Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a chronic condition characterized by intense stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It develops gradually due to inflammation, thickening, and tightening of the shoulder joint capsule that leads to progressive restriction of movement. The condition typically aggravates over time, with recovery being a gradual process. As mobility decreases, the shoulder movement becomes increasingly difficult, causing significant difficulty in performing routine activities for a prolonged period.
Natural and Non-Surgical Homeopathic Treatment for Frozen Shoulder
Homeopathy offers great relief in the cases of frozen shoulder. Homeopathic medicines for frozen shoulder can help relieve one of the ongoing symptoms. Homeopathy has an inbuilt advantage over other systems of medicine because it treats the underlying cause. Homeopathic remedies help in providing relief from pain and stiffness in the shoulder. It can even spare a person from undergoing any surgical procedure. In the conventional system of medicine, different ways are adopted to relieve symptoms of frozen shoulder including massages, physical therapy, the use of medicines like NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and corticosteroids, injections administered locally or systemically. These provide temporary relief but might not fix the underlying cause which leads to the occurrence of the condition. If medications fail to act, surgery is done to cut the adhesions. Being a natural system of medicines, homeopathy not only helps the individual recover well from the current symptoms but also treats the root cause responsible for its occurrence.
Individualized Homeopathic Treatment for Frozen Shoulder
Homeopathic medicines for frozen shoulder are prescribed individually depending on a case-to-case basis. A complete case history is taken into account by the homeopathic physician that involves getting all the information regarding the complaint, its duration, its underlying causes, the detailed symptoms, and modalities (aggravating and relieving factors) peculiar to the patient. The above-mentioned information is important for the doctor to ascertain which remedy is most suited for the complaint.
Safe and Natural Homeopathic Medicines
Homeopathic medicines are of natural origin and there is presence of no harmful chemicals. These can be ingested for as long as recommended by the homeopath without any risk of toxic side effects.
Homeopathy helps manage acute cases as well as chronic cases of frozen shoulder. It minimizes the chances of recurrence of the condition and can help an individual maintain a healthy lifestyle once he has completely recovered from the condition.
Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines for Frozen Shoulder
The medicines that top the list to treat frozen shoulder include — Rhus Toxicodendron, Sanguinaria Canadensis, Ferrum Metallicum, Bryonia Alba , Arnica Montana, Causticum, Ledum Pal, Ruta Graveolen, Guaiacum and Ferrum Phosphoricum.
1. Rhus Toxicodendron – Top Grade Medicine For Frozen Shoulder
Rhus Toxicodendron is a wonderful medicine that can help find relief from marked stiffness in the shoulder joint. The shoulder becomes too stiff to move. The stiffness of the shoulder usually gets better by warm application. It can also be helpful in cases where motion and massages tend to provide relief from stiffness. There is severe tearing, and shooting pain at the top of the shoulder. Pain aggravates during cold and wet weather. The problem intensifies during rest, especially at night, deprives one of good sleep. There is a constant feeling of pressure on the shoulders as if a heavy weight has been placed on them.
When to use Rhus Toxicodendron?
Rhus Toxicodendron is the best medicine for managing frozen shoulder with excessive stiffness in shoulder joint along with pain that worsens at night. Relief is felt by moving the shoulders.
How to use Rhus Toxicodendron?
It is mostly administered in 30C potency and initially it can be ingested two to three times a day.
2. Sanguinaria Canadensis – For Right-Sided Frozen Shoulder
Sanguinaria Canadensis is a wonderful remedy for pain that resides at the top of the right shoulder. It usually aggravates during the night and while tossing and turn in the bed. The patient faces difficulty in raising the arm due to severe pain.
When to use Sanguinaria Canadensis?
This medicine should be administered for managing frozen shoulder affecting the right side – the shoulder pain worsens at night, especially while tossing and turning in the bed and from raising the arm.
How to use Sanguinaria Canadensis?
To begin with, one may use its 30C potency one to or two times daily daily.
3. Ferrum Metallicum – For Left-Sided Frozen Shoulder
Ferrum Metallicum is an amazing remedy for treating frozen shoulder of the left side. There is constant pain in the shoulder. Pain is drawing, shooting, tearing and laming in its nature. Pain usually shoots downward and travels down the arm. It becomes impossible for the patient to raise the arm. The patient feels extreme heaviness in the shoulder joint. Slow movement of the shoulder gradually improves the condition. Warmth may be applied to relieve the pain that aggravates in the bed, the patient has to get up and move about slowly to get relief.
When to use Ferrum Metallicum?
This medicine is administered for frozen shoulder on the left side. The pain causes immobility of the arm and it worsens while in the bed and there is relief from slow movement of the shoulder.
How to use Ferrum Metallicum?
It is advised to administer Ferrum Metallicum 30C one to two times daily.
4. Bryonia Alba – For Pains Getting Worse From Least Motion
Bryonia Alba is an excellent remedy in cases where the pain in the shoulder aggravates from even the least movement. There is sharp, tearing pain which usually worsens upon slight touch and by applying pressure. Relief is felt from pain after the patient goes for a complete rest. Warm application may relieve the symptoms. There is painful pressure on the top of the shoulder and an accompanying factor is stiffness felt in the shoulder joints.
