It can be extremely challenging to carry out all sorts of physical tasks when you have frozen shoulder, a condition in which the affected shoulder feels painful, and is stiff and inflamed. Also known as adhesive capsulitis, it is said to affect about 2% of the general population at any given time.
Fitness buffs, in particular those who lift weights, are prone to having frozen shoulder. However, just about anybody can suffer from it, too. Some of the most common causes of this often debilitating problem concerning the shoulder include previous injury to a shoulder and the lack of synovial fluid in the shoulder joint.
Doctors say that frozen shoulder may also be due to an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, a problem with the thyroid gland and even heart disease. So if the pain and swelling of the affected shoulder fails to subside after a week, then it’s a good idea to have your doctor check your shoulder.
In the meantime, you may pop a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID in your mouth to temporarily alleviate the signs and symptoms. But since you may be well-aware of the side effects and risks of NSAID use, you may try some all natural remedies for frozen shoulder. Some of the best ones around are the following:
Cold and Hot Compress
Applying an ice pack on the affected shoulder for 5 to 10 minutes can help considerably reduce pain and inflammation. Make sure that you wrap ice cubes in a small towel because it’s a no-no to place them directly on your skin. Applying hot compress afterwards may also be done. Doing this will help increase blood flow to the area and accelerate the removal of toxins, thus speeding up the recovery process. Do alternating cold and hot compress up to 5 times a day.
Ginger Oil and Tea
Massaging ginger oil on the problem area can help in combating both pain and swelling naturally, thanks to the said oil’s ability to control inflammation so effectively. It’s also a wonderful idea for you to brew yourself a cup of ginger tea regularly. Consuming the herbal drink allows you to attain healing from within your body.
Turmeric Paste
Just like ginger, turmeric has superb anti-inflammatory properties. This is the reason why you may also employ this well-known herb for dealing with frozen shoulder. Making turmeric paste that you may apply on your achy and swollen shoulder is rather easy: just add a few drops of water to a little turmeric powder and mix very well. Aside from employing turmeric in the form of paste, you may also count on this herb in the form of tea. To make a cup of it, simply stir a pinch or two of the deep yellow-colored powder into a cup of hot water, and then slowly consume it.
Garlic
Consuming garlic on a regular basis can help you obtain relief from frozen shoulder, courtesy of the herb’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties. You may also massage the content of garlic oil capsule on the problem shoulder 2 to 3 times daily in order to reduce both pain and swelling.
Apple Cider Vinegar
You may stir a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and consume it with a straw (to prevent getting the teeth eroded) to attain much-needed relief from frozen shoulder. Do this once or twice a day. Similarly, you may regularly massage apple cider vinegar on the affected joint using a cotton pad. For best results, make sure that the apple cider vinegar you use for the job is the kind that’s unfiltered and organic.
Black Sesame Seeds
There are a couple of minerals present in black sesame seed that are very good at managing frozen shoulder: copper and zinc. The presence of healthy fats, too, contributes to the healing properties of these black-colored seeds. Before hitting the hay, soak a teaspoon of black sesame seeds in water. The following day before having your breakfast, strain and consume the softened seeds. Do this home remedy on a daily basis for relief.
