Frozen Shoulder
“Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, involves stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms typically begin slowly, then get worse. Over time, symptoms get better, usually within 1 to 3 years.” (Mayo Clinic)
Frozen shoulder mainly stems from inflammation of the tissues around the joint. The capsule, or the tissues covering it, normally has flexible folds that move with the arm's motions. However, in frozen shoulder, this capsule becomes inflamed, leading to the formation of scar tissue, or adhesions. As these adhesions tighten, they restrict shoulder movement and cause pain when the joint is moved. Which is why frozen shoulder is also called adhesive capsulitis, resulting from inflammation and scarring of the capsule.
The exact cause of this frozen shoulder isn't fully understood. Shoulder immobilization, such as after an injury, can trigger frozen shoulder. Additionally, inflammation of muscles or tendons, like with rotator cuff tendinitis or bursitis, can also contribute to the shoulder joint becoming frozen. (John Hopkins)
In China you might hear frozen shoulder being called, “fifty year old shoulder” because it often occurs in the fifties when some begin to reduce their movement and physical activities (Bisio, 2004). In Chinese Medicine, this condition is not considered a sports injury, rather it is a condition that occurs from lack or limited movement of the shoulder joint. It often occurs after a shoulder injury in which the shoulder is held in a sling or cast, limiting movement in order to allow an injury to heal. As the initial injury heals the shoulder can also become frozen. It can also be common after using crutches or generally due to under use of the shoulder joint. Sometimes frozen shoulder occurs due to a major cold exposure. This indicates that gentle movement and stretching of the shoulders could be an effective way to prevent frozen shoulder especially as you age into your fifties. In Chinese Medicine, frozen shoulder is a cold condition, thus the treatment is about restoring circulation and introducing warmth with gentle movement.
Acupuncture + Research
Acupuncture works by reducing inflammation and promoting circulation locally and systemically. It is known for its ability to calm the nervous system, reduce inflammation and activate the body’s natural painkillers. Acupuncture is well known for its ability to help with frozen shoulder. Using adjunct modalities like cupping, moxibustion, infrared or red light therapy, heat packs, herbal medicine and electroacupuncture can all be extremely useful depending on the case.
A small clinical trial looked at 40 patients with frozen shoulder from the ages of 44-71. The patients received acupuncture two times a week for ten sessions. This trial concluded that those who received acupuncture showed improvements in shoulder range of motion. (Asheghan, 2016). A 2020 study looked at the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture with rehab for frozen shoulder. The patients received 18 acupuncture treatments in the span of 6-9 weeks. This study showed improvements in range of motion and lasting effects at one, three and six months following treatment. (Lo, et. al)
Recommended Products for Frozen Shoulder
The links below will take you to KAMWO STORE affiliate links. Please be sure to read the ingredients and instructions before purchasing and using products you’ve never used before.
Tooth from the Tiger’s Mouth Extra Strength Tendon Soak
Tooth from the Tiger’s Mouth Tendon Lotion
Written by Dr. Emily Siy, DACM 5/27/24
You might also be interested in reading: Chinese Medicine and Plantar Fasciitis, Acupuncture for Runner’s Knee, Cupping What To Expect and Aftercare
Sources
Asheghan M, Aghda AK, Hashemi E, Hollisaz M. (2016) Investigation of the Effectiveness of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder Materia Socio-Medica. Jul 24;28(4):253-257
Bisio, Tom (2004) A Tooth From The Tiger’s Mouth, Simon & Schuster pages 72, 169, 325
John Hopkins Medicine, Health, Conditions and Diseases Frozen Shoulder https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/frozen-shoulder
Lo, M-Y., Wu, C-H., Luh, JJ., Wang, T-G., F, L-C., Lin, J-G., Lai, J-S (2020) The effect of electroacupuncture merged with rehabilitation for frozen shoulder syndrome: a single-blind randomized sham-acupuncture controlled study Journal of the Formosan Medical Association, Vol119, Issu1, Part 181-88 January
Mayo Clinic, Frozen Shoulder https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frozen-shoulder/symptoms-causes/syc-20372684