‘Rasa’ is concerned with energy conservation, transformation, and revitalization in the therapeutic process. Rasayana cleanses, nurtures, and revitalizes the body.
It helps rejuvenate the muscles, ligaments, and tendons helps prevent further degeneration, and aids in preventing the recurrence of the disease.
Customized Therapies, Herbal Preparations, Vital Breathing Practices,
Dietary Guidelines and Daily Living Recommendations address constituent elements of the Body, Mind, and Psyche.
Yoga
Yoga provides both mental and physical steadiness.
It reduces pain perception by treating the emotional part of pain.
Exercise is mandatory for better results as the treatment’s main aim is to improve shoulder mobility.
Yoga asanas serve to increase flexibility, strengthen the muscles around the problem area, and relieve discomfort.
Pranayama (Bhastrika (Bellow breathing) and Anulom viloma or alternate nostril breathing) can aid in Vata balance.
Yoga stretches: Always warm up your shoulders before performing your exercises.
The best way to do that is to take a warm shower or bath for 10 or 15 minutes or do hot water fermentation. Some stretches that can be done are:
Go Mukhasan Stretch:
With a towel or any other support, hold one end of the towel above your head and the other hand at the lower back.
Stretch the toes up and down.
Move your hands up and down as much as possible. Repeat this exercise five to ten times.
Samakonasana with support
Wall Stretch:
Keep the elbows and palms on the wal.
Gently move your hands up as far as possible and then slowly, gently bring them down. Repeat this set for five to ten times.
Towel Stretch:
Hold one end of your three-foot-long towel behind your back and grab the other end of the towel with your other hand.
Hold the towel in a horizontal position. Use your arms to stretch them in different directions—side to side, up, and behind. Stretch the hands so that the pressure on the affected arm is less, and the good arm is used more.
Relaxation technique
All diseases are connected to the mind, so switching off and resting in between is most essential.
Relaxation techniques include:
- Nishpandava: For relaxing the mind more than the body.
- Shavasana: For relaxing every part of the body.
- Balasana
- Yoga Mudra
- Makarasana
- Lying down on the back and using diaphragmatic breathing (Pranayama). Meditative techniques can help reduce stress drastically and aid in the healing process.
Precaution: To find the best poses for your situation, speak with a yoga instructor or ayurvedic doctor before attempting any of these.
Sleeping Tips
If you have a frozen shoulder, it is necessary to support your joints with enough cushioning. This prevents the pain from worsening the following day. Avoid lying down on hard surfaces; the surface should be softer.