Adhesive capsulitis / Frozen shoulder

Adhesive capsulitis / Frozen shoulder

Symptom Definition

Capsulitis is an inflammation of the membrane around a joint. Capsulitis of the shoulder is very common after the age of 50 and affects many women.


Causes to be evaluated

It is usually caused by a problem in the cervical spine, specifically the joint between the first cervical vertebra and the skull (atlantooccipital joint). This joint problem affects the spinal nerve, which in turn causes dysfunction of the trapezius muscle that surrounds the shoulder.


Naturopathic protocol

  • Be patient and consistent with these treatments. Don't expect a quick miracle cure, especially after the age of 40. If you feel better after 3 weeks, continue patiently without putting too much strain on your shoulder.

🍽️ Nutrition

Favour a healthy and light diet: hypotoxic diet:

  • Beware of hydrogenated and refined fats, which are often found in convenience foods, sports foods, group meals, etc.
  • Use cold-pressed Rapeseed oil and a little Camelina oil. Olive oil or coconut oil for cooking.
  • If necessary, reduce cow's milk products, especially cheese and yoghurt, in the same meal as meat or fish.
  • Eat more seasonal vegetables.
  • Have a main meal of meat or fish with vegetables.

🌿 Phytotherapy

To relieve and reduce inflammation, take high doses of anti-inflammatory plant extracts for at least 2 months, including:

  • Harpagophytum
  • The secondary root of Turmeric , an extract titrated in curcumin (possibly with a pepper extract).
  • For severe pain, it is often advisable to add Cassis buds (gemotherapy) and a little Boswellia.
  • If you are very nervous because of the pain, take daily extracts of calming plants: Valerian and Passiflora.

If you have a very sensitive digestive system, acidity of the stomach, frequent headaches, fragile intestines, start with a herbal liver cure based on Artichoke or Milk thistle:

  • 2 capsules before 3 meals
  • Duration: 10 to 20 days

🌺 Aromatherapy

Apply a blend of anti-inflammatory essential oils with Arnica oil to the upper back, neck and shoulders:

There are balms and gels that combine vegetable oils and/or organic silicones with essential oils.

💊 Micronutrition

The most important nutrients for strengthening joint membranes and cartilage are:

The nutrients needed for good tendon repair are:

  • Omega-3 from fish oil
  • Minerals in the form of basic citrate or Lithothamnium powder
  • These regenerative supplements are taken at the same time as the anti-inflammatory herbs.

🧘‍♂️ Manual Techniques

In this inflammatory shoulder pathology, relaxation of the neck and cervical vertebrae, the upper back, is of paramount importance.

  • Use relaxing, anti-stress and anti-inflammatory plants and oils or creams.
  • Massage quickly 3 times a day, gently stretch the spine and muscles and breathe out for a long time several times a day.
  • If you have stiffness and pain, before exercising, run a very hot shower over your shoulders and neck for 5 to 10 minutes, gradually increasing the temperature. When you get out of the shower, massage yourself with the recommended blend of essential oils.
  • Rest the joint as much as possible, or at least release pressure and nervous tension.
  • Take long pauses to breathe in and out several times a day, using the techniques suggested here.

🌼 Homeopathy

  • If the pain is in the right shoulder, take 5 granules of Sanguinaria 6 CH 3 or 4 times a day. This remedy is also prescribed in the same dosage for nocturnal periarthritis.
  • If the pain is in the left shoulder, 5 granules of Ferrum metallicum 6 CH can be taken 3 times a day.
  • However, if the pain is in both shoulders at the same time, Lycopodium 6 CH is indicated, 5 granules taken 3 times a day.