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Acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder: How It Helps Relieve Pain and Restore Mobility

Last Updated: Jan 22, 2025 | Shoulder Pain, TCM Treatments

Frozen shoulder (五十肩), known as Adhesive Capsulitis in Western medicine, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It can limit range of motion, making everyday activities such as reaching, lifting, and even sleeping difficult. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this condition is often linked to Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, and the invasion of Wind, Cold, or Dampness into the shoulder. Acupuncture, a key part of TCM, is an effective treatment to relieve symptoms and restore function. 

acupuncture for frozen shoulder

Understanding Frozen Shoulder From TCM Perspective

In TCM, the shoulder is connected to the Liver and Kidney TCM organ functions as well as the Large Intestine (阳明), Triple Burner (少阳), Small Intestine (太阳) and Lung meridians (太阴) meridians, all of which help control the body’s flexibility, mobility, and fluid circulation. When these meridians are out of balance, it can cause Qi stagnation or the buildup of Blood stasis, leading to pain, limited motion, and inflammation. External factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness can also block the flow of Qi and Blood, worsening the condition.

 

Acupuncture for frozen shoulder  

How Acupuncture Helps in Treating Frozen Shoulder 

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points along the meridians to move Qi and Blood, clear blockages, and reduce inflammation. Here’s how acupuncture can be useful for frozen shoulder:

Relieves Pain and Reduces Inflammation

Acupuncture needles are placed into acupuncture points to unblock the flow of Qi and Blood that is stuck in the shoulder. This can reduce the Heat and/or Dampness buildup that causes inflammation, making the shoulder more mobile and less painful. In TCM, the treatment restores balance to the body and eases the pain caused by blocked energy flow.

Restores Range of Motion

When Qi and Blood are blocked, the shoulder joint becomes stiff and hard to move. Acupuncture points along the Large Intestine (Yang Ming), Triple Burner ( Shaoyang), Small Intestine (Taiyang) and Lung meridians (Tai Yin) meridians are often used to encourage the smooth flow of Qi, helping the muscles and tendons regain flexibility. By improving circulation, acupuncture can reduce the tightness in the shoulder joint, making it easier to move again.

Addresses Underlying TCM Imbalances

TCM practitioners often focus on restoring balance inside the body. For example, Spleen and Kidney deficiencies can lead to muscle weakness and poor joint mobility. By nourishing these organ systems with acupuncture, practitioners help strengthen the body’s ability to heal, speeding up recovery.

Relieves Wind, Cold, and Dampness Invasion

Frozen shoulder can happen when Wind, Cold, or Dampness enter the body and cause the shoulder joint to become stiff and painful. Acupuncture helps to remove these harmful factors from the body, often using points with addition of heat lamp or electroacupuncture to clear Wind and Cold from the surface of the body and restore normal movement.

Promotes Blood Circulation and Healing

Acupuncture needles improve local blood flow to the shoulder, which can help relax muscles, increase oxygen in tissues, and speed up the healing process. By promoting Blood circulation, acupuncture helps repair tissues and eases pain caused by Blood stasis, which often contributes to frozen shoulder.

Additional TCM Therapies for Frozen Shoulder 

In addition to acupuncture, other TCM treatments like tuina, cupping and Gua Sha can support acupuncture for frozen shoulder.

  • Tuina:  help with joint mobility and relieve pain in the shoulder area.
  • Cupping:  help improve blood flow in the shoulder,
  • Gua Sha: help to release muscle tightness and break down Qi and Blood blockages. 

Conclusion 

Acupuncture for frozen shoulder is an effective, natural way to treat both the symptoms and the causes of this painful condition. By promoting the movement of Qi and Blood, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance in the body, acupuncture can help reduce the pain and stiffness that come with frozen shoulder. If you have shoulder pain, acupuncture may be a good treatment to consider. Always talk to a licensed TCM practitioner to find the best treatment plan for your condition. 

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