Home Remedy for Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a condition that affects your shoulder joint. It is usually caused by swelling and sometimes more worse than expected, torn muscle fibers. It involves pain and stiffness that gradually develops and then finally goes away. The painful condition can take anywhere from a year up to 3 years.

Your shoulder joint

The totality of the bones that form your shoulder is called the shoulder capsule. It is composed of three bones and is anatomically described as a ball-and-socket joint: the upper arm (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and collarbone (clavicle). Soft tissue and muscles hold them together.

Symptoms

You feel dull and achy pain in one shoulder. You might feel the same sensation in your upper arm. The pain can be more severe at night and you might find it hard to sleep. Pain also occurs when lifting your hand sideways, making tasks such as brushing your hair difficult. When the bones have less lubrication, the tissues become irritated. Swelling starts. Scars are formed. This happening limits the shoulder joint even more.

Home remedy (Source: The Complete Home Healer by Angela Smyth)

1. Hydrotherapy. Make an ice pack by wrapping a bag full of ice cubes. Prepare a hot water bottle, and wrap a towel around it. First apply the ice pack for three minutes, followed by the towel-wrapped hot water bottle for three minutes. Repeat the procedure alternately. The sudden changes in temperature will increase blood flow that will enhance recovery of cells and tissues around the shoulder. This procedure will also decrease swelling.

2. Massage. If your right shoulder is affected, support the left elbow with your right hand, and pass the left hand over the affected shoulder. Starting close to the neck, squeeze the large muscle that passes over the shoulder blade. Try to lift the muscle as you squeeze, working all the way down to the shoulder. Repeat several times. If the left shoulder is affected, reverse the process. With your elbow still supported, use your fingertips to stroke firmly down from the side of the top of the neck all the way along the shoulder to the shoulder joint. Repeat the procedure several times. You can apply oil, mentholated liquid, or virgin coconut oil in massaging your painful shoulder.

3. Acupressure. Make a fist and gently pound on the tops of your shoulders, from the joint up to the neck. Curve your fingers and hook them over the top of your shoulders. Feel for the area of tension, and allow your thumb to sink into it. Press firmly for a minute and then relax.

4. Exercise. Do isometric exercises focused on your painful shoulder. You can make use of a towel under the affected armpit. Use your free arm to pull the elbow sideways. Do repetitions. If pain becomes severe, stop to rest the muscles.