Therapeutic Effect of Modified Shrnga Vidhi in the Management of Tennis Elbow

Abstract

Tennis elbow (Snayugata Vata at Kūrpara Sandhi) is a painful condition associated with repetitive microtrauma of the extensor tendon of elbow. In Ayurveda, it can be correlated with Vraṇa in the Snāyu. Traditional para-surgical procedures like Raktamokṣaṇa (bloodletting) and Agnikarma (therapeutic cauterization) are mentioned as effective pain-relieving therapies. Though Agnikarma is an effective procedure, it is often painful and not patient friendly. Wet cupping which is a modified Śṛṅga vidhi found to have effect in Tennis elbow. Objective: To find out the clinical effectiveness of wet cupping (Śṛṅga vidhi, a form of Raktamokṣaṇa) in patients with tennis elbow. Methods: A clinical trial was conducted among 18 patients aged 21–60 years at VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal. Participants were randomly selected from the population. The participants received wet cupping on 1^st day, repeated on the 8^th day. Assessments were done on day 1^th, 8^th, and 24^th using VAS for pain, tenderness, Cozen’s test, Mill’s maneuver, swelling, and wrist movements. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and relevant non-parametric tests. Results: wet cupping found to have significant result in reduction in pain, tenderness, swelling, and improved functional mobility (p<0.001). Conclusion: Wet cupping is a patient-friendly and yields better pain relief and functional recovery.