When to use Bryonia Alba?
This medicine can be administered in cases of frozen shoulder if the shoulder pain gets severe even from the least movement of the shoulder.
How to use Bryonia Alba?
It works well in both high and low potencies. To begin with, 30C potency is usually administered and can be taken two to three times daily.
5. Arnica Montana– Frozen Shoulder after Injury or Overexertion
Arnica Montana is a well administered homoeopathic remedy for frozen shoulder, especially when the condition results from strain, overexertion, minor trauma, or a sudden awkward movement. The shoulder feels sore, bruised, and painful as if beaten, with marked stiffness and restricted range of motion, making even slight movement difficult. Patients often have a a lot of fear of being touched or approached, as touch aggravates the pain, and they complain that everything they rest on feels too hard. Pain and soreness typically worsen after exertion and may be associated with a sense of sprain or dislocation in the shoulder joint. Arnica is particularly useful in the early and painful stage of frozen shoulder, helping one find relief from deep muscular soreness, stiffness and inflammation.
When to use Arnica Montana?
Arnica Montana works wonders in cases of frozen shoulder when stiffness and pain follow strain, injury, or overexertion, with a sore, bruised feeling and pain that worsens on movement or touch.
How to use Arnica Montana?
It can be administered in 30C, one to two times daily.
It can be used in higher potency such as 200C,1M under the guidance of a qualified homoeopath.
6. Causticum – For Shoulder Pain That Worsens In Mornings
Causticum is a good remedy to treat cases of frozen shoulder if pain in the shoulder aggravates in the morning. The patient may experience difficulty and discomfort in moving the shoulder. Constant feeling of pressure and heaviness is felt on the shoulder. Pain is dull, aching in nature, and is felt in the shoulder and usually aggravates when movement is made.
When to use Causticum?
This medicine can be administered to manage shoulder pain that occurs in the morning in cases of frozen shoulder accompanied by pressure and heaviness in the shoulders.
How to use Causticum?
One may use this medicine once a day in 30C potency.
7. Ledum Palustre – For Shoulder Pain On Raising The Arm
Ledum Palustre suits well in cases where the patient experiences severe pain in the shoulder while raising the arm. The pains are stitching and throbbing in nature. There is pain and pressure in both the shoulder joints that aggravates from motion.
When to use Ledum Palustre?
This medicine is administered for managing stitching, throbbing shoulder pain that intensifies upon raising the arm.
How to use Ledum Palustre?
It can be administered in 30C potency up to thrice daily.
8. Ruta Graveolens– for Tendon and Ligament Strain in Frozen Shoulder
Ruta Graveolens is a top remedy for frozen shoulder where the complaint arises from strain, overuse, or past injury to tendons and ligaments around the shoulder joint. It is especially administered when there is deep-seated aching, and soreness that gives a sensation of a bruise. Also, there is marked stiffness with restricted movement that worsens both after rest and initiation of movement. The shoulder feels weak, as if it may give way, with pain extending in to the arm, wrist, or hand, and a sense of tendon tightness or shortening. Ruta suits cases where the periarticular tissues are chiefly affected — tendons, fibrous structures, and insertions — making it useful in chronic, tightened frozen shoulder with persistent stiffness and soreness.
When to use Ruta Graveolens?
Ruta Graveolens is administered in frozen shoulder with tendons and ligaments involved, causing bruised pain and marked stiffness.
How to use Ruta Graveolens?
It can be administered with 30C, once daily. Higher potency such as 200C,1M can be given under the guidance of a qualified homoeopath.
9. Guaiacum – For Marked Stiffness In Shoulder
Guaiacum can do wonders in cases of stiffness of the joint that results in its immobility. Sharp stitching pain is felt on the top of the shoulder. The pain can be drawing and lacerating in nature and may go down the arm.
When to use Guaiacum?
This medicine is effective in managing stiffness in shoulders along with pain that may extend down the arm.
How to use Guaiacum?
The most commonly administered potency of this medicine is 30C that can be ingested one to two times daily.
10. Ferrum Phosphoricum – For Shoulder Pain Relieved By Motion
Those who require Ferrum Phosphoricum feel pain in the shoulder that is relieved by moving the arm gently. The pain is violent, drawing and tearing in nature and aggravate by the sudden or violent motion of the arm. The shoulder is stiff, painful and very sensitive to touch.
When to use Ferrum Phosphoricum?
This medicine can be administered for frozen shoulder especially when relief is felt from the shoulder pain by moving the arm gently.
How to use Ferrum Phosphoricum?
It is mostly preferred in 6X potency and can be administered two to three times daily.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
This condition has two main symptoms — pain and stiffness in the shoulder:
1. Pain: The pain is dull and aching and can occur in the outer shoulder or the upper arm. Usually, one side gets affected. But in rare cases, both sides may get involved. Pain may become intense over time and can aggravate due to the following:
Weather changes: Some patients may experience worsening of stiffness or pain particularly during cold or dry weather.
