Efficacy of Hijama Nariya and Short-Wave Diathermy in Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) - An Open Label Randomized Comparative Clinical Trial

Adhesive Capsulitis also known as Frozen Shoulder or Peri-arthritis of Gleno-humeral joint (GH), It is characterized by pain, stiffness, and restricted joint movement. Despite minimal radiographic changes, it exhibits slow, spontaneous recovery with treatment. The actual cause of Adhesive Capsulitis is often unclear but risk factors include injury, trauma, surgery, Diabetes mellitus, Hypothyroidism and Depression. It is more prevalent in individuals aged 40 to 60 years and females slightly more affected than males. Diabetics have a higher susceptibility and about 10 to 20% population of Diabetics affected. The prevalence of frozen shoulder is around 2% in general population rising to 13.4% in patients with Diabetes mellitus.

Modern treatment for Adhesive Capsulitis includes NSAIDS (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), oral corticosteroids, intra articular steroid injections and sometimes arthroscopic or open surgery. However, these methods can be expensive and It has serious adverse effects such as renal and hepatic issues and often results in low patient compliance.

In the Unani System of Medicine Frozen Shoulder is known as Waja-ul-Katif or Tahajjur-e-Katif. It is sub-categorized under Waja-ul-Mafasil, a term encompassing painful or inflammatory conditions affecting joints, muscles and ligaments due to humeral alterations. Other joints specific names include Waja-ul-Warik, Waja-uz-Zahr,Waja-ur-Rakba, Tahajjur-e-Mafasil, reflecting the diverse joints it can impact.

Unani system of medicine have a long history of treating Tahajjur-e-Katif (Adhesive capsulitis). Waja-ul-Mafasil is being treated by using various unani drugs and regimens of Ilaj-Bit-Tadbeer such as Fasd (venesection), Hijama (cupping), Zimaad (paste), Dalk (massage) etc. to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatment, I plan a study entitled as Efficacy of Hijama Nariya and Short-Wave Diathermy in Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) – An Open Label Randomized Comparative Clinical trial.