Ayurvedic Treatment for Frozen Shoulder in Kerala

Step-by-Procedures of Frozen Shoulder Ayurvedic  Treatment

Initial consultation:

Assessment of dosha imbalance, symptoms and their final diagnosis.

Therapeutic procedures:

Lepana (External herbal paste application) followed by mild fomentation induced by pouring medicated lukewarm liquid over the area, oiling, and steam therapy (Swedana).

Panchakarma detox:

Tailored therapies such as Snehapana (intake of unctuous substances like medicated oil/ ghee), matra vasti (enema), bhrimhana nasya (nourishing herbal medication instillation), pratimarsha nasya (daily medicine instillation) etc .

Herbal formulations:

Internal and external use of Ayurvedic herbs.

Post-treatment care:

Dietary and lifestyle modifications.

Effectiveness of Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Ayurvedic treatments are proven to be effective in frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) treatment as it addresses not just the physical symptoms but also the root cause.

Mere consumption of pain-relieving medicines won’t do good in this condition. Many patients report significant improvements in mobility, reduced pain, and enhanced quality of life after consistent treatment.

Do’s and Don’ts During Treatment

Do’s

• Follow the prescribed Ayurvedic therapies and herbal medicines consistently.
• Perform gentle shoulder exercises recommended by your Ayurvedic practitioner.
• Maintain proper posture to avoid further strain on the shoulder.
• Use warm compresses to support pain relief and muscle relaxation.
• Follow a Vata-pacifying diet as advised by your doctor.
• In case of severe pains, ice packs could be applied to the joint before exercising.On moving the joint, hot fermentation for a minute is recommended.
• Having proper erect posture really helps in the management of this frozen shoulder, and this also makes the healing quicker.

Don’ts

• Avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting with the affected shoulder.
• Refrain from cold food and drinks that may aggravate Vata dosha.
• Do not ignore symptoms or delay seeking medical advice.
• Avoid long periods of inactivity or immobilization.
• Direct blast of AC or fan should be avoided totally; maintain normal room temperature.
• Heavy weight should be avoided at all costs; even lifting of a child should be avoided. 

Diet Recommendation During Ayurvedic Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

A balanced Ayurvedic diet plays a vital role in managing a frozen shoulder. Diet plays a vital role as a frozen shoulder is often seen in individuals with diabetes.

Controlling blood sugar may help alleviate the pain. Include bitter gourd, gooseberry (amla), and other bitter foods daily.

Maintaining warmth in cold climates or countries is essential for managing frozen shoulder.

Keeping the affected area warm can improve comfort and mobility.

Recommended Foods

• Warm, freshly cooked meals to pacify Vata.
• Soups and broths enriched with ginger and turmeric.
• Seeds like sesame, flax seeds etc.
• Vegetables like spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
• Black grams
• Soya products
• Fibre-rich brown rice, Wheat, Ragi, Njavara rice, Green gram, Little millet, Pearl millet, Foxtail millet, Amaranth, Sorghum, and Buckwheat.
• Fruits like Apple, Amla, Banana, Berries, Pomegranate, Coconut, Avocado etc
• Vegetables: Bitter gourd, Bottle gourd, Ladies finger, Beetroot, Fenugreek and moringa leaves, Carrot, Mushrooms, Coriander, Ginger, Pumpkin, Sweet potato, Garlic, Turmeric, Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale
• Ghee, A2 milk (Milk of indigenous variety cows)/ Plant-based milk, Buttermilk
• Coconut oil, Mustard oil, Olive oil,
• Spices: Carom seed, Cinnamon, Fennel, Ginger, Turmeric, Coriander, and Cumin seeds
• Fishes: Small fishes, Tuna, Salmon, rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Foods to Avoid

• Cold or refrigerated foods and drinks.
• Processed or packaged foods high in preservatives.
• Excessively spicy, oily, or fried foods.
• Rice, potatoes, bananas, processed foods, mangoes, pears, and grapes
• If consuming rice, opt for unpolished rice.
• Refined sugar, flour, sweets, and sugar-containing items.
• Canned and packaged fruits, liquids, and soups.
• Alcohol, carbonated drinks, squashes, sweetened drinks, and whole milk beverages.
• Red meat, including pork, lamb, and beef, as well as processed and fried meat.
• Palm oil and artificial sweeteners.
• Red chilli, excess salt, spicy and sour foods, pickles, and vinegar.
• Limit the intake of curd and prefer buttermilk instead.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Here are some lifestyle recommendations to be followed for maintaining a disease-free living:

• “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” as quoted by Benjamin Franklin is a timeless principle to be followed by everyone.
• Engage in yoga or stretching exercises as mentioned above in the blog. Regular yoga practice can enhance the pain threshold, reducing the dependency on pain-relieving medications
• Follow a regular sleep cycle to support the healing process and prevent further damage.
• Practice a Vata-pacifying routine
• Keep the body warm to avoid stiffness caused by cold environments.
• Practice stress-management techniques like meditation or Pranayama.
• Eating a balanced diet containing plenty of fresh fruits, omega 3 fatty acids, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and enough fluids gives the body all the nutrients it requires for maintaining healthy bones and muscles.
• Omega and Vitamin D supplements strengthen bones, and Vitamin B12 is necessary for muscles and nerves health.

Avoid

• Prolonged sitting or lying down without movement.
• Overexertion during recovery phases.
• Consumption of processed food items, excessive salt as well as sugary drinks should be avoided which may decrease inflammation and maintain shoulder health.
• Prolonged sitting and a sedentary lifestyle can weaken the muscles, lead to poor posture, and contribute to bone related issues.

How to Prevent Frozen Shoulder ?

Here are a few suggestions to help prevent a frozen shoulder:

• Practice regular exercises particularly those involving shoulder stretches
• Avoid sedentary lifestyle
• Treat underlying diseases effectively
• Maintain blood sugar levels under control
• Address minor shoulder injuries promptly to prevent complications.
• Maintain a healthy weight to avoid strain on joints.
• Make sure to maintain healthy thyroid hormonal levels
• Taking frequent breaks to stretch, incorporating standing and walking into your work routine, and avoiding long periods of inactivity can help maintain overall health

Exercise

Regular and gentle exercises are critical in both treating and preventing frozen shoulder:

Exercises Recommended

Pendulum stretches:

Allow the arm to swing gently in small circles.

Wall climbing:

Use fingers to climb up a wall, extending the range of motion.

Cross-body stretch:

Gently pull the affected arm across the chest.

Towel stretch:

Hold a towel behind the back and move the arms in opposite directions.

Note: Always perform exercises under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor or physiotherapist.