Management of Abhighatjanya Apabahuka (Traumatic Frozen shoulder) by Ayurveda: A Case study

Abstract

Apabahuka (Frozen shoulder-FS) is a disease that affects the shoulder joint. Frozen shoulder is also known as adhesive capsulitis, it is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint and upper arm muscles with restricted mobility. Apabahuka is a Vataj vyadhi associated with Kapha dosha. The prevalence of FS varies from 11.4% to 19% in India. FS is commonly found between 40 to 70 years and most common in females. Various modalities are available to treat FS such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, physiotherapy, ultrasound therapy, arthroscopic surgery, or a combination of treatments done still no satisfactory results are found. In the present case report, a 50-year-old female patient consulted with the chief complaints of pain, stiffness, restricted mobility of shoulder joint and pain while lifting weight along with disturbed sleep. Patient was diagnosed as a Abhighatjanya Apabahuka (Traumatic FS). The patient was assessed on the basis of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Stiffness Gradation, Tenderness Gradation and range of movements using Goniometer. Patient was treated with Panchakarma therapies and internal medication. The outcome of Ayurvedic management of FS was encouraging to reduce subjective and objective parameters.