Ask Ayurveda

FREE! Ask Ayurvedic Doctors 24/7

Get expert answers from certified doctors anytime

Fast responses
1000+ verified doctors
/
/
/
Suffering from severe pain in shoulder and upper arm
Orthopedic Disorders
Question #26438
286 days ago
933

Suffering from severe pain in shoulder and upper arm - #26438

Lata
$3.51

I m suffering from shoulder pain and upper arm pain from last 4 months. Have gone thru various tangents but no improvement. I m regular yoga person. Now i m unable to do any hand stretching postures. Cant sleep on the left side . Want to get rid of pain. To get normal mobility in hand raising and hand going behind. Suffering last 4 months.

Age: 63
Chronic illnesses: Bp diabetes
Question is closed
Writing an explanation of your symptoms through Ayurveda...
Analyzing through Ayurvedic framework0%

Doctors' responses

Hello, 1. Do you have any reports? 2. What are the medications for BP and Diabetes and since how long you are on medications?

It requires a physical examination to acesss and diagnoses the condition. So consider visiting nearby ayurveda doctor.

Take care. Kind regards.

10611 answered questions
28% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Hello, Thank you for sharing your concern. Based on your symptoms persistent shoulder and upper arm pain for 4 months, difficulty in lifting the arm, lying on the side, or moving the hand behind it sounds like frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), which is common in people with diabetes and above age 50. In Ayurveda, this condition is often associated with Vata-kapha aggravation affecting the joints (Sandhi gata vata) leading to stiffness, pain, and loss of movement.

Your shoulder joint is surrounded by a capsule, and due to long-standing inflammation or metabolic imbalance (like diabetes), this capsule becomes tight and less flexible. That’s why you feel pain during movement and stiffness, especially when lifting the arm or lying on that side. Regular yoga might have prevented worsening, but now that the joint is inflamed, you need targeted treatment to reduce pain and improve joint flexibility gradually.

Treatment Plan

1. Ama Pachana (First 3–5 Days) To remove mild metabolic toxins and prepare the system: • Hingvashtaka Churna – ½ tsp with warm water after food, twice daily • Trikatu Churna – ¼ tsp with honey before meals once daily

2. Internal Medicines (From Day 4 onwards) • Dashamoola Kwatha – 20 ml with equal water, twice daily before food • Simhanada Guggulu – 1 tablet twice daily after meals (for joint stiffness and kapha clearing) • Yograj Guggulu – 1 tablet twice daily after meals (pain and mobility) • Maharasnadi Kashayam – 15 ml + equal water, twice daily before meals (joint pain and inflammation)

3. External Applications • Daily oil application (Abhyanga): Warm Mahanarayan Tailam or Dhanwantharam Tailam on shoulder and upper arm, 20 mins before bath • After oil massage: Use warm salt compress or hot water bag for 10 mins over the shoulder

Advice • Avoid cold exposure, dry foods, and overexertion • Warm foods and gentle movement are ideal • Do not force any yoga posture that causes strain • Practice gentle passive stretching under guidance of a physiotherapist if pain reduces

Investigations (if not already done) • Fasting Blood Sugar / HbA1c – to check diabetic control • X-ray of shoulder joint – to rule out degenerative changes • Ultrasound / MRI shoulder – to evaluate capsule, tendon inflammation, or frozen shoulder • Vitamin D3 levels – often low in such cases

You’ll need time, consistent care, and gradual mobilization. Full recovery is possible with the right approach.

