Ayurvedic Treatment Case study at Elephant Pass

Case Study: Management of Right Hip and Shoulder Stiffness with Lateral Neck Pain through Ayurvedic intervention:

Guest Name: Camila

Age/Gender: 46 years / Female

Occupation: Yoga instructor

Date of admission:16/03/2026

Presenting Concerns

  • Patient C/o increased stiffness in the right hip joint and right shoulder joint since 6 years. Also C/o pain along the left lateral aspect of neck since 6 years.

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Six Years of Pain, Steady Relief

A 46‑year‑old yoga instructor with six years of right hip, shoulder stiffness and neck pain gained clear pain reduction and freer movement after a focused Ayurvedic inpatient program.

Vata-Targeted Panchakarma for Stiffness

Treatments like Sarvanga Abhyanga, Elakizhi, Bashpa Sweda and Shirodhara, guided by a Vata‑predominant diagnosis, eased multi‑regional stiffness and improved joint mobility.

Lasting Results with Simple Lifestyle Changes

Posture correction, regular stretching/yoga, firm bedding and a warm Vata‑pacifying diet were prescribed to maintain relief and prevent symptoms from returning.

History of presenting complaints

Patient was apparently normal before 6 years.Due to constant and strenuous daily activities,she developed pain at hip region and was left untreated for years.Due other daily activities like surfing,the condition got aggravated and took treatments but got only temporary relief.Now symptoms got increased.So for further management,patient got admitted here.

Abstract

Musculoskeletal stiffness and pain involving multiple regions such as the hip, shoulder, and cervical area are commonly associated with degenerative and postural disorders. This case study presents the successful management of a patient with stiffness of the right hip joint and right shoulder, along with pain over the lateral aspect of the neck, using Ayurvedic therapies. Significant improvement was observed in pain relief, joint mobility, and daily functional activities.

Past Medical History

  • H/o headache pertaining to right side which aggravates with stress,sleep deprivation and less water intake since 2 years.
  • No diabetes or hypertension
  • No surgical interventions

Personal history

  • Bowel-regular
  • Appetite-increased
  • Micturition-Normal
  • Sleep-sound 

General examination 

  • Vitals:within normal limits
  • Systemic examination
  • Hip joint examination Inspection
  • Swelling-absent
  • Discolouration-absent
  • Deformity-absent
  • Range of movements- Right hip
  • Flexion-possible with mild restriction
  • Internal rotation-possible with mild restriction
  • External rotation-restricted
  • Adduction- possible
  • Abduction-restricted
  • Left hip -Possible 

Special tests

  • Right SLR – positive at 40 degree
  • Left SLR-Negative

Treatment plan

Ayurvedic Assessment

  • Prakriti: Vata-Pitta
  • Vikriti: Vata predominance
  • Affected Srotas: Asthivaha, Mamsavaha, Majjavaha
  • Diagnosis:
  • Katigraha (right hip involvement)

Treatment plan

Day1

  • Sarvanga Abhyanga -Ksheerabala taila
  • Bashpa sweda

Day 2

  • Elakizhi -Ksheerabala taila
  • Shirodhara -Asanavilwadi taila 

Day 3

  • Shirodhara -Asanamanjishtadi taila
  • Sarvanga Abhyanga -Dhanwantharam taila

 Results

  • Marked reduction in stiffness of hip and shoulder
  • Significant relief in lateral neck pain
  • Improved joint mobility and flexibility
  • Enhanced ability to perform daily activities
  • No adverse effects noted

    Lifestyle & Diet Advice

  • Avoid prolonged sitting and improper posture
  • Regular stretching and yoga practices
  • Use firm bedding
  • Consume warm, freshly prepared, Vata-pacifying diet

Case Study Conclusion

Ayurvedic management, including Panchakarma and internal medications, is effective in treating multi-regional stiffness and pain. Early intervention and adherence to lifestyle modifications are key to long-term benefits and prevention of recurrence.

Ayurveda, Yoga & Varma Therapy FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ayurveda really help when pain and stiffness affect several areas like hip, shoulder, and neck together?

Yes. In Ayurveda, multi‑site pain and stiffness are often seen as a systemic Vata imbalance affecting bones, muscles, and nerves, rather than unrelated local problems. Protocols like Sarvanga Abhyanga (full‑body oil massage), Ksheerabala‑based Elakizhi, Bashpa Sweda and Shirodhara are chosen to calm Vata throughout the system, improve circulation, lubricate joints, and relax overworked muscles. In this case, that approach reduced stiffness in the right hip and shoulder and relieved lateral neck pain while also improving daily functioning.

The guest had a long history of right hip stiffness, right shoulder restriction, and lateral neck pain without swelling or deformity, with examination showing limited hip movements and a positive straight‑leg raise on the right. Ayurveda maps these patterns to: Katigraha (hip/lumbosacral stiffness), Avabahuka (shoulder stiffness), and Greeva Shoola/Stambha (neck pain and restricted movement), all driven by aggravated Vata in Asthivaha, Mamsavaha, and Majjavaha srotas. Recognising these categories guided the choice of oils (Ksheerabala, Dhanwantharam) and procedures to specifically pacify Vata in the spine–hip–shoulder axis.

Although the condition had been present for six years, focused daily therapies can quickly change how the body feels by addressing immediate Vata aggravation and muscle guarding. Over three days, combinations of Sarvanga Abhyanga, Bashpa Sweda, Elakizhi, and Shirodhara softened tight tissues, improved local circulation, and calmed the nervous system, which often results in noticeable changes in pain and range of motion even in chronic cases. Structural degeneration takes longer to influence, but early gains in mobility and comfort are realistic when therapies are applied in a coherent sequence rather than as occasional, isolated sessions.

Lasting benefit depends heavily on how well Vata‑pacifying habits are maintained after discharge. In this case, the guest was advised to avoid prolonged sitting and poor posture, to use firm bedding, and to keep up regular stretching, yoga, and a warm, freshly prepared Vata‑balancing diet. These measures prevent Vata from re‑aggravating in the same regions and help preserve the mobility gains achieved through therapy. Without these lifestyle anchors, the body is more likely to slip back into the patterns that created the problem in the first place.

No. While the framework of assessment and therapies may look similar, the plan is not copy‑pasted. Your Prakriti, Vikriti, pain pattern, imaging reports, age, and activity level will determine which oils are used, how intense the Abhyanga and Swedana should be, whether Elakizhi is appropriate, how often Shirodhara is given, and what kind of yoga or stretching is safe. This ensures that care is tailored to your stage of stiffness, overall health, and tolerance, following the same principle used in this case but adapted to your unique presentation.

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Medical Disclaimer –All Ayurvedic consultations and treatments at Elephant Pass are provided by qualified Ayurvedic doctors as part of traditional Ayurvedic medical practice. The information on this page is for general awareness about our services and does not replace a personal consultation, diagnosis, or treatment plan from our doctors or your other healthcare providers. Always discuss your individual health condition, current medications, and treatment options directly with a qualified doctor before making medical decisions or changing any ongoing treatment.

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