Treating Frozen Shoulder with Acupuncture

Frozen Shoulder syndrome, aka ‘Adhesive Capsulitis’, is a really common complaint that I treat in my acupuncture clinic in Sebastopol with amazing results. Frozen Shoulder Syndrome (FSS) is basically a term that is used to refer to a painful and stiff shoulder with a reduced range of motion.

If you have frozen shoulder, then you will only be able to move your arm in restricted movements. You will feel a dull or achey pain in the shoulder joint, and maybe even feel the pain radiate into the shoulder muscles that wrap around the top of your arm. If I was to move your arm for you, without you trying to help, I would also not be able to move the arm through its regular range of motion. This happens because the capsule surrounding the head of the humerus becomes contracted (the humerus is the long bone of the upper arm, which supports the biceps and other upper arm muscles and the head is end of the bone that fits up into your shoulder joint). There becomes thickening of the fibers with the contraction, and this results in an inability to move the arm in the shoulder joint. Simply put, there is scar tissue (adhesions) that begin to fix the shoulder in place and cause pain.
 
In Chinese Medicine, this is referred to as ‘Qi and Blood Stagnation’. Qi and Blood Stagnation of Frozen Shoulder Syndrome responds very well to acupuncture, heat applications like moxibustion and TDP lamps, cupping and gua sha, as well as Tuina massage and CranioSacral therapy, all methods of therapy that are included in your treatment at my acupuncture clinic in Sebastopol.
 
Acupuncture and all of the above mentioned specialized techniques will help break down the scar tissue and increase blood flow to the area. By inserting the small needles into specific places in your body, a nervous system response is triggered that leads your brain to release endorphins and enkephalins, which are natural pain killers. It will also increase blood flow to the area, which will promote healing; the increased blood flow will bring oxygen and nutrients to the injured area, as well as help flush out metabolic waste that was created as a result of the injury. Acupuncture can also help relax the muscles in the surrounding area, which tighten up with the contraction of the capsule.
 
SUPPLEMENTS FOR HEALING FROM FROZEN SHOULDER
 
I typically recommend my patients include:

• High quality turmeric supplement
• Fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids
• Chinese herbs based on your needs, including Bai Zhi Ge Gen Wan, or “Neck Formula” from Golden Flower Herbs.

 
Most patients feel great relief with the first treatment, and if they follow with the appropriate exercise and regular treatments they should experience excellent healing results. Don’t let your frozen shoulder stop you – make an appointment today to treat your Frozen Shoulder at True Nature Wellness in Sebastopol. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact my office for a free 15 minute consultation. Treating shoulder pain with acupuncture for the Sebastopol, Occidental, Bodega, Forestville, Guerneville area with excellent results!