What is Frozen Shoulder Syndrome?
Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder is a condition where inflammation, pain, and stiffness occur around the shoulder region, therefore, making it difficult for the joints around the shoulder to move well.
Frozen Shoulder Causes
Experts have come up with various causes that lead to frozen shoulder pain and some of them include injury or trauma, autoimmune functioning, and the lack of fluids around the joint area. Apart from the above causes, experts believe that people who are suffering from lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and arthritis are likely to suffer from shoulder joint pain.
Both, natural treatment methods, as well as home exercises, can be conducted right from the comfort of the home. Below are natural treatment methods and home exercises, to get rid of frozen shoulder joint pain.
Frozen Shoulder Natural Remedies
Ice and Heat
Ice and heat are opposite elements that would not exist together but when applied to an area that is experiencing pain, one will be able to experience relief. You can start by applying moist heat to the shoulder. The heat will help to loosen up the muscles that surround the joint. Proceed to use a heating pad or you can also use a washcloth. Soak it in hot water and proceed to apply the heating pad or the warm cloth to the affected area.
Leave the heating pad or the warm cloth on the shoulder for 10 minutes. You can also make small massage movements to increase the rate of the muscle loosening. Ice needs to be applied around the region, therefore, helping to reduce pain as well as inflammation.
Castor Oil Massage
Over the years, castor oil has been used to treat swellings that are brought about by rheumatism and gout. The oil is known to contain a vital ingredient known as ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties. When used on the shoulder, it will help in reducing the swelling as well as the pain. When applying the castor oil on the shoulder it is wise to use gentle massaging movements in order to avoid internal damage. If you are in too much pain and cannot apply the oil while massaging the area, you can opt to contact an Ayurveda expert to do it for you.
Acupuncture
This is a group of procedures that involve the stimulation of anatomical locations on the skin through a variety of techniques. The procedure has been found to be effective especially when it comes to treating certain ailments and diseases.
Acupuncture can also help you to alleviate the inflammation as well as the pain around the frozen shoulder. Experts consider the procedure as the most effective treatment option. The procedure has been found to eliminate trigger points, therefore, eradicating the condition immediately and permanently.
Black Sesame Seeds
The seeds have been found to be effective in providing relief from the pain that one experiences. Start by taking a spoonful of black sesame seeds and then proceed to soak them in water. You need to allow it to sleep overnight. Consume the seeds the following morning and you will be able to experience relief from the pain.
Consume warm and fresh meals with various spices
Spices not only provide flavor in the food that one eats but also act as healing substances thanks to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is wise to start consuming warm and fresh meals with spices such as long pepper, powdered ginger, and black pepper. Within no time, they will help to eliminate the pain as well as prevent inflammation around the shoulder.
Apply Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is known to have warming properties, which are effective in reducing inflammation as well as acting as a good remedy for a frozen shoulder. Start by applying the oil on the shoulder gently over a period of few days. The oil will seep into the skin, therefore, providing much-needed relief from frozen shoulder pain.
Natural Herbs
Natural herbs contain nutrients and minerals, which are helpful in nourishing the body as well as healing it from various ailments. Herbs also have adaptogenic properties, which help to alleviate the ill effects of stress that may lead to the occurrence of frozen shoulder pain. Herbs such as Withania somnifera, asparagus racemosus, and paederia foetida help to eliminate stiffness, inflammation, and pain.
Frozen Shoulder Exercises
Stretch exercises can be conducted in the comfort of the home and all you need to do is to lie down on your back, proceed to place a long pole on your thighs, and then grasp it with your hands. Start to gradually raise the pole until you reach a point where you start experiencing discomfort. Hold that position for a few seconds and then begin to slowly lower the pole to its original position. You need to repeat these stretch exercises 10 more times.
You can also stand with your arms hanging by your side. Start to slowly swing the affected arm back and forth like a pendulum. Proceed to change position and swing the affected arm left or right. You can also move it anticlockwise or clockwise, therefore, making small circles.
Apart from that, you can also use a pulley system, which will help you to get your affected arm overhead. All you need to have is a pulley system set up and you can begin exercising.
You can also rotate your arm while lying down on a bed. You can make pendulum movements or you can also decide to make small circular motions either starting from the clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.
Using a long piece of cloth or towel, you can be able to bring the affected arm high or low. Hold one end with the left arm and the other with the right. Ensure the towel is passing behind your back. Start moving one arm up and then pull with the other.
References: Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine