Shoulder Pain

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Shoulder Pain

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Introduction

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. Several factors may trigger it. The shoulder joint comprises several muscles, ligaments, tendons, bursae, and bones, all working together in a small space. Identifying the exact source of the discomfort is very important, but can often be challenging.

What is the reason for shoulder pain? Shoulder pain doesn’t always have one clear reason. Causes of neck and shoulder pain could be a frozen shoulder (Apabahuka, in Ayurveda), repetitive strain, joint inflammation, cervical issues radiating downward, or just years of ignoring posture and stress. Other causes of shoulder pain include adhesive capsulitis, biceps or supraspinatus tendinitis, bursitis, painful arc syndrome, rotator cuff tear, and osteoarthritis.

In Ayurveda, shoulder pain is often linked to an imbalance in the Vata dosha, which governs movement and circulation. When Vata is aggravated, it can lead to pain and stiffness in the joints, including the shoulder. This article explores how Ayurveda understands shoulder pain, its root causes, how to relieve shoulder pain, and shoulder pain treatment at home.

What are the Causes of Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain doesn’t just show up without reason. Understanding what is the reason for shoulder pain is essential for effective treatment.

Frozen Shoulder (Apabahuka): Happens due to injury, immobilisation or other diseases like diabetes.
Tendinitis or Bursitis: Overuse can cause inflammation of tendons along with annoying, sharp shoulder pain, especially when moving.
Rotator Cuff Injuries: Common in people who do repetitive work or in old age.
Cervical Spondylosis: One of the main causes of neck and shoulder pain.
Arthritis (Sandhigata Vata): Joint degeneration (Osteoarthritis) or inflammation (Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Wrong posture or long hours sitting: Can strain joints and muscles, contributing to shoulder pain and discomfort over time.

Right shoulder pain reasons often involve overuse (most people are right-handed). But left shoulder pain, especially with chest discomfort, should never be ignored. It could be a sign of heart trouble.

What are the Symptoms of Shoulder Pain?

Other than persistent pain, symptoms may accompany, such as:

Morning stiffness
Sharp pain while rotating the arm
Tingling sensation or numbness
Pain gets worse at night

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Medical Care

Diagnosis

At Apollo AyurVAID, a comprehensive assessment of current symptoms, history, lifestyle, and Nidana Panchaka (contributing factors) is done. Using classical diagnostic tools like Ashta Sthana Pariksha, Dasha Vidha Pariksha, and Srotas examination, imbalances that could be affecting your shoulder are assessed, whether it’s due to Vata aggravation, poor posture, inflammation, degeneration, or radiating pain from cervical issues.

If needed, modern diagnostic tools like X-rays, MRIs, or blood tests (CBC, CRP, Vitamin D) help rule out structural or inflammatory conditions. Once the cause is clearly understood, a protocol-based, personalised care plan is designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and prevent recurrence. Progress is tracked using standard pain and mobility scales to ensure the treatment is effective and responsive to your needs.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Shoulder Pain

Ayurvedic treatment for shoulder pain and related conditions combines therapies, lifestyle changes, and internal medicines that help reduce pain and inflammation and improve joint movement. Treatment also focuses on strengthening the muscles and tendons, which lowers the chances of recurrence. In cases like tendon tears, ligament injuries, or rotator cuff tears, surgery can often be avoided with timely, evidence-based Ayurveda care. These treatments not only offer relief but also help prevent further wear and tear in the joints, protecting them from long-term damage.

Based on your specific condition, Panchakarma procedures or Kerala therapies like Podi kizhi (Potli massage with warm herbal powder), Ela kizhi (herbal leaf potli massage), Pizhichil (pouring warm medicated oil over the body), Njavara kizhi (Potli massage with cooked medicated rice), or Kati vasti (retaining warm medicated oil over the lower back area) are used. The oils, powders, and medicines used will vary depending on your condition and how severe it is. In some cases, physiotherapy is also recommended alongside Ayurveda for better and faster recovery.

