A 43-year-old female patient undergoing inpatient Ayurvedic treatment at Tatva Ayurved presented with a two-year history of pain in the right elbow and right shoulder, restricted shoulder movement, neck and lower-back pain, burning sensations in both palms and feet, and recurring migraine episodes. Following a 4-day individualized Ayurvedic inpatient treatment programme and a 10-day follow-up, the case record documented a noticeable reduction in her complaints.
Important: This is an individual clinical case study and describes the experience and treatment documented for one patient. It should not be interpreted as a guarantee that the same results will occur in every person.
The patient was a 43-year-old female who was admitted for Ayurvedic inpatient treatment on 20 May 2026. The documented duration of inpatient Ayurvedic treatment was four days.
Her major complaints included:
Pain in the right elbow and right shoulder for approximately two years
Stiffness and restricted movement of the right shoulder
Burning sensation in both palms and feet
Episodes of migraine occurring at approximately 15-day intervals
Neck pain
Upper-back and lower-back pain
Sour belching and abdominal bloating
The case history records that her symptoms developed following a fall approximately two years earlier, after which she had a forearm fracture and subsequently developed right elbow pain and right shoulder stiffness. Read more about Ayurvedic treatment for backache and frozen shoulder
The patient's documented examination showed involvement of the locomotor system. Her recorded blood pressure was 122/74 mmHg, pulse was 72/minute, weight was 58 kg, and her general condition was described as fair. The Ayurvedic assessment documented Vata aggravation and identified factors including Vishamasana (described in the case record as wrong postures). The recorded Samprapti involved Vata, Asthi Dhatu and Asthivaha Srotas. The final Ayurvedic diagnosis documented in the case record was Sandhigata Vata.
The treatment was planned as an individualized inpatient programme based on the patient's presentation and Ayurvedic assessment. The documented external therapies included:
Karaskara Ksheera Dhara – 2 days
Abhyangam – 1 day
Pratimarsha Nasyam – 2 days
Face Pack – 2 days
Shirodhara – 2 days
Pradhana Podikizhi – 2 days
The case record also documents internal medicines including Gandharvahastadi Kashayam, Rasnasaptakam Kashayam, Jeerakarishtam and Tab Legrain. The treatment rationale in the case record draws on classical Ayurvedic references relating to Sneha, Abhyanga and Upanaha in the management of Sandhigata Vata.
According to the clinical discussion recorded by the treating team, the combination of Karaskara Ksheera Dhara and Abhyangam was associated with reduction of swelling around the neck, elbow and shoulder regions. The record also notes that Pratimarsha Nasyam was used with the intention of supporting Srotoshodhana, while Podikizhi was reported to provide relief from local pain. Shirodhara was described as contributing to management of Shirashoola and overall energy. At the documented 10-day follow-up, the patient was reported to have a very noticeable reduction in her complaints.
Outcome Measures
The case record documented the following:
| Parameter | Before Treatment | After Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 58 kg | 58 kg |
| Sleep | Sound | Sound |
| Blood Pressure | 122/74 mmHg | 103/65 mmHg |
These are the objective observations recorded in the case document; the case does not provide standardized pain scores or range-of-motion measurements before and after treatment.
Abhyangam is an Ayurvedic oil massage therapy traditionally performed using suitable oils and massage techniques. In this case, Abhyangam formed part of the individualized treatment programme for a patient presenting with joint and musculoskeletal complaints.
Podikizhi is a traditional Ayurvedic fomentation therapy involving herbal powder preparations applied using boluses. It was included in this patient's treatment programme and the case record reports relief of local pain following its use.
Shirodhara involves the controlled pouring of a liquid over the forehead. It was included for two days in this patient's treatment programme and was described in the case discussion as supporting management of Shirashoola and overall energy.
Pratimarsha Nasyam is a form of Nasya involving the administration of a small quantity of oil through the nasal route. It was administered for two days as part of this patient's treatment programme.
Karaskara Ksheera Dhara
Karaskara Ksheera Dhara was one of the principal external therapies documented in this case and was administered for two days.
