Apabhahuka: a case study

Apabahuka has been described as one among the Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi. The aggravated Vata, which takes StanaSamshraya in AmsaMoola, where there is already Shleshaka KaphaK shayacauses the Sirasankocha locally and produces Praspandanaharatha of Bahu, manifesting as Apabahuka. Madhukosha explained two types i.e., Vata and Vata-Kaphaja.
There are many clinical conditions described in the medical texts, which involves the shoulder joint, from which the most common condition is Adhesive Capsulitis or Frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder causes restricted active and passive gleno-humeral movements in the shoulder joint and produce pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Over the time the shoulder becomes very hard to move. Physical therapy with a focus on shoulder flexibility is the prime treament for this. Frozen shoulder most commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60 and it is more common in women than men, in addition people with Diabetes are at increased risk for frozen shoulder. It can also develop after the shoulder has been imobilized for a period of time due to surgery or a fracture or other injury.
A 45 year old female patient came to our KC OPD (19066) with chief complaint of pain and stiffnes in the shoulder joint, patient is unable to lift her right hand also with numbness, weakness of upper limb. In this case Ayurvedic formulations like Prasarinyadikashyam, Maharaja Prasarini tablet, Kathakakhadiradikashayam, Karpasahasthyaditailam and Nishamalakichoornamis prescribed and got good result. The improvement provided by this therapy is assessed on the basis of signs and symptoms before and after the treatment. This medication is safe and effective in controlling signs and symptoms of Apabahuka and improving the condition of shoulder. Ayurvedic formulations are very effective in this conditions .In the present case study proves the effectiveness and potential of Ayurvedic medicine in management of life style disease like frozen shoulder .