Management of frozen shoulder with oil cupping massage: A case study

Frozen shoulder is a common condition in which the articular shoulder capsule swells and stiffens, restricting its mobility. Key characteristics are gradual onset of shoulder stiffness, pain especially at night, and restriction in movement of the shoulder. It is generally diagnosed clinically or with the help of imaging technique. Conservative treatments include analgesics, oral steroids, and intra-articular corticosteroid injections. If symptoms persist despite conservative measures, the surgical treatments were adopted. In modern medicine managing, such conditions are really a hard task. In Unani System of Medicine, there is specific treatment which can provide complete relief; for this, an Unani physician acquires different manipulative therapies such as regimental therapy (massage and cupping). In this paper, one such case is discussed in which patient was distressed by the pain and restricting movements of joints so that performing even small daily tasks are impossible for him/her. The treatment of such painful condition without aid of any analgesic with simple regimental therapy (massage and cupping) is really appreciable. The paper also gives the details of the method employed and material required of massage and cupping.