Ayurvedic treatment is traditionally individualized according to the person's presenting complaints, clinical assessment, constitution and other relevant factors. In this case, the treatment programme combined multiple therapies rather than relying on a single procedure. The approach included external therapies together with internal medicines and was provided in an inpatient setting.
For someone experiencing persistent shoulder, elbow, neck or back symptoms, an appropriate treatment plan should therefore be determined after an individual consultation rather than simply selecting a therapy based on a symptom or online search.
This case documents the use of an individualized Ayurvedic inpatient programme for a patient with long-standing right shoulder and elbow pain, shoulder stiffness, neck and lower-back pain and associated complaints. The patient received a combination of Ayurvedic therapies over four days, followed by a 10-day follow-up. The treating team documented a noticeable reduction in her complaints at follow-up. At Tatva Ayurved, Kozhikode (Calicut), patients with musculoskeletal complaints can consult our Ayurveda physicians for an assessment and an individualized treatment plan based on their specific condition.
Interested in Ayurvedic care for persistent shoulder, elbow, neck or back complaints? Contact Tatva Ayurved, Kozhikode, to schedule a consultation.
1. Can Ayurveda help with shoulder and elbow pain?
Ayurvedic treatment may be considered as part of an individualized approach for musculoskeletal complaints. The appropriate therapies depend on the patient's symptoms and clinical assessment. This case documents one patient's experience and should not be taken as a guarantee of similar results.
2. What Ayurvedic therapies were used in this case?
The documented therapies included Karaskara Ksheera Dhara, Abhyangam, Pratimarsha Nasyam, Shirodhara and Pradhana Podikizhi, along with prescribed internal medicines.
3. How long was the patient's Ayurvedic treatment?
The patient received four days of inpatient Ayurvedic treatment. A follow-up assessment was documented after 10 days.
4. What is Abhyangam?
Abhyangam is a traditional Ayurvedic oil massage therapy. The choice of oil, technique and suitability should be determined according to the individual's condition and the treating physician's assessment.
5. What is Podikizhi?
Podikizhi is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy using herbal powder boluses. It may be used as part of an individualized Ayurvedic treatment programme.
6. What is Shirodhara?
Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic therapy in which a liquid is poured in a controlled manner over the forehead. Its suitability should be assessed individually.
7. Can I undergo the same treatment programme as this patient?
Not necessarily. Ayurvedic treatment is individualized. A physician should assess your complaints and determine which therapies, medicines and treatment duration are appropriate for you.
8. Where can I consult for Ayurvedic treatment in Calicut?
You can consult the Ayurveda physicians at Tatva Ayurved, Kozhikode (Calicut) for an individualized assessment and treatment plan.
Abhyangam: Traditional Ayurvedic oil massage therapy.
Dhara: An Ayurvedic procedure involving the controlled flow of a liquid over a selected area.
Ksheera Dhara: A Dhara therapy using milk as the medium, with the specific formulation and application determined according to the treatment protocol.
Nasyam / Nasya: An Ayurvedic therapy involving administration of a medicinal preparation through the nasal route.
Pratimarsha Nasyam: A form of Nasya using a small quantity of oil.
Podikizhi: Ayurvedic fomentation therapy using herbal powder boluses.
Shirodhara: A traditional Ayurvedic therapy involving a continuous, controlled flow of liquid over the forehead.
Sandhigata Vata: An Ayurvedic diagnostic term documented in this case record.
Vata: One of the three Doshas described in Ayurveda.
Srotas: Channels or pathways described in Ayurvedic physiology and pathology.
Samprapti: The Ayurvedic description of the development or pathogenesis of a disease condition.
Medical Disclaimer
This case study is presented for educational and informational purposes. It describes the documented treatment and follow-up of one patient and does not establish that the same outcome will occur in other individuals. Ayurvedic treatment should be undertaken following an appropriate consultation and assessment by a qualified practitioner. Persistent or severe symptoms should receive appropriate medical evaluation.
