This is a question I hear often in clinic, and the honest answer has more nuance than a one-line rule.
Ayurveda treats musculoskeletal pain as a combination of Vata aggravation and localized tissue involvement, which is why treatment usually combines internal medicines with external therapies rather than relying on either alone.
External therapies like medicated oil application, localized fomentation, and targeted Basti procedures address circulation and inflammation at the site, while internal formulations work on the underlying doshic imbalance driving recurrence.
What I tell patients is that pain relief within a few sessions is common, but durable improvement — the kind that prevents recurrence — usually needs a full course measured in weeks, not days.
Every patient's presentation is different, so this is general clinical guidance rather than a substitute for an individual consultation — Testing, Testing, would want to examine your specific history before recommending a protocol.