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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