Home Remedies for Shoulder Pain

If the pain is mild and not due to injury or serious inflammation, you can try these gentle shoulder pain treatment at home options:

Sesame Oil Massage
Gently massage warm sesame oil over the shoulder for 5–10 minutes. This improves blood circulation, eases stiffness, and supports healing.
Castor Oil Pack
Soak a clean cloth in warm castor oil, place it over the affected shoulder, and wrap it with another dry cloth. Apply gentle heat for about 20–30 minutes. It helps reduce inflammation and soothes the muscles.
Epsom Salt Soak
Fill a tub or large basin with warm water, add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt, and soak a small towel in it. Apply the soaked towel as a warm compress over the shoulder for 15–20 minutes to help relieve inflammation and muscle tightness.
Fenugreek Seed Poultice
Soak 5-10g of fenugreek seeds overnight, grind them into a paste, and add a pinch of ginger, asafoetida, and garlic powder (optional). Apply this warm paste over the shoulder area to relieve pain naturally.
Rest and Ergonomic Care
Take regular breaks from activities that strain the shoulder. Use ergonomic chairs and properly support your arms while sitting at a desk to prevent further stress.
Gentle Stretching Exercises
Perform slow shoulder stretches like gentle arm circles, wall walks, or pendulum swings. Avoid overexertion — move only within a comfortable range.
Hot Compress
Apply a hot compress over the painful shoulder for about 10 minutes once or twice daily. It relaxes muscles and improves blood flow to the area.

When to Seek the Doctors

Mild aches may come and go, but the following signs mean it’s time to stop waiting and see a doctor:

Pain lasts more than 2 weeks
Shoulder feels swollen, hot, or unusually stiff
Limited movement – can’t lift or rotate the arm properly
Sleep is disturbed because of the pain
Pain radiates, or there’s numbness/tingling
There was a recent injury or fall

Conclusion

Shoulder pain may begin as a small annoyance, but if left untreated, it can impact every part of your daily life — from lifting groceries to getting a good night’s sleep. Ayurveda offers a gentle yet powerful approach, focusing on root causes, restoring dosha balance, and strengthening the affected areas.

FAQs

What deficiency causes shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain can be caused by deficiencies in Vitamin D, B12, calcium, or magnesium, leading to weak bones, nerve issues, and muscle stiffness. These deficiencies can worsen inflammation and delay healing.

What is the reason for shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain can have many causes, like poor posture, overuse, injury, degeneration, and inflammation. Often, it’s a mix of muscle strain, joint problems, or nerve compression.

What is the fastest way to cure shoulder pain?

For quick relief from shoulder pain, rest, apply a warm compress, and gently massage with sesame or medicated oil. In mild cases, stretching and anti-inflammatory herbs (like turmeric) can help. Ayurvedic treatment for shoulder pain provides lasting relief by addressing the root cause with Panchakarma therapies.

What kind of therapy is good for shoulder pain?

Ayurvedic treatments for shoulder pain, like Abhyanga (herbal oil massage), Podi Kizhi (herbal powder potli), Ela Kizhi (leaf potli), and Vasti (medicated enema), are effective.

Which vitamin is best for shoulder pain?

Vitamin D (for bone health), Vitamin B12 (for nerve health), and Vitamin C (for collagen and tissue repair) are important. Low levels of these can slow recovery and worsen pain.

REFERENCES

Mahima Pandey, Meenu Mishra, Sanjay Srivastava. A Literary Review on Tamaka Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma). J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2023;8(1):107-117.

Kalaivanan. J, Soumya E.A. Ayurvedic Management of Tamaka Swasa w.s.r to Bronchial Asthma. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research. 2022;10(Suppl 1):17-20.

Pravin, M., Vedika, A., K. S, P., & S., R. (2015). An Evidence Based Review on Ayurvedic Management of Tamaka Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma). International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research, 3(2).

Momin Jasmin Begam et al. Ayurvedic Management of Bronchial Asthma – A Case Study. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal. 2020.

Patel, Vishal; Patel, Madhavi; Desai, Viral. (2013). Asthma Therapy in Ayurveda: An Ancient Scientific Approach.

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Shoulder Pain

Table of Contents

Introduction

What are the Causes of Shoulder Pain?

What are the Symptoms of Shoulder Pain?

Insurance Backed

Diagnosis

Ayurvedic Treatment for Shoulder Pain

Home Remedies for Shoulder Pain

When to Seek the Doctors

Conclusion

FAQs

REFERENCES

Did the information meet your needs?

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Table of Contents

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