Adhesive Capsulitis - Frozen shoulder
&
Arthrosis of the Shoulder

Clinically called “Adhesive Capsulitis,” a frozen shoulder is an extremely painful condition in which the shoulder is completely or partially unmovable. Adhesive Capsulitis may be caused by an underlying problem, such as a rotator cuff tear or bursitis, which may cause the body’s immune system to mistake a wound for a foreign body and attack the shoulder joint.

Symptoms are:

  • Pain, especially while sleeping on the shoulder
  • Little to no range of motion of shoulder joint
  • Stopping point in range of motion in each direction of shoulder joint
Adhesive capsulitis may set in as a result of underuse or immobilization of the shoulder. It is important not to neglect a painful injury. If the shoulder injury does not seem to improve with time and essential oil application , as well as rest and icing the injury, see a doctor immediately.  

Arthrosis of the Shoulder, Arthrosis (from “arthro-“, meaning “joint,” and “-osis”, meaning “abnormal condition” or “disease,”) means a degeneration of the shoulder joint. While the shoulder generally functions with strength and fluidity, the smooth movement of the joint eventually breaks down with age or heavy use. Also known as osteoarthritis of the shoulder, arthrosis worsens with time, moving from tenderness to pain and loss of range of motion.

Arthrosis is caused by general “wear and tear” of the shoulder joint, although certain situations raise the risk of developing the condition. Frequent overhead motion, weightlifting, a fall on the shoulder or an earlier injury involving the clavicle (collar bone), humerus (upper arm bone) or scapula may raise the risk.

Symptoms are:

  • Tenderness in shoulder joint
  • Pain worsens when arm is placed across chest,  
    this lessens the room between bones.
  • Bump or reddening around affected area
  • Clicking or popping while moving upper arm
  • Generalized stiffness throughout area

See a doctor who will prescribe as possible medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including aspirin and other salicilates); steroids; cortisone injections. Aromatherapy should be seen as an addition to such treatments as it is next to impossible to cure these problems with essential oils alone. 

What can be done is to relieve the pain, this applies also to the Frozen shoulder treatment. The treatment for both indications is as follows:

1.   Apply vial nr.1 in circular movements in the shoulder joint area three times daily 
      during three days.

2.  During the next two days apply the massage oil mixture of which the formulae is
     given in the Sinusitis section  containing the Long or Black pepper oil and apply
     twice daily to the upper shoulder area and at the lower part of the neck.

3.  Apply vial nr.1 again for three days.

4.  Use the massage oil as long as necessary after this period.

3.  Do not use the hot sponge in this application.

Some therapists take a large cabbage leaf and iron it to release the vitamins and enzymes, and while still hot apply it to the painful areas. Place it there while still warm and leave for about 15 minutes, then start the above mentioned treatment.

      Index Lesson 2