Acupuncture for Chronic Pain
Unlock Shoulder Relief: How Acupuncture Can Treat Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Symptoms typically begin gradually, worsen over time. This painful condition can significantly impact daily activities, making simple tasks like dressing or reaching overhead challenging.
Throughout my years of clinical experience, I have helped many patients with frozen shoulder reduce pain and increase mobility. We also want to help you avoid more invasive procedures and medications. Acupuncture provides an opportunity for the body to heal itself by reducing inflammation and stimulating circulation.
This article explores acupuncture as a treatment for frozen shoulder, examining its effectiveness, benefits, and the scientific.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, clinically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It typically develops in three stages: the freezing stage, where the shoulder becomes painful and movement starts to become limited; the frozen stage, where pain may begin to diminish but the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff, making it more difficult to use; and finally, the thawing stage, where the range of motion begins to improve.
Who is Affected?
Frozen shoulder commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60, and is more prevalent in women than in men. Certain groups, including those with diabetes, thyroid diseases, and those who have undergone prolonged immobilization of the shoulder (such as after surgery or an injury), are at higher risk.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, but it involves thickening and contracture of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint. This capsule contains ligaments that hold the shoulder bones together and, in frozen shoulder, these ligaments become inflamed and stiff.
How Acupuncture Works
According to traditional Chinese medical theory, health is achieved by maintaining the body in a balanced state. Imbalances such as lack of Qi (energy) and blood circulation can lead to pain and immobility.
Acupuncture aims to correct imbalances by stimulating circulation and reducing inflammation.
The modern scientific explanation for acupuncture’s effects suggests it stimulates the body’s nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals either change the experience of pain or trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s internal regulating system. This improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder
Acupuncture for frozen shoulders involves targeting specific points that can help alleviate pain and improve mobility.
- Jianyu (LI15) located on the shoulder,
- Jianliao (TE14) and Jianzhen (SI9) around the shoulder joint, and Ashi points (tender points located where the patient feels most pain).
These points are believed to be effective in reducing inflammation, promoting relaxation of muscles, and enhancing local circulation.
Typically, treatments might be scheduled 1-2 times per week, with a course of treatment involving 10-15 sessions or more. The acupuncture session lasts about 45-60 minutes.
Acupuncture Benefits
1. Pain Relief
One of the most significant benefits of acupuncture is its ability to reduce pain. For those with frozen shoulder, acupuncture can help alleviate the intense pain that typically accompanies movement of the affected shoulder. By stimulating specific points, acupuncture is believed to release endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body, reducing the perception of pain.
2. Improved Mobility
Acupuncture can help increase the range of motion in the shoulder affected by adhesive capsulitis. Through the strategic placement of needles, acupuncture may reduce muscle stiffness and improve the elasticity of the shoulder joint capsule, allowing for greater movement and less discomfort during activities.
3. Reduction in Inflammation
Although the mechanisms are not fully understood, some research suggests that acupuncture can help reduce inflammation, a key component of the pain and stiffness associated with frozen shoulder. By lowering inflammation, acupuncture can contribute to a faster recovery process.
4. Enhanced Circulation
Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the flow of blood and lymphatic fluids. Improved circulation can help to nourish tissues, facilitate healing, and flush out inflammatory mediators and toxins from the body. For frozen shoulder, this can mean a reduction in swelling and pain, and a promotion of tissue repair.
5. Minimal Side Effects
Compared to many conventional treatments, such as surgery or steroid injections, acupuncture generally has fewer side effects. This makes it a particularly attractive option for individuals who are looking for a less invasive treatment method or those who may not tolerate certain medications well.
6. Complementary therapy
Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as physical therapy and medication, to enhance overall effectiveness. This integrative approach can lead to better outcomes, as acupuncture addresses aspects of healing that other treatments might not, such as overall well-being and stress reduction.
7. Psychological Benefits
Acupuncture is often reported to provide psychological benefits, such as reduced stress and anxiety, which are common in people dealing with chronic pain conditions like frozen shoulder. The treatment can induce a state of relaxation and well-being, which may accelerate recovery.
8. Non-pharmacological Approach
For patients concerned about the overuse of medications, especially pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, acupuncture offers an effective non-pharmacological alternative. This can help avoid the potential side effects and dependencies associated with long-term drug therapy.
Feel Better, Get Acupuncture
Acupuncture offers a range of benefits that enhance conventional therapies. With its ability to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, reduce inflammation, and improve overall well-being with minimal side effects, acupuncture provides a holistic approach to managing this challenging condition.
Please call us at 212.319.5757 or you can schedule an appointment online.
Feedback From our clients…
“I suffered from chronic neck pain for more than 4 yrs before being treated by Joseph Alban. As a registered Yoga teacher, I was looking for a treatment that did not involve a prescription medicine that treated only the symptom rather than the underlying cause of the problem. It was the first time I’d ever tried acupuncture and to my amazement Joe took the time to listen and answer any questions and concerns I had regarding my health. After several treatments I started to see results and after several months I was completely pain free! I highly recommend Alban’s acupuncture to anyone with chronic pain.”
~ M.B., New Jersey