Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF MARMA CHIKITSA FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH CHONDROMALACIA PATELLA (PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME): A CASE STUDY

Dr. Suryanath Yogi*, Dr. Rita Marwaha, Dr. Pankaj Gupta, Dr. Nisha Bhalerao, Dr. Shiba Datta Panda

ABSTRACT

Chondromalacia patella, commonly known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), is a prevalent cause of anterior knee pain that affects functional activities such as walking, stair climbing, squatting, and prolonged sitting. The condition is often chronic in nature and may lead to significant discomfort and reduced quality of life. Conventional management includes analgesics, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modification; however, the outcomes are not always satisfactory. Marma Chikitsa, an ancient Ayurvedic therapeutic modality based on the stimulation of vital energy points (Marma), is traditionally indicated for pain and musculoskeletal disorders. This case study aims to assess the effectiveness of Marma Chikitsa in pain management in a 41-year-old male patient diagnosed with Chondromalacia Patella. The patient presented with persistent anterior knee pain, stiffness, and difficulty in performing routine daily activities. Marma Chikitsa was administered by stimulating selected Marma points associated with the knee joint and lower limb over a defined treatment period. The findings of this case study suggest that Marma Chikitsa may be an effective, safe, and non-invasive complementary therapeutic modality for pain management in Chondromalacia Patella.

Keywords: Chondromalacia Patella, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Marma Chikitsa, Pain Management.