Chronic rotator cuff injury in an elderly patient – full functional recovery through conservative Ayurvedic management - A Case Report

Abstract

Rotator cuff injury is one of the most frequently seen orthopedic conditions. The two main causes of rotator cuff injury are trauma and degeneration. A 70 year old male patient visited Shalyatantra Outpatient division of Government Ayurveda college Tripunithura Ernakulam Kerala India on 09 -10- 2022 with right shoulder pain and restricted shoulder movements with a history of fall two months back. In MRI, the case was diagnosed as rotator cuff tear and bicipital tendinopathy of the right shoulder joint. On examination of right shoulder joint, all shoulder movements were restricted due to pain. Hawkin’s impingement test, Neer’s test, Empty can test, Belly press test were found to be positive. He underwent a treatment protocol of Bhagna followed by Vatavyadhi Chikitsa. Ayurvedic preparations like Maharasnadi kashayam, Amruthotharam kashayam, Kaisora guggulu, Dasamoolahareethaki lehyam, Lakshadi guggulu, Gandha thailam were given internally.  Abhyanga, Dhanyamladhara, Thailadhara, Pathrapottali sweda, Shashtika pinda sweda along with active shoulder exercises were the treatments followed in this case. After treatment patient got full range of motion for the right shoulder joint. This case study highlighted that in less than six weeks the chronic rotator cuff injury got complete functional restoration of the shoulder joint by conservative ayurvedic management only.