Ayurvedic Management of Frozen Shoulder – A Case Study from Prasadini Ayurnikethana Ayurveda Hospital

Abstract: Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and disabling condition characterized by stiffness and restriction of shoulder joint movements. It commonly affects middle-aged individuals and significantly interferes with routine activities. Ayurveda correlates this condition predominantly with aggravated Vata affecting the shoulder joint region, leading to pain, stiffness, and restricted mobility. This article presents a case study of a 50-year-old female patient treated successfully at Prasadini Ayurnikethana Ayurveda Hospital through Ayurvedic interventions including Agni Karma, Basti Karma, and internal medicines.

Introduction: Frozen shoulder is a chronic inflammatory condition involving the shoulder capsule and surrounding soft tissues. The condition progresses gradually with severe pain, stiffness, and limitation of movements. Common activities such as combing hair, dressing, lifting objects, and sleeping comfortably become difficult. In Ayurveda, conditions involving pain, stiffness, restricted movements, and degeneration are generally associated with aggravated Vata Dosha. When Vata affects the shoulder region (Amsa Sandhi), symptoms resembling frozen shoulder develop.

About:Frozen Shoulder Modern Perspective: Frozen shoulder is characterized by: • Pain in the shoulder joint • Progressive stiffness • Restricted range of motion • Difficulty performing overhead activities • Night pain and disturbed sleep Common Causes and Risk Factors • Diabetes mellitus • Cervical spondylosis • Trauma • Prolonged immobilization • Repetitive strain • Age between 40–60 years • More common in women The condition usually progresses through three stages: 1. Freezing Stage – severe pain with increasing stiffness 2. Frozen Stage – stiffness predominates, pain may reduce 3. Thawing Stage – gradual improvement in mobility ⸻ Ayurvedic Understanding Frozen shoulder: can be understood under the spectrum of: • Avabahuka • Vata Vyadhi • Disorders involving Amsa Sandhi Pathogenesis According to Ayurveda Aggravated Vata causes: • Dryness of tissues • Constriction of ligaments and tendons • Pain and stiffness • Restricted joint movements When Kapha association is present, heaviness and severe stiffness increase further.

Case Study Patient Details: • Age: 50 years • Gender: Female Chief Complaints • Pain in the right shoulder • Stiffness of the shoulder joint • Neck pain and tightness • Difficulty in lifting the arm • Restriction in daily routine activities Clinical Diagnosis The condition was diagnosed clinically as Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) based on: • Restricted shoulder movements • Pain during abduction and rotation • Stiffness around the shoulder joint • Associated cervical muscle tightness

Treatment Given at Prasadini Ayurnikethana Ayurveda Hospital: The patient underwent a comprehensive Ayurvedic treatment protocol for 15 days.

1. Agni Karma :Agni Karma is a specialized para-surgical Ayurvedic procedure where therapeutic heat is applied to selected points. Benefits • Reduces pain rapidly • Relieves stiffness • Improves local circulation • Helps release muscle spasm • Enhances joint mobility Agni Karma was administered carefully over affected areas of the shoulder and neck region.

2. Basti : Karma Basti is considered one of the best treatments for aggravated Vata disorders. Role of Basti in Frozen Shoulder • Pacifies aggravated Vata • Nourishes tissues • Reduces dryness and degeneration • Improves flexibility and movement • Relieves pain and inflammation Appropriate medicated Basti procedures were administered according to the patient’s condition.

3. Internal Ayurvedic Medicines: Ayurvedic internal medicines were prescribed to: • Reduce inflammation • Balance Vata Dosha • Improve joint function • Strengthen muscles and ligaments • Support long-term recovery The medicines were selected based on the patient’s constitution and clinical condition.

Results: After 15 days of treatment: • Pain reduced significantly • Shoulder stiffness improved remarkably • Neck discomfort reduced • Range of motion improved • Daily activities became easier • Patient regained functional independence The patient was able to perform routine activities comfortably with substantial improvement in quality of life.

Discussion: This case demonstrates the effectiveness of Ayurvedic management in frozen shoulder. Agni Karma provided immediate pain relief and improved circulation, while Basti Karma addressed the underlying Vata imbalance responsible for stiffness and restricted movements. The combined approach of external therapy, Panchakarma procedures, and internal medicines helped achieve: • Pain reduction • Improved mobility • Functional recovery • Better tissue nourishment Ayurveda offers a holistic and individualized approach that not only targets symptoms but also addresses the root cause of the disorder.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Advice: Patients with frozen shoulder are advised to: • Avoid excessive exposure to cold • Perform regular shoulder mobility exercises • Avoid prolonged immobilization • Maintain proper posture • Follow a Vata-pacifying diet • Take adequate rest • Practice gentle stretching regularly.

Conclusion: Frozen shoulder can significantly affect quality of life if untreated. Ayurvedic therapies such as Agni Karma and Basti Karma provide effective relief by addressing both symptoms and underlying doshic imbalance. This case study from Prasadini Ayurnikethana Ayurveda Hospital highlights the potential of Ayurveda in restoring mobility, reducing pain, and improving daily functioning in patients suffering from frozen shoulder. Ayurveda provides a safe, holistic, and effective approach for managing musculoskeletal disorders and improving overall well-being.