Aarogya Physiotherapy

The knee joint is called Janu Sandhi in Sanskrit; hence the name Janu Basti is given to the procedure done on knee joints. In this, the knee joint is bathed with warm medicated oil or freshly prepared herbal decoction. Depending on the condition it can be practiced over both the knee joints or on one knee joint. Knee joints are considered as sandhi Marma in Ayurveda (joint type of vital areas) which measure about three fingers (three anguli pramana). So the Janu vasti is specialized knee therapy or massage which rejuvenate the Janu marma.

Treatment Method:

• The person is made to lie on his back on the massage table (Droni).
• Reservoir made of black gram dough is built upon the Knee Joint. The dough ring should be such that it covers the knee joint.
• After ensuring the ring is leakproof, the lukewarm medicated oil or herbal decoction is slowly poured into it. When that cools down, it is squeezed out with cotton gauze and the procedure is repeated.
• At the end of the procedure, the ring is removed and the affected area may be gently massaged The person is then made to take rest for a short while.
• Duration of treatment: 30  to 45 minutes

Benefits:

• Pacifies aggravated Vata dosha in the knee region
• Restores the lubricating fluid in the joint and maintain integrity of the structures involved in the joint.
• Removes stiffness and pain in Knee joint
• Protects knee joints from age-related changes
• Increases blood circulation; thus strengthens and nourishes the knee joints
• Improves the mobility of the knee joints (knee flexion and knee extension)

It is indicated in the following conditions:

• Osteoarthritis of knee joints
• Osteoporosis
• Arthrosis of knee joints
• Chronic pain of the knee joint.

Kati Basti (Pain relief) 
When it comes to treating back, neck and shoulder pain and general muscle tension in the body Ayurveda has a very specialized approach.

Ayurveda looks at each person on an individual basis and takes a holistic approach with an Ayurvedic practitioner looking at restoring all the bodily functions when dealing with back pain or musculoskeletal disorders. There are many different causes for back pain varying from stress, poor posture physical trauma, poor diet, and lifestyle to name a few, and for that reason, this approach is essential for a long lasting result.

Kati Basti is a musculoskeletal treatment for disorders that involve muscle (mamsa), ligaments, bones (ashti), vertebrae and nerves (majja). Symptoms associated with such disorders are inflammation, pain, stiffness and restricted movements.

One of the most commonly seen causes in today’s modern world is the increase of sedentary occupations and many hours spent sitting at a computer where the back loses its strength, with the addition of poor body posture, lack of mobility and stress, over the years this can accumulate to severe back issues that need a specific therapy that works on a very deep level other than just a regular massage.

Kati Basti massage is a very beneficial treatment specific for lower back pain, sciatica, herniated and ruptured discs cervical pain, stiff neck, whiplash, migraines frozen shoulder, shoulder bursitis, RSI, knee pain, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, dislocated shoulder, thoracic discomfort, knee and wrist problems and giving in the thoracic area for when ones is holding onto a lot of emotions.

In Ayurveda the doshas involved

• Musculoskeletal disorders are mainly Vata which is aggravated and can create more dryness, stiffness, pain and tightness in the affected areas, this also leads to aggravation in Pitta dosha as there will be inflammation in the area which causes more pain.
• The nerves are also found throughout the muscles and when they also become stiff and tight the conduction of nerve impulse is also effected known as Vata obstruction.

The Dhatus or tissues involved and how there qualities relate to musculoskeletal disorders

• Include muscle (mamsa), fat (meda) nerve (majja) and bone (ashti).
• The qualities in the muscle (mamsa) and fat tissue (meda) are heavy, soft, moist, dense, smooth and flexible and the bone tissue (ashti) are porous, light, hard and rough.
• When the qualities of Vata (dryness, lack of movement blood and nerve flow ) and Kapha (stagnation) Ama (toxins) manifest in the muscle (mamsa) nerve (majja) and fat tissues (meda) the tissues become stiff, hard, immobile and rigid, this results in pain and discomfort in these areas. This can ultimately affect the bone tissue (ashti) also. leading to array of problems of the spine, joints and muscles.

The treatment:

A well made of dough from black lentil flour, is placed over the problem area and filled with medicated oil heated to a specific temperature and held at this temperature for a specific period of time. This helps to soften the rigid, tight and hard tissue which results in easing pain and increasing mobility of the affected area.

Once the dam is removed a back massage is given followed by a herbal steam treatment to help deepen the overall effect of the treatment.

Benefits of this treatment are many, the use of heat, the oil and the specific technique used to result in a profound healing process, as the treatment not only repairs the damaged tissue but also rejuvenates the area.

