A Critical Review on Current Diagnostic Modalities of Frozen Shoulder with Special Reference to Avabahuka

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a disabling shoulder disorder marked by progressive pain and global restriction of both active and passive shoulder movements. The condition predominantly affects middle-aged individuals and is commonly associated with systemic disorders such as diabetes mellitus and thyroid dysfunction. Early and accurate diagnosis is vital to differentiate frozen shoulder from other shoulder pathologies and to initiate timely management. Frozen shoulder is a common musculoskeletal condition that is more common in people between the ages of 40 and 60, especially in women and those with thyroid conditions or diabetes mellitus. In classical Ayurvedic literature, a clinically comparable condition is described under Avabahuka, a Vata-predominant disorder localized to the Amsa Sandhi (shoulder joint) and characterized by Shoola (pain), Stambha (stiffness) and Sankocha (restricted movement) — features that closely parallel the freezing, frozen and thawing stages recognized in conventional medicine. This review integrates current biomedical diagnostic modalities with the Ayurvedic diagnostic framework of Nidana Panchaka and Dosha-Dushya analysis, aiming to highlight the clinical relevance, complementary value, and limitations of both systems in the comprehensive evaluation of frozen shoulder/Avabahuka. The application of diagnostic modalities to eliminate differential diagnosis and increase diagnostic accuracy. The purpose of this review is to highlight the clinical relevance and appreciate any limitations in the current diagnostic modalities used in the evaluation of frozen shoulder,and to explore how an integrative Ayurveda-biomedicine approach may enhance early recognition and staging of the disease