Frozen Shoulder
Treatment – Nasya
Name of Medical Problem: Frozen shoulder
Ayurveda Term: Avabahuka
Background and Description:
A 48-year NHS doctor from Croydon came with severe pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulder for 6 months. She was seen by the local NHS and was advised a series of physiotherapy sessions which she had. But that did not help her much, she was advised to have Trigger Point Injections and later steroid injections in the shoulder as well as Naproxen and other strong painkillers. She was unable to continue her work in the NHS due to her pain and stiffness which got worse over time.
She came to explore if Ayurveda can help her as she did not want to have steroid injections due to its side effects.
Signs and Symptoms:
Pain: +++ (9/10 on VAS), Sharp pain in the left shoulder and neck, ROM in left shoulder restricted severely as she could move her hand by only 10 degrees.
Investigations: X-ray and MRI- suggestive of advanced adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder).
Ayurveda Treatments:
The treatment approach for this patient included a combination of internal and external treatments.
Internal Treatment:
- Rasnapanchak Kashaya- 20ml + 40ml warm water were given twice a day before meals.
- Nimbamrutasavam – 20ml + 40ml warm water twice a day after meals.
External Treatments:
- Rasnapanchak Kashaya- 20ml + 40ml warm water were given twice a day before meals.
- Nimbamrutasavam – 20ml + 40ml warm water twice a day after meals.
Results:
The stiffness in the shoulder muscle started improving significantly during the Dhanyamla Dhara. The range of movements and pain further improved as she had abhyanga with Kukkutand Pinda Sweda sessions. The Nasya sessions further helped rejuvenate the muscles and nourish the joints.
She was advised to carry on the internal medication and Nasya at home for a further month after which any residual pain completely subsided.