Wishing you relief and healing. Warm regards, Dr. Karthika

550 answered questions
41% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Have you taken any x ray / MRI ?? Meanwhile start on Yograj guggulu- Peedantaka vati- 1 tab each twice daily after food with lukewarm water Dashamoola aristha- 4 tsp with equal quantity of water twice daily after food

13597 answered questions
29% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Avoid sour,fermented and processed food. Exercise under guidance of Physiotherapist. Cap.Gufispon 2-0-2 Rasnasaptak kashay 20ml twice after meal with lukewarm water Cap.Stresscom 1-0-1

13380 answered questions
39% best answers

0 replies

Don’t worry, Start taking, 1.Maharasnadi kwath 20ml with equal amount of Lukewarm water empty stomach twice in a day. 2Mahayograj guggulu 2-0-2 for chewing 3.Vedna har vati 1-0-1 4.Giloy ghan vati 1-1-1 **Massage the affected area with the help of MAHANARAYAN TAILAM FOLLOWED BY MILD FOMENTATION WITH DASHMOOL KWATH. **patra pind pottali Swedana ×15 days Follow up after 15 days.

1391 answered questions
44% best answers

0 replies

Take Trayodashang guggul 1-0-1 after food with water Ekangvir ras 1-0-1 after food with water Divya Pidantak vati 1-0-1 after food with water Pidantak oil for local application twice daily. Avoid sour fermented foods.

13584 answered questions
30% best answers

0 replies

1) Tab brihat vata chintamani rasa- after food with ghee and honey 2 times a day

2) tab rasnadi kashaya 2 tab after food with ashwagandha ghrita 10 ml 3) ashwagandharishta - 20 ml after food with water 4) dhanvantaram tail 101 – 10 drop with warm milk before food 2 times aday

1368 answered questions
20% best answers

0 replies

Hi lata this is Dr Vinayak as considering your problem… For your problem you have go through with Abhyanga and sweda and patra pinda sweda like procedure then you will get relief from your problem Thank you

322 answered questions
28% best answers

0 replies

Considering your symptoms and duration, it seems likely there is an issue related to Vata imbalance, which often manifest as pain or stiffness, particularly in the joints and muscles. It’s critical to ensure proper diagnosis with a healthcare professional, possibly an orthopedic physician, to rule out any severe conditions.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, shoulder and upper arm pain may result from disturbed Vata dosha. To counteract this imbalance, focus on warmth and oiliness in diet and lifestyle. Start with applying a warm herbal oil, such as Mahanarayan Oil or Dhanwantharam Thailam, to the affected area. Gently massage the shoulder and arm for about 15-20 minutes twice daily, preferabley in the morning and before sleep, to increase circulation and reduce stiffness. Afterward, place a warm towel or heating pad on it for relief.

Dietary changes should include increasing intake of warm, cooked foods and reducing raw and cold items. Nutrient-rich options like stews, soups, whole grains, and plenty of cooked vegetables can support the body’s healing process. Avoid foods that increase dryness, such as popcorn or dry snacks.

Regular yoga practice should be modified to accommodate your condition. Focus on gentle, non-weight bearing poses that improve circulation and range of motion without straining your shoulder further. Poses like threading the needle or supported fish pose can be beneficial when done carefully.

Consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner about Panchakarma therapies like Pizhichil or Elakizhi, which are known for their efficacy in musculoskeletal issues, yet, only under supervision.

Ensure proper hydration as it supports Vata balance. Taking a cup of warm water sipped frequently can be soothing for the nervous system. Lastly, sufficient sleep and stress management techniques like meditation or pranayama can help in overall healing and improving mobility. If pain persists or worsens, return to your healthcare provider immediately for re-evaluation.

12130 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies

Chronic shoulder and upper arm pain like you’re describing can often be linked to an imbalance of the vata dosha. Vata governs movement and circulation, and when imbalanced, can lead to stiffness and restricted mobility in your joints. Considering your symptoms, focusing on warming, nourishing therapies and reducing vata could be beneficial.

First, incorporate daily self-massage (abhyanga) with warm sesame or Mahanarayan oil, which helps alleviate muscle stiffness and improves circulation. Gently massage the affected area for about 10-15 minutes before a warm shower, which can support your muscles’ relaxation and ease pain. Internally, consuming warm, moist, and slightly oily foods assists in pacifying vata. Favor soups, stews, and root vegetables, while limiting raw foods, which can be harder to digest.

