Abstract

MARMA THERAPY IN AVABAHUKA (FROZEN SHOULDER): A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT

*Negi Vineeta Kumari, Nariyal Vikas, Sharma Om Raj and Sharma S. K.

Abstract

Introduction: Avabahuka a disease of shoulder joint is very much similar to frozen shoulder. Marma therapy is the manipulation of subtle energy (prana) in the body for the purpose of supporting the healing process. In this stimulation of marma points on the body is done which removes blockages from the marma points giving physical and psychological relaxation and strength. Aims and objectives: To observe efficacy and safety of marma therapy in patients of Avabahuka in the clinical setting. Materials and methods: An observational retrospective cohort design was adopted for the study. Total 21 patients suffering from Avabahuk (secondary frozen shoulder), aged between 30-70years (average 49 years) were selected from the OPD of RARIND Mandi Himachal Pradesh India. The patients who were treated with marma therapy for 3 weeks are considered for the study. Following clinical symptoms of Avabahuk were observed: Ansa Sandhi Shool and Ansa Sandhigrah with assessment criteria Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain intensity 0-10, range of movements and overall assessment of efficacy of marma therapy was assessed in terms of complete relief (100%), marked improvement (>75%), moderate improvement (>50%), improved (>25%), unchanged (<25%). Results: No adverse effect was reported and noticed during the study. At 21st day, all patients experienced improvement in pain and range of movements. Statistically significant improvement was found in all signs and symptoms (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Marma therapy may be beneficial in Avabahuka and it is important to validate these findings on larger sample size.

Keywords: Avabahuk, frozen shoulder, marma.