Menopause Frozen Shoulder: A Natural Approach to Support and Relief

Frozen shoulder is a painful condition where the shoulder becomes stiff, inflamed, and limits your range of motion. It tends to affect people aged 40 to 60 and is more common in women, especially those going through menopause. The pain can range from tingling from the neck down the arm with centralization in the shoulder area to severe pain and motion limitation. It effects more women than men because of the changing hormones in the body, primarily estrogen decreases.

Frozen shoulder may not go away after menopause is finished either. That is because of the changes the body has gone through. Estrogen, which has anti-inflammatory properties, declines during peri and menopausal phases, leading to an increase in joint pain and stiffness. Frozen shoulder is often seen as a result of these changes, particularly in postmenopausal women. In addition, women with thyroid issues or diabetes, both conditions linked with menopause, are at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder.

Frozen shoulder symptoms can be experienced during peri-menopause as well as menopause. Many women suffer in silence because traditional treatment for frozen shoulder is often lifelong prescriptions including birth control, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and pain relievers. These prescriptions can add further complications to health and are often not helpful in relieving the pain beyond a temporary period.

Emotional Reasons for Frozen Shoulder

All pain in the body has an element of physical and emotional side to it. Sometimes the reason we have physical pain is entirely due to emotional reasons and other times it is a combination of physical and emotional.

Emotionally, frozen shoulder is tied to these type of feelings:

• Suppressing your feelings

• Too much strain, stress, and worry

• Not dealing with challenges by numbing them

• Feeling stuck

• Trying to control rather than allow

• Fear of the future

• Wanting to give up on something

• Feeling like a failure

• Engulfed by problems

• Unsure how to heal your pain and sadness

Frozen shoulder represents frozen tears we are holding back because we think we can't let them go or we are so overwhelmed we can't cry.

Natural Methods to Relieve Menopausal Frozen Shoulder Pain

While conventional treatments like physical therapy, prescription and over the counter pain relievers as well as hormonal medications are often medically recommended, there are several natural remedies that can help manage the pain and inflammation of menopausal frozen shoulder.

Hot and Cold Therapy

Applying heat and cold packs alternately to the shoulder can provide relief. Cold packs reduce inflammation and numb the pain, while heat helps relax stiff muscles and improves blood flow to the area.

How to use:

• Apply a cold pack for 15 minutes to reduce inflammation.

• Follow up with a warm compress for 20 minutes to loosen up the joint.

• Soaking in a hot tub with Epsom salt and magnesium

  
  

Gentle Stretching and Yoga

Regular stretching helps maintain flexibility and increases your range of motion, preventing the shoulder from becoming more stiff. Gentle yoga poses can support the shoulder muscles and improve mobility, while also promoting relaxation.

Best yoga poses for frozen shoulder:

• Thread the Needle Pose: This pose stretches the shoulders and upper back, relieving tension.

• Eagle Arms Pose: A great stretch for opening up the upper back and shoulders.

Needle Pose

Acupressure

Acupressure has been used for centuries to manage pain by stimulating specific points in the body. This ancient Chinese practice helps reduce shoulder pain by improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation. Some studies suggest that acupressure can be effective for managing frozen shoulder symptoms.

Reflexology

Reflexology is the use of meridian pathways from the feet that relieve blocks across the major systems in the body. It has been known to effectively work for pain, including frozen shoulder and menopausal shifts in hormones.

Supplements and Herbs for Menopausal Frozen Shoulder

Phytoestrogen

Phytoestrogen products are especially designed with herbs and supplements known to support hormonal changes during peri and menopause phases. They are often used for hot flash management but they do so much more for the woman's body. With consistent use they can be a helpful support in relieving symptoms like hot flashes as well as pain that arises from these experiences. This is what I personally use and recommend.

Designs for Health FemGuard+Balance

Turmeric

Turmeric, a natural anti-inflammatory herb, contains curcumin, which can help reduce pain and swelling in the shoulder. It’s often used for conditions like arthritis and may provide relief for frozen shoulder as well.

How to use:

• Add turmeric powder to your daily meals or take a curcumin supplement.

• You can also make a turmeric tea by boiling a teaspoon of turmeric in water, adding honey for taste.

• Adding turmeric to your cooking and baking

  
  

Magnesium

Magnesium plays a crucial role in muscle relaxation and nerve function. A deficiency in magnesium can lead to muscle stiffness and spasms, contributing to frozen shoulder pain. Taking magnesium supplements and increasing magnesium-rich foods can help relieve the discomfort.

How to use:

• Include foods like spinach, almonds, avocado, and bananas in your diet.

• Consider magnesium oil to massage onto the shoulder for localized relief.

• Supplementing magnesium at bedtime is recommended. Not only will it help support relaxation and sleep but will help with overnight discomfort from pain.

  
  

Ginger

Similar to turmeric, ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Its compounds have been shown to reduce pain associated with arthritis and may provide relief for frozen shoulder as well.

How to use:

• Brew fresh ginger tea or take ginger supplements.

• Use ginger oil topically by massaging it into the affected area to improve circulation.

Vitamin D and K2

Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune function, and a deficiency can worsen joint pain and inflammation. In the case of frozen shoulder, it is not uncommon to also have a vitamin d deficiency. I recommend to my clients using a high dose vitamin D and then revisiting after pain seems to ease.

Vitamin K2 helps with calcium absorption, preventing calcification in soft tissues like the shoulder. Both vitamins work synergistically to support musculoskeletal health, which is crucial during menopause.

How to use:

• Get more sunlight to boost Vitamin D levels naturally.

• Take Vitamin D3 and K2 supplements, especially if you live in areas with limited sun exposure.

• Most adults are vitamin D deficient so year round supplementation can be helpful.

Menopausal frozen shoulder can be a debilitating condition, but there are many natural approaches to managing the pain and stiffness. By incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, practicing gentle stretches, and using natural remedies like turmeric and ginger, you can help alleviate symptoms and improve shoulder mobility.

To work with me on your menopause journey, please setup your in-person or virtual session at www.dragonspitapothecary.com

Dragonspit Apothecary LLC