Herbal Remedies For A Stiff Shoulder

Shoulder problems are a common musculoskeletal health complaint. Shoulder problems, notes the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, may be caused by overuse, performing manual labor and participating in certain sports. Shoulder problems, including shoulder stiffness, may be felt in one specific location or throughout your entire shoulder region. Herbal remedies may help treat your shoulder stiffness, although the use of herbs does not guarantee a beneficial health outcome or result.

Stiff Shoulder

Many shoulder tissues may become injured and cause pain, swelling, stiffness and immobility in the affected area. Muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints may all cause shoulder stiffness, which in turn may reduce your ability to perform your activities of daily living. FamilyDoctor.org states that possible causes of shoulder problems include a separated or dislocated shoulder; fractured humerus or clavicle; torn rotator cuff; shoulder instability; bursitis; rheumatoid arthritis; and adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder.

Useful Herbal Remedies

Certain herbal remedies may be useful in treating your stiff shoulder, especially if your stiff shoulder is caused by excessive inflammation and swelling. Certified nutritional consultant and nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that green tea, nettle leaf, goldenseal and horse chestnut are among the most effective herbs in treating musculoskeletal swelling and inflammation. Other herbs that may be helpful in treating shoulder stiffness include turmeric, ginger and boswellia.

Featured Remedy

Nettle leaf has long been used as an herbal remedy in the treatment of musculoskeletal problems, including shoulder stiffness. Herbal medicine expert Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that nettle leaf extracts may be helpful in treating conditions involving chronic inflammation, certain types of arthritis and numerous other conditions. Nettle leaf helps relieve pain, which itself can cause shoulder stiffness due to long-term immobility. This herbal remedy is also known as stinging nettle or Urtica dioica. Talk to your doctor before using herbal remedies to treat any medical condition.

Additional Information

A stiff, aching shoulder may be caused by trauma to your shoulder tissues themselves or it may be caused by other conditions, such as a heart attack. If you develop a stiff shoulder, visit a musculoskeletal health specialist as soon as possible. Your health care provider can assess your condition and make relevant treatment recommendations, including herbal remedies that may help improve your condition. Herbal remedies should always be used judiciously and with the same level of caution used when taking prescription drugs.