Apply a warm compress or a cloth dipped in hot water mixed with rock salt over the affected area for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily. This can alleviate pain by reducing stiffness and promoting blood flow. Additionally, herbal supplements such as Ashwagandha or Shallaki (Boswellia) can be considered to support joint health and reduce inflammation. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any herbal therapy, especially if you’re on other medications.

Since your yoga practice is currently challenging, focus on gentle restorative poses rather than intense stretching. Prioritize gentle movement and consistent practice over aggressive postures that might exacerbate your pain. Watch your alignment; this prevents further strain.

If you notice no improvement after trying these methods or if the pain increases, consult with a healthcare provider. Conditions like rotator cuff injuries or frozen shoulder need professional evaluation, and early intervention might prevent more serious complications. Using relief methods we discussed should only complement—not substitute—medical advice where necessary. Your condition might require further assessment involving imaging studies or specialized tests to uncover any underlying issues contributing to your symptoms.

12768 answered questions
29% best answers

0 replies

HELLO LATA,

You are suffering from -pain in shoulder and upper arm -difficulty in raising the hand or reaching behind -inability to sleep on the left side due to pain -this has lasted for 4 months this likely indicates a condition called -FROZEN SHOULDER - AVABAHUKA IN AYURVEDA

WHAI IS FROZEN SHOULDER? -it is a condition where the shoulder joint capsule become inflamed, tight, and stiff -over time, it leads to painful restriction in movement-especially when lifting the arm up or reaching behind.

WHO GETS IT MOST -people over 50 years of age -people with diabetes -those with bp issues, sedentry habits or previous injuries

In Ayurveda, this is due to vitiation of vata dosha (dryness, stiffness, pain) and Kapha dosha (heaviness, blockage of movement). Diabetes also contributes by creating ama(toxins) that accumulate in joints

GOAL OF TREATMENT -Reduce pain and stiffness -remove toxins and ama -restore free shoulder movement -balance vata and kapha doshas -improve quality of life -support blood sugar and digestion

EXTERNAL TREATMENT these therapies help soften stiff tissues, reduce pain, and improve circulation to restore movement

1) OIL MASSAGE= WITH DASHMOOLA TAILA -daily warm oil, apply over shoulder and upper arm, massage gently for 20 min for 1-2 months =reduce inflammation, pacify vata, and nourish joints

2) HOT TOWEL FOMENTATION -after massage =opens channels, melts stiffness, relieves pain

INTERNAL MEDICATIONS

1) SIMHANADA GUGGULU= 2 tabs twice daily after meals =removes toxins, works as anti-inflammatory, useful in chronic joint condition

2) TRAYODASHANG GUGGULU= 1 tab twice daily after meals =especially useful for nerve and musculoskeletal pain related to vata

3) ERANDA PAK= 1 tsp at bedtime with warm milk =lubricates joints, relieves vata, also helps relieve constipation

4) RASNA ERANDADI KASHAYA= 20 ml with warm water before meals twice daily =combats inflammation, improves joint movement

5) ASHWAGANDHA CHURNA= 1 tsp at night with warm milk =strengthens muscles and nerves, reduces stress, balances vata

TREATMENT DURATION= 6-12 weeks continue

DIET TO BE FOLLOWED -always eat warm, freshly cooked food -use digestive spices=ginger, cumin, coriander, black pepper -avoid cold, stale , fermented foods, curd, fried or oily snacks -avoid excessive brinjal and potatoes

INCLUDE -moong dal, barley, millets -garlic (roasted or soups)- excellent for vata -turmeric with black pepper- for inflammation -herbal teas(dry ginger, fennel, cinnamon) -ghee

AVOID -curd especially at night -processed foods -cold beverages -white sugar -heavy pulses like rajma/chana

