How does ACUPUNCTURE help shoulder pain and frozen shoulder?

How does ACUPUNCTURE help shoulder pain and frozen shoulder?

Almost two years ago a middle-aged man came to see me with severe frozen shoulder. He told me that he had suffered from this for 6 years. He previously had 5 cortisone injections and 2 operations, none of which solved the problem of his frozen shoulder.  After his fifth session of acupuncture, his shoulder pain had completely cleared. The result of the treatment is no surprise because we always find out the cause of the pain so that we can resolve it quickly.

1. What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a very common disease in the clinic and is mostly found in those over the age of 50 years.  It can, however, be found in all ages but is less common. This is why Chinese Medicine textbooks also refer to it as ‘Fifties Shoulder’.  Once you acquire frozen shoulder it not only affects work but also daily activities.

In the beginning Frozen Shoulder presents with mild pain in one shoulder around the joint which gradually worsens. The pain can be located on the front, top or back of the shoulder and can be worse during activities when using the arm.  When the pain gets worse it will affect the range of movement, including: lifting the arm forward, pulling the arm back, combing the hair, shaving and dressing.

2. Causes of Frozen Shoulder

Traditional Chinese Medicine considers the following reasons which are the main causes of frozen shoulder.

 Attack of External Pathogens (Wind & Cold)

In this cause, the shoulder is being attacked by the cold or wind of external pathogens. Such things like air-conditioning, fan or open window or no blanket whilst you sleep.  This leads to an invasion of cold causing stagnation in the channels around the shoulder and results in pain.  Usually this pain comes and goes depending on the climate.  It will be worse on a cold and windy day.

 Blood Stagnation Due to Injury

This type of Frozen Shoulder can be caused by a reduced flow in the circulation leading to stagnation of blood, such as from sports injuries, overuse of the shoulder or general injury.  The pain will be sharp, fixed and feel deep within the shoulder.  The pain may even occur while sleeping.

 Frozen Shoulder from lack of circulation in the Neck

The neck, shoulders and arms share a few channels and when there is a lack of circulation to the neck the problem will affect the circulation in the arms and shoulders causing shoulder pain and frozen shoulder.  This type of frozen shoulder may also be combined with finger tingling or numbness.

  Disorder of Internal Organ

Chinese Medicine considers that the channels and internal organs are strongly related.  Sometimes, when internal organs are weakened or in a state of dysfunction, the shoulders can be affected as a consequence.  These organs can include the Liver, Gall Bladder, Lungs and Small Intestine.

3. How does Chinese medicine treat shoulder pain and frozen shoulder?

First of all we will find out the cause of the pain by our Traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis method, such as pulse, tongue, signs and symptoms.

Secondly, we will set up an appropriate principle of treatment, which is suitable and most effective to your cause – ie. acupuncture,  cupping, scrubbing or Chinese meridian massage.

4. Prevention of shoulder pain

 Avoid direct wind on your shoulder and neck while sleeping.  Cover your shoulder and neck, especially in the cold evening while sleeping. In cold or windy weather, protect your neck and shoulders with clothing such as a scarf.

 If you have an old injury to your neck or shoulder seek immediate treatment to resolve the injury.

 Avoid touching frozen or cold objects with your hands as this may affect the circulation to your neck and shoulders.

 Regular gentle exercise involving the shoulders and arms.