An Open Labelled Clinical Study To Evaluate The Efficacy Of Shakhaghata Marma Chikitsa In The Management Of Avabahuka

The proposed study evaluates the efficacy of Shakhaghata Marma Chikitsa in the management of Avabahuka (Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis), a Vata-dominant disorder characterized by pain and restricted shoulder movements. Frozen shoulder is common in the modern lifestyle, especially among individuals aged 40–60, and is more prevalent in diabetics. Current conventional treatments often offer limited or temporary relief, driving patients toward Ayurvedic solutions.

This research aims to assess whether targeted Marma stimulation—specifically Shakhaghata Marma Chikitsa—can offer significant improvement in pain and shoulder mobility. The study is designed as an open-label, pre-post clinical trial involving 40 patients aged 40–70 years presenting with classical symptoms of Avabahuka. Participants will be recruited from the OPD of Jammu Institute of Ayurveda and Research, Nardani.

The intervention will be administered for 30 days, with assessments on the 15th, 30th, and 45th day. Outcomes will be measured using subjective tools such as the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain and objective assessment of shoulder range of motion following AAOS guidelines, including elevation, abduction, internal and external rotations.

The study hypothesizes that Marma Chikitsa will produce significant clinical improvement in pain reduction and functional mobility. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, and results will be interpreted through both Ayurvedic principles and modern biomedical understanding of adhesive capsulitis.