LIFESTYLE AND YOGA -keep shoulder warm -avoid cold air or fans directly on sholuder -avoid sleeping on affected side -keep moving gently- immobility worsens frozen shoulder -maintain good blood sugar control

YOGA FOR SHOULDER HEALTH(do pain free range only) -gentle arm swings -pendulum exercise- lean forward, let arm dangle and swing gently -wall walk- slowly walk fingers up the wall to stretch shoulder -bhujangasana= modified, no pressure on shoulder -marjariasana -do not do forecful postures on suryanamaskar yet

PRANAYAM -Anulom Vilom -bhramari -chandrabhedi -daily practice helps reduce stress and vata aggravation

HOME REMEDIES

1) GARLIC MILK -boil 2 crushed garlic cloves in milk and water (1:3 ratio), reduce to 1 cup

2) CASTOR OIL -1 tsp with warm water at night 2-3 times a week- helps with vata and bowel movement

3) TURMERIC + BLACK PEPPER -take in food or warm water- anti inflammatory

4) METHI SEEDS -soak overnight, chew next morning- helps in diabetes and pain management

IF STILL NOT IMPROVING FROM ABOVE TREATMENT THEN KINDLY GO FOR MRI

You are not alone in this- frozen shoulder is common in diabetic and aging individuals, but it is reversible with consistent effort -Ayurveda provides safe, effective, and holistic approach without heavy side effects -recovery takes weeks to months , not days- but steady improvement is expected -start gently, and monitor progress

DO FOLLOW

HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL

THANK YOU

DR. MAITRI ACHARYA

13082 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies

HELLO LATA,

AYURVEDIC DIAGNOSIS(LIKELY) -AMSA SANDHI SHOOLA/APABAHUKA (frozen shoulder ) =due to vata kapha imbalance

AVOID -cold exposure especially on shoulder -oveexertion or jerky movement -sleeping on the affected side -sour, fried, and heavy foods

DIET -warm, freshly cooked food -include garlic, ginger, and turmeric -use medicated dashmoola ghee In small quantity -drink warm water or dashmoola kwatha

HERBAL MEDICATIONSS

1) DASHMOOLA KASHAYA= 15 ml twice daily with warm water before meals

2) YOGARAJ GUGGULU= 1 tab twice daily after meals

3) MAHAYOGARAJ GUGGULU= 1 tab if stiffness is severe

4) ERANDA TAILA= 1 tsp at bedtime with warm water

EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS

1) OIL MASSAGE WITH MAHANARAYAN TAILA =warm the oil before applying

2) HOT WATER BATH AFTER MASSAGE

3) HERBAL PASTE WITH RASNADI CHURNA=mixed with warm castor oil

LIFESTYLE AND YOGA -avoid strain and cold exposure -gentle mobility exercises -modified yoga asana with focus on slow moveents -pranayam (eg Anulom Vilom, bhramari) for stress and vata control

