FROZEN SHOULDER

What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterised by pain, stiffness and restriction of motion in the shoulder joint. It usually starts with pain, especially with movement of the shoulder. You may have difficulty executing simple daily actions like combing hair, wearing clothes or reaching for something on a high shelf.  Any shoulder injury like rotator cuff injury, tendinitis or long-term immobility of the shoulder joint can lead to frozen shoulder too.

Stages of frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder symptoms include pain or stiffness in the shoulder joint and limited range of movement. As the condition worsens, the level of pain may increase or become a persistent and chronic pain. Frozen shoulder pain usually flares up when the shoulder joint is used and can affect daily activities, such as reaching for items on a shelf. The pain can also occur at night, disrupting regular sleep cycles and habits.

• Freezing, or painful stage: Pain gradually increases, which makes shoulder movements more difficult and stronger. The pain is usually worse at night. This phase can last from 6 weeks to 9 months.
• Frozen/Adhesive: The pain does not worsen and can be reduced at this stage. Shoulders remain stiff. It can take 4 to 6 months, and movement can be restricted.
• Thawing: Movement becomes more comfortable and eventually returns to normal. The pain can subside, but sometimes it returns. It takes between 6 months and two years.

TCM perspective of frozen shoulder

Kidney and Liver Deficiency

In TCM theory, the kidney dominates the bone and kidney energy is progressively depleted with age. The liver regulates the circulation of qi throughout the body, stores blood and regulates blood volume in the body. As one ages, the kidney and liver energy decline through a weakening of yang qi and cannot nourish the collaterals of the body as before.

Stagnation of Qi and Blood

Long term exposure to excessive wind, cold and damp can lead to stagnation of qi and blood in the meridians of the shoulders. Some examples are accumulative exposure to air-conditioning, wind or daily consumption of icy cold drinks. There is a common saying in TCM: If there is free flow, there is no pain; if there is no free flow, there is pain (通则不痛，不通则痛). Overtime, these factors causes qi and blood stasis (气滞血瘀), resulting in shoulder pain and subsequently frozen shoulder.

How to treat frozen shoulder with TCM

TCM pain relief treatments for frozen shoulder pain may be one or a combination of the following:

Tui Na massage for shoulder pain relief

Tui Na Massage is an ancient massage form that balances the body’s energy. It’s a TCM treatment for shoulder pain involving acupressure massage techniques such as stretching, pressing, kneading, and rolling and TCM principles to loosen up and remove Qi blockages in your shoulder. It stimulates the body’s pressure points using the fingers to promote better blood flow and circulation. It’s an effective technique for shoulder pain relief as it can help the body heal itself naturally. Tui Na massage is often combined with acupuncture for a more effective way to encourage proper Qi and blood flow to treat frozen shoulder.

Acupuncture for shoulder pain

One of the most effective natural remedy treatments for a frozen shoulder condition is acupuncture therapy. Pain-free acupuncture is used for treating frozen shoulders, and works to restore normal blood flow by stimulating blood circulation in the body, releasing ‘pain killer’ hormones to clear Qi blockages and provide frozen shoulder pain relief. The sight of needles may be intimidating for some; however, with our TCM acupuncture for shoulder pain, you don’t have to worry about feeling any discomfort. Acupuncture can help release trigger points in the subscapularis through the insertion of acupuncture needles directly into the affected muscle. Another method is to insert needles away from the pain site which might influence pain in that part of the body.

A trained acupuncturist can effectively treat frozen shoulder in several ways. Acupuncture and Tui Na are often used together as pain management treatments for shoulder pain. 

Frozen shoulder cupping treatment

Cupping treatments use special cups to aid in restoring the flow of your Qi by creating a vacuum that improves blood circulation. This stimulates blood flow and restores balanced Qi flow in a targeted part of the body, making it a suitable shoulder pain relief treatment caused by long-term injuries or prolonged exposure to coldness. This treatment helps detoxify your body’s immune system, relax your muscles, and break down any muscle fibre and fascia adhesions. With frequent and follow-up treatments, you’ll regain mobility in your shoulders and feel shoulder pain relief.

Moxibustion for shoulder pain

Moxibustion is a TCM technique for shoulder pain involving burning “moxa” (made from mugwort or wormwood), to warm the meridians in the body. Mugworts are dried, ground into cones or sticks, and lighted to be used in warming the body to relieve it from any pain and remove any pathogenic elements. This stimulates stagnated Qi flow and rids the body of excess cold and dampness, providing pain relief for frozen shoulders caused by these factors. Moxibustion is often used to complement acupuncture in treating frozen shoulder and provide shoulder pain relief.

If you have a frozen shoulder condition, it’s best to avoid painkillers, cortisone shots, and invasive surgery. Instead, try TCM for frozen shoulder to relieve pain and promote long-term healing.

Learn more: How to Cure Frozen Shoulder Quickly

At Shanghai Medical Clinic, our TCM physicians  will assess your condition by reviewing all the information you’ve provided including your symptoms. Once completing assessment, we will make a final diagnosis and recommend the proper treatment for your frozen shoulder pain.

Get in touch with us here at Shanghai Medical Clinic to find out more about our services, or simply to book an appointment.