Bankart lesion – Can Ayurveda help heal shoulder instability? - #16789
A few months ago, I had a bad fall while playing basketball. I landed on my shoulder awkwardly, and ever since then, I’ve had this constant feeling that my shoulder isn’t stable. At first, I thought it was just a mild strain and that resting it would help, but every time I try to do push-ups, lift weights, or even reach behind my back, I feel like my shoulder is slipping or about to pop out. There have been moments where it has actually dislocated slightly, and I had to move it back into place. The pain isn’t unbearable, but the discomfort and instability are driving me crazy. I finally decided to see an orthopedic doctor, and after an MRI, they told me I have a Bankart lesion. Apparently, this means I have a tear in the cartilage (labrum) that helps keep my shoulder joint in place. The doctor recommended surgery to fix it, but I’m really hesitant about going under the knife, especially since I’ve heard that post-surgery recovery is long and there’s no absolute guarantee that my shoulder will be 100% stable again. That’s why I started looking into Ayurveda. I’ve read that Ayurveda focuses on natural healing and strengthening the body instead of invasive procedures. My question is—can Ayurveda help heal a Bankart lesion and restore shoulder stability without surgery? Are there any herbs, oils, or therapies that can promote healing of torn cartilage and improve joint strength? From what I understand, Ayurveda has specific treatments for musculoskeletal injuries, such as Panchakarma therapies and herbal oils like Mahanarayan oil for pain relief. Would massaging the area help, or could it make the instability worse? Also, are there any Ayurvedic dietary recommendations that could support cartilage repair? I’ve heard that certain foods like ghee and turmeric are good for joint health—would they be beneficial for a Bankart lesion as well? Another concern I have is whether my dosha imbalance could be contributing to the slow healing process. I suspect that Vata might be involved since Vata governs movement, and instability in the joints seems like a classic Vata issue. If that’s the case, what Ayurvedic treatments can help stabilize my shoulder and speed up healing? Lastly, are there any specific exercises in Ayurveda or yoga that can help strengthen the muscles around my shoulder and prevent future dislocations? I want to regain full function without surgery if possible, but I also don’t want to make things worse by doing the wrong movements. Has anyone here successfully treated a Bankart lesion with Ayurveda? If so, what worked for you? I’d really appreciate any insights or recommendations before I make a final decision about surgery.
100% Anonymous
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses

100% Anonymous
600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.
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.