THANK YOU

DR. HEMANSHU MEHTA

807 answered questions
29% best answers

0 replies

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


What is the cause of my trigger thumb and morning finger swelling with upper arm pain?
How to treat de Quervain's Tenosynovitis pain and inflammation in my left hand?
How to treat severe sciatica and loss of sensation in left leg due to spinal issues?
How to treat deep dull back pain and stiffness in spine after an old accident at 65 years old?
How to treat long-term pain in my right foot after a nail prick that has worsened over time?
How to treat knee joint pain with Ayurveda for a 36-year-old?
How to treat severe neck and back pain from cervical and lumbar spondylosis with sacralization?
What to do for knee swelling and pain after injury and plaster removal?
How to treat spinal AVM in my mother who has leg pain and cannot move her legs?
What is the treatment for mild wedge compression fracture and bulging discs in the spine?
How to treat knee pain after five years of using Sandhilin oil and Balaswagandhadi Thailm?
What to do for persistent knee pain with tingling and bite marks after antibiotics?
What to do for dark spots and swelling above my ankle that hurt?
What to do for severe knee pain after calcaneal spur treatment and how to improve movement?
How to treat osteoarthritis in my right knee before replacement surgery?
What to do for joint pain and discomfort after massage during menopause at 55?
How to relieve severe knee and thigh pain in my 80-year-old diabetic mother at night?
How effective is Dhanwantharam Thailam for pain relief in wrist fractures?
How to know if I should continue using Ayurvedic Swastik Vayahar Vati for joint pain after several months of relief?
How to treat arthritis pain in hands and legs after 8 years of suffering at age 45?
What to do for swelling and pain from knee to ankle with morning stiffness?
What to do for severe rib muscle pain after a workout with no fracture?
How to treat cervical spondylosis with upper back pain and stiffness after 9 months of medication?
What is the cause of my trigger thumb and morning swelling in fingers with arm pain?
How to treat joint pain and swelling after chikungunya infection?
How to treat knee swelling and pain from osteoarthritis in the morning and evening?
How to treat burning sensation and crooked toes in a 69-year-old with anxiety and low energy?
How to treat a frozen shoulder with pain after 3 weeks of physiotherapy?
What are the best treatments for Morton's neuroma burning pain on the ball of my foot?
How to use Nirgundi seed for knee repair and how often should I take it?
Can I use potli therapy after RF ablation for knee pain on the sixth day?
How to treat muscle pain and stiffness in the neck during windy weather?
What is the treatment for aching bones and what foods can help reverse osteoporosis?
How to treat left hip joint pain after exercise for a 52-year-old with a history of neck and back pain?
How to treat my wife's knee osteoarthritis that has caused severe pain and limited movement for 6 years?
How to treat cervical pain with arm pain, knee pain, and lethargy?
What to do for aching knees and thumbs that make it hard to bend legs and write?
Can I use Lepas ointment for bursitis pain after it was prescribed in Puducherry?
How to treat cervical spondylosis with sciatica in a 48-year-old mother who found relief with moringa capsules?
How to manage severe arthritis and nerve damage pain naturally after ALIF surgery?
What to do for neck pain with C4 and C5 disc bulge and severe symptoms like back and leg pain?
What are the benefits and risks of using Garuga pinnata for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis pain?
How to treat severe calf pain in my right leg that's been ongoing for 10 months?
What to do for joint pain and swelling that started in my toes and has been ongoing for 2 years?
What to do for joint pain and swelling after delivery with high CRP levels?
How to treat knee pain from osteoarthritis and a Baker's cyst without surgery?
How to treat osteoarthritis pain in hips and knees with Vata dosha?
How to treat shoulder stiffness and pain radiating to elbow in a 69-year-old?
What to do for intense groin pain in an elderly man that makes it difficult to lift his leg?
Can I take RANSASAPTAK for sciatica and neuropathy after multiple surgeries and heart implants at age 68?
Is kati basti enough to relieve nerve compression, inflammation, and lower back pain?
How to treat knee osteoarthritis with natural remedies like pineapple, chayote, and gelatin?
What to do for persistent numbness and tingling in fingers after wrist fracture treatment?
How to treat heel pain from plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spur with low digestion and morning stiffness?
How to treat heel pain and body stiffness from plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spur in the morning?
