An Ayurvedic approach in the management of Avabahuka (frozen shoulder) - A Case Study

Shoulder joint (Amsa Sandhi) has its clinical importance because of wide range of motion. Frozen shoulder is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. This typically occurs in cycle of 3 stages, painful phase, stiff phase, and thawing phase. This entity is resembling with Avabahuka, in Ayurveda. Avabahuka is a disorder of Amsa sandhi, and it has been mentioned by Acharya Sushruta under 80 types of Vatavyadhis. It is commonest condition in orthopaedic hospital. Frozen shoulder causes pain and restricted movements, which hampers daily activity of the patient. Modern medicine has NSAIDs, steroids for such condition but it is costly, have much side effects and gives temporary relief. hence a case study was carried out using Ayurvedic approach, which got effect on the range of movements. A 62 years female arrived at OPD, SSVRAMC with main complaints of left shoulder pain, stiffness, restricted movements, associated with disturbed sleep due to the pain since 1 month.