Night: Pain usually get worsens during the night which can cause difficulty in getting proper sleep leading to sleep deprivation among the patients.
2. Stiffness: The shoulder feels tight and rigid, making normal movements uncomfortable and difficult.
3. Restricted Range of Motion: Movements of the shoulder, especially while lifting or rotating the arm becomes limited.
4. Difficulty Raising or Rotating the Arm: Simple actions like reaching overhead, behind the back, or rotating the arm outward becomes challenging due to pain and stiffness.
Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder tends to follow a usual course. It takes place in three stages each with different symptoms.
Stage I: The Freezing Stage
In this stage, the pain begins slowly, the range of motion starts getting limited with stiffness of the joint. Any movement of the shoulder causes pain, and as the pain progresses and worsens, the shoulder tends to lose its mobility. These symptoms can last for six weeks to nine months.
Stage II: The frozen Stage or adhesive stage.
In this stage, pain reduces quite gradually but the stiffness remains. Using the shoulder becomes difficult and it causes hindrance in performing routine activities. These symptoms usually last from four months to a year’s time.
Stage III: The thawing stage or stage of recovery.
In this stage, the motion of shoulder slowly returns towards normal and a range of motion in the shoulder starts getting better. These symptoms generally last from 6 months to two years.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
1. Reduced Synovial Fluid: Decrease in shoulder joint fluid due to different cause can aggravate pain during movement and further limit motion.
2. Injury or Trauma: Falls that physically impact shoulder or injuries to nearby tissues can trigger frozen shoulder.
3. Autoimmune Component: Misguided immune responses can cause swelling, thickening, and stiffness of the shoulder capsule.
4. Idiopathic Cause: In some instances, frozen shoulder develop without any identifiable cause.
Risk Factors
There are some risk factors that can lead to frozen shoulder:
1. Age: It is more common among the people who are 40 years of age and above.
2. Sex: It is more common among the females than males.
3. Immobility: Immobility of the joint can occur to those recovering from any health condition which is preventing him from using the arm or the shoulder. In such cases, one may be prone to develop the symptoms of a frozen shoulder. This can happen after surgery, stroke, rotator cuff injury, fracture, etc.
4. Systemic Diseases: People who are suffering from any systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease are at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder, since these usually affect different parts of an individual at a particular time.
5. Connective tissue disease: Anyone who is suffering from connective tissue diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus can be at a higher risk to develop symptoms of frozen shoulder.
Pathophysiology
The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. It is made up of three bones namely Humerus (bone in the upper arm), Scapula (shoulder blade), Clavicle (collarbone). Strong connective tissue or shoulder capsule surrounds the joint and holds everything (bones, ligaments, tendons) together. Also, there is the presence of synovial membrane which lines the joint capsule and produces synovial fluid. Synovial fluid helps in providing lubrication to the joint and the capsule and reducing the friction between the bones, making the movement of the shoulder easier.
When inflammation of the shoulder capsule starts due to any causative factor and thick bands of the tissue or adhesions start developing, there is less room in the joint for the Humerus, making the joint painful and stiff to move. It can further restrict the movement of the shoulder.
How to diagnose it?
Frozen shoulder is diagnosed primarily through a combination of clinical evaluation and the patient history. A physician assesses stiffness, pain, and restriction of the movement in the shoulder, especially if he notices difficulty in raising or rotating the arm. Physical examination focuses on both passive and active range of motions, to scrutinise any restrictions or discomfort. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, may be used to rule out other conditions like fractures, arthritis, or rotator cuff injuries, but the diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on characteristic pain and progressive loss of shoulder mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can frozen shoulder recur?
Recurrence is uncommon but possible, especially if underlying risk factors persist or the shoulder remains immobilized for long periods.
2. Can lifestyle factors influence it?
Sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, or repetitive overhead activities may subtly increase the risk of stiffness and prolonged recovery.
3. Can weather affect symptoms?
Some patients report aggravated stiffness or aching during cold or damp weather.
4. Can frozen shoulder affect sleep posture?
Patients often avoid lying on the affected side, using pillows to support the arm, which may cause neck or back sprain.
5. Can bilateral frozen shoulder occur?
Yes, although rare, both shoulders can be affected, either simultaneously or on separate occasions and even months apart.
6. How does homeopathy work for frozen shoulder?
Homeopathy stimulates the body’s self-healing process and targets symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and tissue inflammation, while addressing the underlying cause in a holistic way.
7. Are homeopathic remedies safe for long-term use?
Yes, when prescribed by a qualified homeopathic physician, remedies are safe, non-habit forming and can be used long-term without side effects.
8. Can homeopathy be combined with physiotherapy?
Yes, homeopathic treatment works well alongside physiotherapy, exercises, and lifestyle measures to improve range of motion and recovery speed.
9. Can homeopathy help if frozen shoulder develops after surgery?
Yes. Remedies can reduce inflammation, support healing of the tissues, and improve mobility after prolonged immobilization.