Suvarna Shalaka Agnikarma in the Management of Avabahuka (Frozen Shoulder): A Case Report
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Abstract
Agnikarma (thermal cautery), a traditional Ayurvedic parasurgical technique, is a successful treatment for conditions caused by aggravated Vata and Kapha doshas. Avabahuka, a Vata-vikara, is clinically associated with adhesive capsulitis, which is referred to as "frozen shoulder" in contemporary medicine. Shoola (pain), Stambha (stiffness), and Bahupraspanditahara (limited range of motion) at the Amsa Sandhi (shoulder joint) are its main clinical characteristics. Despite the existence of various conventional treatments, Agnikarma offers a unique and targeted therapeutic approach. A 48-year-old male presented with a 5-month history of severe pain, stiffness, and restricted movement in his right shoulder, clinically diagnosed as Avabahuka (adhesive capsulitis). A five-session Agnikarma therapy was administered to the right shoulder to manage Avabahuka via Vata-Kapha pacification. Post-treatment evaluation demonstrated marked reductions in localized pain and stiffness with a significant increase in Range of Motion (ROM). Agnikarma exhibits promising clinical efficacy in the management of Avabahuka.
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