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@article{206716,
        author = {Dr.Hrushikesh Suresh Bhakare and Dr.Jagruti Rode and Dr.Gayatri Mawale},
        title = {AGNIKARMA IN MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS: AN EVIDENCE-BASED REVIEW},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {2},
        pages = {4096-4103},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=206716},
        abstract = {Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the leading causes of pain, disability, and reduced quality of life worldwide, affecting individuals across all age groups. Conventional management, including analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, and surgical interventions, often provides symptomatic relief but may be associated with adverse effects, recurrence, and increased healthcare costs. Agnikarma, a specialized para-surgical procedure described in Ayurveda, has been extensively advocated for the management of painful musculoskeletal conditions. It involves the controlled therapeutic application of heat using heated metallic instruments or specific materials to alleviate pain, stiffness, and functional impairment. According to classical Ayurvedic texts, Agnikarma acts by pacifying aggravated Vata and Kapha Dosha, removing Srotorodha (obstruction of channels), improving local circulation, and restoring normal tissue function. Contemporary scientific evidence suggests that therapeutic heat enhances microcirculation, reduces muscle spasm, promotes tissue healing, modulates inflammatory mediators, and activates endogenous pain inhibitory mechanisms. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated promising outcomes of Agnikarma in conditions such as osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis, lumbar spondylosis, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder, and heel pain, with significant improvements in pain intensity, joint mobility, and functional status while maintaining a favorable safety profile. Although the available evidence indicates beneficial therapeutic effects, many published studies are limited by small sample sizes, methodological heterogeneity, and inadequate long-term follow-up. Therefore, well-designed randomized controlled trials with standardized treatment protocols and validated outcome measures are essential to establish its clinical efficacy and mechanism of action. This evidence-based review aims to summarize the classical Ayurvedic concepts, probable scientific mechanisms, current clinical evidence, therapeutic applications, advantages, limitations, and future research perspectives of Agnikarma in the management of musculoskeletal disorders.},
        keywords = {Agnikarma, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Ayurveda, Pain Management, Therapeutic Heat, Osteoarthritis, Cervical Spondylosis, Lumbar Spondylosis, Tennis Elbow, Plantar Fasciitis, Evidence-Based Review, Para-surgical Procedure.},
        month = {July},
        }