Frozen Shoulder : Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies

How to Reduce the Frozen Shoulder

Our shoulder is the collection of three bones that is shoulder blade or scapula, upper arm or humerus, and collarbone or clavicle. All the three bones assemble and form a ball-and-socket joint. Also,there is a connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint holding everything at a place known as the shoulder capsule. For the friction-free movement of the joint, there is synovial fluid.

The decrease in synovial fluid causes frozen shoulder that leads to scarring, tightening and thickening of the tissue of the capsule. This condition is referred as adhesive capsulitis.

What are the symptoms of frozen shoulder

The symptoms of frozen shoulder include persistent pain, stiffness in the shoulder joint, difficulty in moving the shoulder and dull or achy pain in the shoulder. The pain gets worse in the night. All these symptoms are worse intwo years. However, with time, this condition gets resolves by itself.

The three phases of the frozen shoulder.

1.Freezing stage/ painful stage-

There is a pain in the shoulder that aggravates with time. Shoulder movements get limited. The severity of pain may increase in the night, and it becomes hard to sleep. This stage lasts for 6 to 9 months, and the movements of the shoulder is limited.

2.Frozen stage/ adhesive stage-

There may be relief in pain, but the stiffness persists, and range of motion is limited. You may find it difficult to carry out the everyday chores. This stage usually lasts for 4 to 12 months.

3.Thawing stage-

It is the stage of improvement. You will see the normal unrestricted movements of shoulder joints.

What Causes frozen shoulder

There is no certain cause of frozen shoulder. The exact cause is not known. It is more common in females than males. People aged between 40 and 60 years are more likely to suffer from it. Also, it is more common in people recovering from a stroke, recent trauma like a fracture in the arm, surgery like a mastectomy which involves restricted shoulder movements. Certain lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and thyroid disorders may further increase your risk of frozen shoulder.
It can affect one or both shoulders.

Diagnosis of frozen shoulder

Diagnosis of frozen shoulder involves a physical examination by a doctor. During this, the doctor looks for the active and passive range of your shoulder movement. Your Doctor will try to move the shoulder in all directions, looking for pain and limitation in motion.
To rule out any other complications and structural deformity, your doctor may also ask for X-rays, ultrasound or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

Treatment options for frozen shoulder

Almost 90% of patients get better with time, without any type of surgical interventions. Although, Recovery is slow and the symptoms may persist for years. To restore mobility and alleviate pain, various treatment options are available.

Home Remedies for frozen shoulder

1.Turmeric for frozen shoulder

Turmeric is one of the best natural anti-inflammatory agents; it helps in relieving pain and helps in reducing inflammation. Turmeric contains cur cumin, which helps in decreasing inflammation.

For best results drink turmeric milk daily. You can add a pinch of turmeric powder in one glass of milk, bring this to boil and consume it warm. Alternatively, you can also grate fresh raw turmeric which is available in winter season.
Turmeric is likely safe; it does not cause any significant side effects. Some people may experience dizziness, stomach upset, and nausea.

2.Garlic for frozen shoulder

Garlic contains allic in, which acts as a natural antioxidant. It boosts the immune system. Raw garlic is considered healthier than cooked one.

3.Ginger to treat frozen shoulder

Ginger has always been a key ingredient for treating many diseases for many years. It contains vitamin C and various minerals like zinc and phosphorus

You can make ginger tea with fresh ginger or dried ginger powder. Boil one tablespoon of grated ginger root in one cup of water; simmer for 10 – 15 minutes. Strain it; you can add one teaspoon of honey or lemon juice for flavour. Drink this tea 2 – 3 times daily.

4.Massage for frozen shoulder

Massage helps in increasing the blood circulation to the affected area. It alleviates shoulder pain and relaxes muscles.

5.Alternating cold and hot compression pack for frozen shoulder

Application of hot and cold compress help in increasing the blood circulation results in relief of pain and swelling.

*Overdoing cold compress can cause frostbite and hot compress more than 20 minutes may cause overheating of the affected tissue. Hence, overdoing hot and cold compress should be avoided.

6.Physical therapy for frozen shoulder

Specific exercises are advised to restore mobility without straining the shoulder. Initially, these exercises should be done under the supervision of a physical therapist. Exercises such as External Rotation, Forward flexion, and Crossover arm stretch are recommended.

Aim to include foods that are anti-inflammatory agents. Avoid simple carbohydrates and Trans/saturated fats. Fruits like red grapes, pineapples are well known for their anti-inflammatory actions.