Efficacy of Abhadi Ghanvati versus Diclofenac Sodium in the Management of Avabahuka (Frozen Shoulder): A Research Protocol

Introduction: Avabahuka is a disease of the shoulder joint characterised by shoola (pain), stambha (stiffness), and loss of bahu praspandana (decreased range of motion). This condition affects an individual’s overall health, daily life, and ability to perform routine activities. The pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of Avabahuka and frozen shoulder are very similar. Need of the study: Conventional treatments such as analgesics and corticosteroid injections often provide only temporary relief, and long-term use may be associated with side-effects or complications. Abhadi Ghanvati has shown promising results in managing asthi-sandhigata vata and snayu-majja-gata vata. Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of Abhadi Ghanvati versus a standard control (Diclofenac sodium) along with Abhadi oil in the management of Avabahuka (frozen shoulder). Materials and Methods: A randomised, single-blind clinical trial will be conducted from October 2023 to August 2025 at Mahatma Gandhi Ayurveda College Hospital and Research Centre (MGACHRC), Salod Hirapur (H), Maharashtra, India. A total of 86 patients will be randomised into two groups: Group A (Intervention group): Abhadi Ghanvati 500 mg twice daily along with local abhyanga with Abhadi taila. Group B (Control group): Diclofenac sodium 50 mg twice daily along with local abhyanga with Abhadi taila. The duration of treatment will be 15 days. Assessment will be carried out on day 0, day 7, day 21, and day 30. Patients will be evaluated using objective parameters such as Range Of Motion (ROM) and subjective parameters such as shoulder joint stiffness and pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Statistical analysis will be performed using paired and unpaired t-tests, along with the Chi-square test, with a statistically significant p-value <0.05.