What is causing the severe pain and bump on my left pinky toe that disrupts my sleep?
How to treat worsening knee osteoarthritis pain while taking Laxadi guggulu and Mahayograj Swarna dhanvantaram?
What to do for my 50-year-old mother with severe back pain and leg pain due to a disk problem?
How to treat pain in the arch of my right foot and toes?
What to do for back pain and leg pain that has lasted for a month?
How to treat severe knee pain for 20 days without surgery?
Is there Ayurvedic treatment for AVN after hip dislocation in my 14-year-old son?
How to relieve sciatica pain and prevent it from coming back after 6 months of trying stretches and ibuprofen?
What to do for persistent joint pain and swelling for 9 months?
Can I use Ayurvedic treatments for knee swelling and inflammation in a diabetic patient aged 55-60 years?
What to do for herniated disc pain after lifting a heavy object?
How to treat sciatica and blood blockage in nerves causing sharp pain in fingers and legs?
How to treat my father's sciatica and back pain caused by diabetes and lumbar issues?
Is it safe to use tapeetea for joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis despite FDA warnings?
What are the best Ayurvedic remedies for tennis elbow and whole body pain when Mahayograj Guggulu and Vatachintamani Ras don't help?
How to treat gap in L4 L5 vertebrae in girls with Ayurveda?
What is the best supplement for knee osteoarthritis to avoid replacement?
What to do for pain moving from sacrum to buttocks and groin that lasts 6 months?
What to do for lower back pain at night with L4 L5 gap after physiotherapy?
What to do for L4-L5-S1 herniated disc pain after lifting something heavy?
How to treat arthritis pain in both knees for better mobility?
How to treat cervical pain with arm pain and knee pain for the past 2 weeks?
How to treat frequent lower back and joint pain that worsens in winter?
What causes heat and pressure under my foot with nighttime toe cramps?
What is the best treatment for shoulder pain and how to cure it completely?
How to treat knee pain with low vitamin B12 and a history of peripheral neuropathy at age 38?
How to treat muscular and joint pains in a 65-year-old female using ostikot?
What is the least expensive remedy for Sciatica after 3 years of trying everything?
How to treat lower back pain and numbness in toes that has lasted over 6 months?
How to treat my 18-year-old son's L4-L5 disc protrusion problem?
What is a cost-effective herb for treating arthritis in my 20-year-old horse's back foot?
How to treat sciatica nerve tingling while sleeping on the bed?
What is causing constant joint and neck pain with inflammation in fingers and wrists?
How to treat cervical pain with arm pain and knee pain for the last 2 weeks?
How to treat my father's sciatica pain and improve his physical activity with diabetes?
What to do for swelling on the knee cap and calf pain while walking?
How to know if Mandala Looana is the right treatment for bursitis?
How to treat joint pain and weakness in knees, legs, and body, especially in the lower back and shoulders?
Can Tikta Shree and Kati Basti heal my L5 vertebra retrolisthesis at 20 years old?
What to do for stiffness and immobility in my foot fingers due to gegrin disease?
Can Ayurveda treat knee osteoarthritis caused by cartilage degeneration?
What can cause shooting pain in my right knee and intermittent pain in my elbow and shoulder at 46 years old?
Can I take Shilajit for muscle pain in my back and tingling in my legs?
What is the cause of my knees being inward and legs slightly outward?
How to treat severe back pain effectively?

Doctors online

Latest reviews

Brooklyn
5 hours ago
Thanks so much for the helpful advice! Your response was super clear and to the point. I feel way more confident about using Arjuna Churna now. Appreciate the detailed steps and extra tips!
Thanks so much for the helpful advice! Your response was super clear and to the point. I feel way more confident about using Arjuna Churna now. Appreciate the detailed steps and extra tips!
Nathan
6 hours ago
Thanks a million! Your insights were super helpful and the advice on balancing the lifestyle around my symptoms made everything clearer.
Thanks a million! Your insights were super helpful and the advice on balancing the lifestyle around my symptoms made everything clearer.
Andrew
8 hours ago
That was super helpful, thanks! Didn’t know about the hidden stuff in that tea. Appreciate the heads-up and alternative suggestions!
That was super helpful, thanks! Didn’t know about the hidden stuff in that tea. Appreciate the heads-up and alternative suggestions!
Paisley
19 hours ago
Really appreciate the detailed advice! It turns out I was dealing with Vata issues, and your tips made a big difference. Thanks a lot!
Really appreciate the detailed advice! It turns out I was dealing with Vata issues, and your tips made a big difference. Thanks a lot!