Clavicle

Question

A few weeks ago, I had a minor accident where I tripped and landed awkwardly on my shoulder. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but over the next few days, I started feeling pain around my clavicle. It wasn’t unbearable, but any movement of my arm made it worse. There was slight swelling, and I could feel tenderness when I touched my clavicle. I went to a doctor, and they did an X-ray, which showed no fracture—just a minor strain. They told me to rest and take painkillers, but even after weeks, I still feel discomfort.

Now, I notice that my clavicle area gets sore after doing simple activities like lifting something or even sleeping in the wrong position. Sometimes, I even hear a slight clicking sound when I move my shoulder. I don’t want to rely on painkillers forever, and I feel like my clavicle isn’t healing as fast as it should. I started looking into Ayurveda to see if there are natural ways to strengthen bones and speed up recovery.

Does Ayurveda have treatments that can help with clavicle pain and healing? Are there herbal oils or external applications that can reduce inflammation and strengthen the bones naturally? Also, I’ve read that Ayurveda focuses on internal balance—could there be something in my diet slowing down my recovery? Should I be eating specific foods to help my clavicle heal faster?

One more thing—I’ve noticed some stiffness around my neck and upper back since the injury. Could this be related? Would Ayurvedic therapies like Abhyanga or Panchakarma help in restoring movement and reducing pain? I really want to fix this naturally before it becomes a long-term issue.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Ayurveda offers natural ways to reduce pain, speed up healing, and strengthen bones after an injury like a clavicle strain. Since your X-ray showed no fracture, the focus should be on reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and restoring mobility. Abhyanga (oil massage) with Mahanarayan oil or Dhanwantharam oil can help relieve stiffness and support tissue healing. Warm compresses with dashmool decoction or applying a paste of turmeric and warm castor oil can also reduce pain and swelling.

Your diet plays a key role in recovery. Ayurveda recommends eating calcium- and collagen-rich foods like sesame seeds, soaked almonds, dates, ghee, and bone broth (if non-vegetarian). Herbal supplements like Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis) and Ashwagandha can strengthen bones and connective tissues. Also, avoiding excess cold, dry, or processed foods will prevent further Vata aggravation, which could be slowing down your healing.

The stiffness in your neck and upper back is likely due to compensatory tension from your clavicle injury. Gentle yoga stretches, hot oil massage, and steam therapy can help restore flexibility. Panchakarma therapies like Pinda Sweda (herbal poultice massage) or mild Basti (medicated enema) can help balance Vata and reduce deep-seated stiffness. Practicing gentle shoulder rotations and using warm herbal oils regularly can prevent long-term discomfort.

With consistent Ayurvedic therapies, diet modifications, and mild rehabilitation exercises, you can support natural healing, prevent chronic pain, and restore full movement in your clavicle and shoulder.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, the focus would be on reducing inflammation, promoting circulation, and strengthening the tissues involved in your clavicle injury. For external application, herbal oils like Mahanarayan oil or a combination of sesame oil with turmeric and ginger can be used for massage to reduce pain and inflammation, and to support the healing of bones. Internally, herbs like Ashwagandha and Guduchi can help improve tissue regeneration and strengthen the body's natural healing abilities. A diet rich in calcium and magnesium, such as leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, will also help strengthen the bones. Additionally, warm, nourishing foods like soups and stews can aid in overall healing. The stiffness around your neck and upper back could be related to the injury, as compensation from the clavicle area can cause tension in the surrounding muscles. Ayurvedic therapies like Abhyanga (a warm oil massage) and gentle yoga can improve blood flow, release muscle tightness, and restore flexibility. Panchakarma therapies like Swedana (steam therapy) can also help release toxins and reduce stiffness, supporting your overall recovery. Focus on rest, proper diet, and these Ayurvedic therapies to promote natural healing and avoid dependency on painkillers.

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