Acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder

March 6, 2022 Theodore Levarda

Naturally relieve pain, stiffness and inflammation

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis (AC), is a common inflammatory musculoskeletal condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint.

The pain is often intense (especially at night), making it difficult to move your arm and shoulder. This loss of motion can be debilitating and affect your quality of life.

Frozen shoulder is a chronic condition that can last for several years and is usually treated with pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections.

Learn how acupuncture for frozen shoulder works and how it can naturally relieve pain, stiffness and inflammation.

Causes of frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder is caused by inflammation around the capsule of connective tissue that holds the joint together. When the tissue becomes inflamed, it tightens and thickens around the joint, triggering pain and reducing range of motion.

Immobility or reduced mobility due to a stroke or arm injury such as a broken arm can increase your risk of getting frozen shoulder. Conditions like diabetes, thyroid dysfunction and cardiovascular disease can also make you prone to frozen shoulder. This is thought to be due to a dysregulation in cell signalling which affects the proteins that make up connective tissue.

Frozen shoulder trigger points

A trigger point is a hyperirritable and taut spot in a band of muscles (often located where nerves and muscles meet), that causes specific referred pain, irritation and spasms. Trigger points can feel like small lumps or muscle knots and are usually caused by injury, stress, muscle tension, poor posture or overuse of muscles.

Frozen shoulder can be caused by myofascial trigger points and muscle pain in the shoulder muscles and surrounding muscles.

The following muscles have trigger point referral patterns that can cause shoulder pain:

Deltoid
Trapezius
Infraspinatus
Supraspinatus
Teres Minor
Teres Major
Latissimus Dorsi
Subscapularis
Pectoralis Major
Pectoralis Minor
Biceps Brachii

The best way to release trigger points is with trigger point acupuncture, sometimes referred to as dry needling. An acupuncturist inserts an acupuncture needle into a trigger point which nudges the tight muscle to contract; in doing so, the muscle softens, becoming more relaxed and elongated. When trigger points are released, more blood and nutrients can flow to the area, reducing pain and improving your range of motion.

How does acupuncture help frozen shoulder?

Acupuncture is a safe and effective modality for treating frozen shoulder. Acupuncture needles are inserted around the shoulder area (front and back), upper arms, elbow, hand and in any relevant myofascial trigger points.

The benefits of acupuncture for frozen shoulder are:

Reduced inflammation by stimulating the release of immunomodulatory and vascular factors; these are neuropeptides (small proteins produced by specialist nerve cells) that help regulate inflammation and blood vessel control and blood flow in the body.[1] [2] [3] [4]

Less pain and modifying the way the body responds to pain. When an acupuncturist places needles on specific acupuncture points on the body, they stimulate the nerves located in the muscles and other tissues to release the hormone serotonin and natural pain-killing chemicals called endorphins. These chemical messengers promote relaxation and feelings of wellbeing, and also alter the way the body processes pain in the brain and spinal cord.[5] [6] [7] [8]

Decreased shoulder stiffness and improved range of motion and mobility by enhancing blood flow to the area. Acupuncture improves local microcirculation by increasing the diameter and blood flow velocity of the veins and arteries that supply the shoulder area. Poor circulation in the shoulder joint and lack of fluids in the shoulder bursa (the fluid-filled sacks in between joints to reduce friction) contributes to pain and inflammation. Stronger circulation of blood in the shoulder area improves nutrient delivery and reduces pain sensation, enabling you to move your shoulder more freely without feeling pain.[9] [10]

How many acupuncture sessions are needed for frozen shoulder?

For frozen shoulder, we recommend having acupuncture sessions once or twice per week for four weeks as a starting point. At your first session, your acupuncturist will advise you on the number of sessions required once they have assessed your medical history and the severity of your frozen shoulder.

Treat frozen shoulder naturally

Frozen shoulder is a painful and debilitating inflammatory condition that affects the shoulder joint. It occurs when the tissue around the shoulder becomes inflamed and tight, making it stiff and tender to move. Overusing or underusing the shoulder muscles or arm can trigger frozen shoulder and it can persist for months or even years. You can treat frozen shoulder naturally with acupuncture which helps reduce pain and inflammation, improve blood flow to the area and increase your range of motion. Speak to one of our experienced acupuncturists today who will be able to advise you on the best treatment approach for your frozen shoulder.

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