Article: CRITICAL ANALYSIS ON ROGAVINISCHAYA PERSPECTIVE OF APABAHUKA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO FROZEN SHOULDER: A REVIEW

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.16123

Pages: 125-130

Author: Raj Agrawal, Rashmi BV *, Kalpana, Rekha KBP

Abstract: Apabahuka, described in Ayurvedic texts, as a Vataja disorder affecting the shoulder joint (Amsa Sandhi), characterized by stiffness, restricted movement, and pain. The condition aligns with the modern diagnosis of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), a disorder with similar clinical presentations. This review explores Apabahuka's Ayurvedic pathophysiology, its overlap with modern medical perspectives, and opportunities for integrative treatment approaches. The review examines the Nidana Panchaka (causative factors, prodromal and manifested symptoms, pathogenesis, and response to treatments) of Apabahuka. It emphasizes the role of Vata Dosha vitiation due to etiological factors such as lifestyle modifications based on diet, physical activity and mental stress, leading to impaired range of movements. Symptoms, such as Amsasosha (shoulder stiffness), Amsabandhana (affected movement), Amsasira akunchana (contraction) are paralleled by frozen shoulder’s hallmark features of joint inflammation, capsular fibrosis, and muscle atrophy. Diagnostic approaches in Ayurveda, incorporating Roga Nidana principles, are compared with modern assessments like range of motion testing with Goniometer and functional evaluations. Present review concludes, the importance of interdisciplinary research to validate scientific evidence-based Ayurveda methods and enhances patient outcomes with better diagnostic approach.

Keyword: Apabahuka, Vata, Adhesive Capsulitis, Nidana, Frozen shoulder