Dr Veer Davinder Singh
Abstract
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a debilitating condition characterized by pain and significant restriction of shoulder movement. This case report highlights the successful homeopathic management of a 48-year-old female presenting with chronic right shoulder pain and stiffness for over a year. Individualized homeopathic treatment with Ferrum metallicum 200c led to complete resolution of symptoms and restoration of mobility within six months, demonstrating the potential of homeopathy in treating musculoskeletal conditions.
KEY WORDS: Homoeopathy, Frozen Shoulder, Shoulder Pain, Homoeopathic Medicine
Introduction
Frozen shoulder is a common and often painful condition that severely limits the range of motion in the shoulder joint. It typically progresses through stages: pain, stiffness, and then recovery, with the entire process sometimes lasting for years. While conventional treatments often involve pain management, physical therapy, and sometimes injections or surgery, homeopathy offers a holistic approach, focusing on the individual’s unique symptom presentation to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
This report details the successful treatment of a chronic case of frozen shoulder using Ferrum metallicum, a well-indicated homeopathic remedy for conditions involving pain, stiffness, and a characteristic amelioration from slow motion.
Patient Details
Name: SC
Age: 48 years
Sex: Female
Religion: Hindu
Date of First Consultation: January 10, 2024
History of Present Illness
SC presented with severe pain and marked stiffness in her right shoulder, making it difficult to perform daily activities like dressing, combing hair, and reaching overhead. The pain was dull and aching, worsening with any attempt at movement, especially at night, disturbing her sleep. She had been suffering from this condition for over a year, and it had significantly impacted her quality of life and independence.
Treatment History
The patient had previously undergone physiotherapy sessions and had taken conventional pain relievers (NSAIDs) for several months, which provided only temporary and partial relief. She found no sustained improvement and sought an alternative approach.
Family History
- Father: Hypertension
- Mother: Osteoarthritis
- Sibling: No reported health issues
Physical Generals
- Appetite: Normal
- Thirst: Moderate, for normal water
- Sleep: Disturbed due to shoulder pain, especially when lying on the affected side.
- Perspiration: Moderate, generalized.
- Thermals: Ambithermal (neither particularly warm nor chilly).
- Stool: Regular
Mental Generals
Emotional state: The patient was frustrated and irritable due to the persistent pain and limitation of movement. She felt helpless and worried about the long-term impact on her independence. She was generally reserved but could be quite determined.
Behavioural tendencies: Diligent and organized.
Totality of Symptoms
- Chronic right shoulder pain and stiffness.
- Pain worse with initial movement, better with continued slow movement.
- Pain worse at night, especially when lying on the affected side.
- Restricted range of motion in all directions (abduction, rotation).
- Frustration and irritability due to pain and immobility.
Prescription and Follow-Up
Prescription: Ferrum metallicum 200c
Dosage: One dose weekly for six months
Follow-Up: Monthly
Progress Over Six Months
First Month: Initial slight reduction in pain intensity. The patient reported being able to move her arm with less sharp pain, though stiffness persisted. Sleep improved marginally.
Second Month: Noticeable improvement in the range of motion. She could perform some activities of daily living with less difficulty. Pain continued to decrease, and sleep quality improved further.
Third Month: Significant reduction in both pain and stiffness. She was able to raise her arm above her head with much less discomfort. The patient reported feeling more optimistic.
Fourth Month: Nearly complete resolution of pain. The range of motion was almost normal, with only slight stiffness remaining at the extreme end of movements.
Fifth Month: Full recovery of shoulder mobility and complete absence of pain. She was able to resume all her daily activities without any limitations.
Sixth Month: The patient remained symptom-free with full shoulder function restored.
Conclusion
This case vividly illustrates the profound efficacy of individualized homeopathic treatment in managing chronic and debilitating conditions like frozen shoulder. Ferrum metallicum 200c effectively resolved SC’s symptoms, restoring her physical function and improving her overall well-being within a six-month period, offering a safe and sustainable therapeutic option.
Homoeopathic Medicines for Frozen Shoulder
- Ferrum metallicum: Indicated for pain in the shoulder, especially right-sided, worse on initial movement but better with slow, continued movement. Pain often worse at night.
- Rhus Toxicodendron: Excellent for stiffness and pain, especially worse on first movement after rest, ameliorated by continued motion. Often worse in cold, damp weather.
- Sanguinaria Canadensis: Particularly useful for right-sided shoulder and deltoid pain, extending to the arm, often with a burning sensation. Pain can be worse at night.
- Bryonia Alba: Indicated when pain is sharp, stitching, and greatly aggravated by the slightest motion. The patient desires absolute rest.
- Ledum Palustre: Useful for rheumatic pains that begin in the lower limbs and ascend, or for pains that are ameliorated by cold applications.
Dr Veer Davinder Singh
Email: singhveerdavinder1996@gmail.com
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