Ayurvedic Support for Shoulder Bursitis and Supraspinatus Tendon Tear: A Case Study

Introduction

Rotator cuff and shoulder joint injuries — including bursitis and tendon tears — are increasingly common presentations, often compounded by long-standing spinal issues and everyday lifestyle patterns. This case study describes the Ayurvedic approach taken to support a 49-year-old woman based in Australia, presenting with right shoulder bursa inflammation and a full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear.

Presentation

She presented with right shoulder bursa inflammation and a full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear, with the issue persisting for approximately 6 months. This was set against a longer-standing musculoskeletal history — cervical spinal wear diagnosed 17 years prior, and a more recent episode of severe back pain roughly 3 years ago, linked to diagnosed disc issues.

At the time of assessment, she was taking Vitamin B, C, and D, fish oil, and iron supplements, with no known allergies. Her height and weight placed her in a mildly elevated weight range, a factor considered alongside her joint and connective tissue presentation.

Lifestyle and Dietary Patterns

A review of her daily routine and food habits revealed a generally moderate, home-cooked diet (rice, curry, vegetables, and fish for dinner; sandwiches or similar for lunch; nuts, fruit, or protein bars for snacks), water first thing in the morning, and self-reported low energy by evening. Digestive assessment noted a preference for morning hunger, a leaning toward dry-to-moderate food textures, and a mixed vegetarian-with-occasional-fish-and-egg pattern — all factored into the constitutional (dosha) picture alongside her joint presentation.

Approach

Given the combination of joint/connective tissue degeneration (tendon tear, longstanding spinal wear), inflammation (bursitis), and a multi-year pattern of musculoskeletal vulnerability, the Ayurvedic assessment centered on Vata dosha aggravation in the joints and connective tissues, compounded by digestive and metabolic factors reflected in her daily routine.

Dietary Changes

• Avoided fish-based dinner dishes at night

• Discontinued the omega-3 supplement

• Avoided Pitta-aggravating foods such as yogurt, brinjal (eggplant), and high-protein snacks

• Provided a balanced meal at lunch time

Lifestyle Practices

• Nadi Shodhana pranayama (alternate nostril breathing) each morning

• Bhramari pranayama at bedtime, to support relaxation and sleep quality

External Applications

• Initial phase: a topical paste of coriander, basil leaf, and dry ginger applied to the affected shoulder

• Later phase: shifted to a combination of Kottamchukkadi and Pinda thailam, applied to the shoulder to support ongoing recovery

Outcome

Following the guidance, she experienced relief from shoulder pain and a noticeable improvement in shoulder movement and mobility.

Key Takeaways

• Chronic joint and tendon issues often sit within a broader pattern — in this case, a multi-year history of spinal and connective tissue vulnerability, not an isolated shoulder injury

• Addressing constitutional (dosha) factors and digestive strength alongside the local injury appeared to support both pain relief and functional improvement in this case

This case study describes one individual's experience and is shared for educational purposes, with identifying details omitted. It is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment, and readers experiencing similar symptoms should consult a qualified physician or physiotherapist.

Curious how personalized Ayurvedic assessment could support your own joint and mobility concerns? Explore our consultation packages: https://www.ayurculinary.in/consultation-packages-1