The benefits of the warm medicated oil work to

: Soften and loosen dry and tight muscles
: Decrease stiffness and create elasticity in the muscle and surrounding tissue
: Ease muscle spasm and increase range of motion
: The aid of heat from the oil helps to
: Dilate local blood vessels to increase blood flow
: Increase in blood flow can reduce pain
: Heat reduces swelling thereby reducing pressure on nerve endings
: Blood flow aids in the healing process
This treatment is much more than a massage technique it is a specific therapy for musculoskeletal disorders.

Herbal Ayurveda Treatment & Home recommendations Integrative medicine
Many Ayurveda herbs also work to aid the healing process from those suffering from discomfort, in the form of natural, anti pain, anti-inflammatory, anti spasmodic, herbs that stimulate movement of blood to speed up the healing process. These complex Ayurvedic formulations work well in conjunction with treatment and home care using Ayurvedic oils. Home recommendations in the form of Yoga therapy can also be made.

Many sports people can also benefit from this treatment as it helps to strengthen the muscle tissue and increase mobility all of which can enhance an all-around sports performance.

The causes of musculoskeletal pain are varied. Muscle tissue can be damaged with the wear and tear of daily activities. Trauma to an area (jerking movements, auto accidents, falls, fractures, sprains, dislocations, and direct blows to the muscle) also can cause musculoskeletal pain.

A shoulder dislocation occurs when the bones of the upper arm snap out of your shoulder blade, generally after suffering a major injury. The joints of the shoulder are the most flexible body joints, thereby, making them more prone to dislocation. In most of the cases, a dislocated shoulder can be fixed within a few weeks’ time with the help of proper diagnosis.

An elementary knowledge of biology tells you how important joints are for the overall functionality of a human body. If not for biology experience teaches us the inevitable importance of joints. The link between a tooth and the jawbone is also a joint. Without joints the human body would have been in bits and pieces.

Having known that, you should also try to remember or understand how disabling joint pains can be. They hardly let you move a limb and can also cripple you for life. Knee joint pain can hinder a person's free movement. Knees bear the entire load of your body; they support your frame. Knee joint pain should therefore be a cause for alarm.

Going by the following ways can relieve you of knee joint pain:

1. Maintain a healthy weight: Carrying extra pounds can exert additional pressure on your joints and contribute to knee pain. If you're overweight, losing as little as 5 percent of your body weight can help relieve the stress on your knees. Talk to your doctor about developing a healthy eating plan and exercise program to help you lose weight sensibly.
2. Find a low-impact exercise you enjoy: Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program. Good choices for people with knee pain include walking and swimming. Be sure to warm up before and cool down after exercising. Avoid hilly terrain and high-impact activities like running and jumping, as these can worsen knee pain.
3. Give physical therapy a try: Physical and occupational therapy often are helpful for people with knee pain. A physical therapist can help design an exercise program that fits your individual ability level and teach you proper techniques to spare your joints. Occupational therapy can teach you how to reduce strain on your knees in your daily activities.
4. Get enough rest and relaxation: Sure, physical activity is important, but rest and relaxation can go a long way to promote good health - and reduce pain. Achieve a healthy balance in your life by learning stress-relief techniques like deep breathing and meditation.
5. Make sure you're getting enough sleep: No question-arthritis pain can interfere with a good night's sleep. However, proper sleep is necessary for overall health, so if you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor. Proper pain management can help break the cycle to help you slumber soundly.
6. Use Ice and/or Heat: For many people with arthritis pain, ice can help relieve pain and swelling and heat can help ease stiffness. Ask your doctor about how to safely use an ice pack and/or a warm towel or heating pad. A hot shower in the morning or warm bath before bed at night also may be helpful.
7. Apply a topical pain reliever: A number of over-the-counter and prescription creams, gels, sprays and patches are available to help relieve arthritis pain. These pain relievers contain ingredients like capsaicin, salicylates, menthol, or a combination of medicines. Ask your doctor if one of these products might be right for you.
8. Consider Injections: Persistent arthritis pain may respond to treatment with injections. Available options include corticosteroids, which can be used up to 2 or 3 times a year to relieve severe pain, and hyaluronic acid, which can help replenish lubricating substances in the knee. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of injectable treatments for knee pain.
9. Talk to Your Doctor about Surgery: If you have severe osteoarthritissymptoms that interfere with daily life and do not respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary. Ask your doctor about arthroscopic procedures or total knee replacement, may be necessary.

Spondylitis health lybrateSpondylitis is when you experience chronic back pain, especially in your upper back. What is annoying about this problem is that it not only causes you pain after you have exerted yourself, but it also leads to more pain when you have done no physical exertion at all