🦴 Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Integrating Ayurvedic and Modern Perspectives for Holistic Management

At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital

🧘‍♂️ Introduction

Frozen Shoulder, or Adhesive Capsulitis, is a painful and debilitating condition marked by stiffness and restricted movement in the shoulder joint. In Ayurveda, this condition closely resembles Apabahuka, a disorder caused by aggravated Vata Dosha affecting the shoulder’s muscles, joints, and tendons.

At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital, we specialize in a comprehensive and integrative approach that combines modern diagnostics with personalized Ayurvedic therapies, promoting long-term relief and mobility restoration.

🔬 Modern Medical Perspective

📖 Definition

Frozen shoulder involves inflammation and thickening of the joint capsule, which restricts shoulder movement and causes pain.

🧾 Causes & Risk Factors

  • Diabetes

  • Prolonged shoulder immobilization

  • Post-injury or post-surgical recovery

  • Thyroid disorders

  • Autoimmune conditions

⚠️ Symptoms

  • Persistent shoulder pain

  • Marked stiffness

  • Decreased range of motion (both active and passive)

  • Difficulty performing overhead or rotational movements

🌀 Stages of Frozen Shoulder

  1. Freezing Stage: Gradual onset of pain and increasing stiffness

  2. Frozen Stage: Pain may decrease, but stiffness and immobility persist

  3. Thawing Stage: Gradual return of shoulder movement

🧪 Diagnosis

  • Physical examination

  • Imaging: X-rays, MRI (to rule out other causes)

💊 Conventional Treatments

  • NSAIDs or corticosteroids

  • Physiotherapy

  • Injections

  • Surgery in severe cases

🌿 Ayurvedic Perspective

In Ayurveda, frozen shoulder is described as Apabahuka, primarily caused by Vata Dosha vitiation, leading to:

  • Dryness and degeneration of joint and muscle tissues

  • Poor nourishment of Mamsa Dhatu (muscle tissue) and Snayu (ligaments)

  • Accumulation of Ama (toxins), resulting in inflammation and stiffness

⚠️ Ayurvedic Symptoms

  • Sandhi Shoola – Joint pain

  • Sandhi Stambha – Joint stiffness

  • Bahushoola – Radiating arm pain

  • Cheshta Hani – Loss of movement

🩺 Integrated Ayurvedic Management at Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital

We offer a scientific yet traditional treatment approach by blending diagnostic accuracy with authentic Ayurvedic healing.

✅ Modern Diagnostic Support

  • Confirmatory imaging

  • Clinical assessment of joint mobility and inflammation

🌿 Key Ayurvedic Therapeutic Protocols

🔄 Vata Shamana (Vata Pacification)

  • Abhyanga (Herbal oil massage): Improves circulation, relieves pain and dryness

  • Swedana (Steam therapy): Loosens stiffness and relaxes muscles

  • Basti (Medicated enemas): Deep Vata balancing and systemic support

💪 Sandhi & Mamsa Poshana (Joint & Muscle Nourishment)

  • Pinda Sweda: Herbal bolus massage to nourish tissues and reduce pain

  • Lepa: Application of medicated herbal pastes for local pain and inflammation

  • Internal herbal medications: Rasnadi Guggulu, Dashamoola, Ashwagandha, Eranda

🧘 Pain & Inflammation Management

  • Herbal anti-inflammatory and analgesic preparations

  • Nasya (nasal instillation): Balances Vata and supports neuromuscular functions

🥗 Ahara & Vihara (Diet and Lifestyle Management)

Diet (Ahara)

  • Warm, cooked, easy-to-digest foods

  • Use of ghee, sesame oil, and healing herbs like ginger and turmeric

  • Avoid cold, dry, and raw foods that aggravate Vata

  • Hydration with herbal teas (Trikatu, cumin, coriander)

Lifestyle (Vihara)

  • Regular warm oil application

  • Gentle joint movements and stretches

  • Avoid cold exposure and erratic routines

  • Pranayama and meditation for nervous system balance

🧘‍♀️ Therapeutic Yoga and Physiotherapy

  • Gentle shoulder mobilization exercises

  • Specific yoga asanas (e.g., Gomukhasana, Bhujangasana)

  • Pranayama to enhance oxygenation and reduce Vata

🤝 Coordination with Orthopedic Specialists

We offer integrated care by aligning Ayurvedic therapies with modern orthopedic input for those who need it.

🌟 Benefits of Our Integrated Approach

  • Effective pain and stiffness relief

  • Restoration of shoulder mobility and function

  • Reduced inflammation and recurrence risk

  • Enhanced tissue strength and nourishment

  • Holistic improvement in overall well-being

🏥 Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital

Your Trusted Destination for Frozen Shoulder Relief

With deep experience in managing musculoskeletal and joint disorders, Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital provides personalized and compassionate care for frozen shoulder using a holistic combination of Ayurveda and modern science.