Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms typically begin gradually, worsen over time.

Cause

The causes of frozen shoulder are not fully understood. There is no clear connection to arm dominance or occupation. A few factors may put more at risk for developing frozen shoulder.

Diabetes. Frozen shoulder occurs much more often in people with diabetes. The reason for this is not known. In addition, diabetic patients with frozen shoulder tend to have a greater degree of stiffness that continues for a longer time before “thawing.”

Other diseases. Some additional medical problems associated with frozen shoulder include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, and cardiac disease.

Immobilization. It can develop after a shoulder has been immobilized for a period of time due to surgery, a fracture, or other injury.

Symptoms

Frozen shoulder typically develops slowly, and in three stages. Each stage can last a number of months.

• Freezing stage.Any movement of shoulder causes pain, and range of motion starts to become limited.
• Frozen stage.Pain may begin to diminish during this stage. However shoulder becomes stiffer, and using it becomes more difficult.
• Thawing stage.The range of motion begins to improve.

In Ayurveda, the condition is described as Apabahuka and it most commonly affects the amsa sandhi (shoulder joint). Ayurveda categorizes it as a Vatapradhanavyadhi (Disease due to involvement of vata) that causes pain in shoulder and severely restricts movements. Various Panchakarma treatments along with internal medicines play an important role in treating this condition.

                                                                        Dr Ritesh Lahoti

M.D Kayachikitsa

                                                                                      Centre head- Gachibowli

                                                                                 Travancore Ayurveda