Frozen Shoulder – Ayurvedic Management

by | Jul 3, 2025 | Ayurveda, Wellness & Healing

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, medically termed Adhesive Capsulitis, is a painful condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and inflamed, significantly restricting movement. The term “frozen” is used because the joint appears to be stuck or frozen in place, limiting both active and passive range of motion. This condition can last for months or even years and progresses gradually.

Why Does Frozen Shoulder Happen?

In modern pathology, frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens due to inflammation, leading to the formation of scar tissue (adhesions). This restricts the joint’s movement and causes chronic pain.

  • Injury or Surgery: Immobilisation after fractures or surgeries can lead to stiffness.
  • Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk; the exact reason remains unclear.
  • Thyroid Disorders, Parkinson’s Disease, Cardiac conditions
  • Stroke or prolonged non-use of the arm
  • Idiopathic: No clear underlying cause in many cases

Symptoms and Stages of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder typically develops in stages:

  1. Pre-Freezing / Prodromal Stage (1–3 months)
    • Mild discomfort and stiffness
    • Pain at night or after specific movements
  2. Freezing Stage (6 weeks – 9 months)
    • Sharp, increasing pain
    • Progressive stiffness and reduced mobility
  3. Frozen Stage (4 – 12 months)
    • Pain diminishes
    • Joint becomes significantly stiff and difficult to move
  4. Thawing Stage (5 months – 2 years)
    • Gradual return of mobility
    • Shoulder regains strength and function

Ayurvedic View: Avabahuka (Frozen Shoulder)

In Ayurveda, frozen shoulder is referred to as Avabahuka, primarily caused by Vata dosha aggravation due to:

Causative Factors (Nidana)

  • Excessive cold exposure
  • Irregular sleep and eating habits
  • Overexertion or injury
  • Poor digestion and Vata-vitiating foods

Why It Is Increasing Today?

  • Prolonged Screen Time: Tech neck, poor posture, mobile usage
  • Binge Watching: Continuous immobility while watching reels or shows
  • Cold & Damp Weather : Aggravates Vata dosha
  • Sedentary Lifestyle: Limited physical activity and bad ergonomics
  • Young Population Affected: More young adults and children face early onset due to digital habits

Ayurvedic Line of Treatment (As per Samhitas)

  • Snehana (Oleation)
  • Swedana (Fomentation)
  • Abhyanga (Medicated Massage)
  • Nasya (Nasal Therapy)
  • Basti (Medicated Enema) for systemic Vata correction

Ayurvedic Medicines (To be taken under supervision)

  • Guggulu Formulations
  • Rasnasaptakam Kashayam
  • Ashwagandha, Shallaki, Eranda Sneha
  • Dashamoola formulations

Dosages and medicines should be prescribed by an Ayurvedic physician as per individual constitution and condition.

Home Remedies and Self-Care

  • Turmeric Water: Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Garlic Milk (Lashuna Ksheerapaka): Strengthens joints
  • Ginger Tea or Water: Improves blood circulation
  • Ashwagandha / Clove Water: Helps reduce Vata
  • Nirgundi Leaf Juice (Swarasa)

External Therapies

  • Mahanarayana Thailam / Karpooradi Thailam / Prasasrinyadhi Thailam massage
  • Hot Herbal Packs: Turmeric & ginger paste, or Kottamchukkadi choornam pack externally mixed with egg or water.
  • Heat Therapy: After applying oil use wheat husk bags or ready-made microwaveable pads available in UK

Ayurvedic Panchakarma Centre

Most Effective management and significant results you can get if you take proper therapeutic massage from Panchakarma centre

  • Abhyanga
  • Patrapinda/Kizhi Sweda (leaf bolus with garlic, rice, wheat husk)
  • Pizhichil and Navarakizhi therapies

Yoga and Physio Management

Physiotherapy and mild yoga are highly effective.

Physiotherapy Exercises:

Simple Yoga Poses (under guidance)

  • Salabhasana (Locust Pose): Strengthens upper back and scapula
  • Makarasana (Crocodile Pose): Relaxes spine and shoulders
  • Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose): Opens shoulder joints
  • Virabhadrasana II (Warrior Pose): Enhances strength
  • Ardha Baddha Hastasana: Improves shoulder flexibility
  • Surya Namaskara: General flexibility and strength

Diet & Lifestyle

Recommended Foods (Vata-pacifying)

  • Whole wheat, Urad dal, Goat milk, Cow’s ghee
  • Fruits: Grapes, Pomegranate, Mango, Banana, Apple
  • Healthy vegetables, warm meals
  • Protein diet
  • Warm water and herbal teas regularly

Lifestyle Tips

  • Avoid cold food and drinks
  • Take regular screen breaks
  • Maintain proper posture during work and sleep
  • Include stretching, mild walking
  • Prioritise good sleep and stress reduction

Precautions

  • Always get the condition diagnosed by a doctor
  • Take medications under guidance of qualified Ayurvedic physician
  • Yoga and exercise should be performed with expert supervision

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder is a debilitating yet manageable condition when diagnosed early and treated holistically. Ayurveda offers an integrated solution through internal medicines, external therapies, and lifestyle correction, complemented by yoga and physiotherapy. Addressing it early with the right approach restores strength, motion, and quality of life.

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