Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a chronic shoulder condition characterized by pain, loss of range of motion and decreased upper arm function. This condition can come on suddenly without any warning and can significantly impact someone’s life. And according to conventional medicine, it can take years to heal, if it heals at all. Thankfully, there are other options.
Frozen shoulder only affects about 2-5% of the general population, but it tends to be more common in women and people over age 40. Typically, a frozen shoulder progresses through three distinct phases (pain, stiffness and recovery phases) and lasts between one and three years. A frozen shoulder diagnosis relies on physical examination, with imaging studies only being necessary to exclude differential diagnoses like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears or autoimmune diseases.
While it is not always known why people develop frozen shoulders, some things are certain. 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. Several conditions have been identified as risk factors for a frozen shoulder, including diabetes, disorders of the thyroid gland and cerebrovascular diseases. It has also been found that a frozen shoulder can be more common after a traumatic injury or surgery.
If you find yourself suffering from a frozen shoulder, consider utilizing acupuncture and East Asian Medicine to help your body heal. It will take time and commitment to regular treatments for several weeks. But studies show that acupuncture can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder without the risk of complications. It can also improve circulation and enhance your range of motion.
Acupuncture can help in a number of ways. Acupuncture can influence the body’s inflammatory processes. By targeting specific points, acupuncture treatments can help reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint, which is a key factor in the stiffness and pain of frozen shoulder.
Next, acupuncture treatments help improve blood circulation: The insertion of needles can enhance local blood flow. Improved circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, promoting healing and reducing stiffness in the shoulder by potentially aiding in the gradual breakdown of scar tissue.
Releasing muscle tension and tightness is another way that acupuncture can assist in the treatment of frozen shoulder. The tiny needles help relax tight muscles around the shoulder. This relaxation can improve range of motion and reduce strain and discomfort associated with muscle stiffness and tension. This makes it easier to perform stretching and strengthening exercises, which can aid in addressing the stiffness caused by shoulder adhesions.
According to East Asian Medicine (EAM), acupuncture helps balance the body’s energy or qi (pronounced “chee”). Blockages or imbalances in qi can lead to pain and dysfunction. By restoring the proper flow of qi, acupuncture aims to address the underlying causes of frozen shoulder.
Lastly acupuncture can affect and stimulate the nervous system to release endorphins and other neurotransmitters, reducing the perception of pain and improving motor function. This can help in regaining mobility and reducing the functional limitations caused by frozen shoulder.
At Zen Penguin Wellness, we tend to attack an issue like a frozen shoulder with gusto. What that means is that most patients would need to commit to two treatments per week for four weeks. We utilize acupuncture, red light therapy, electrostimulation, moxibustion, cupping and herbs in the treatment of frozen shoulder. We also strongly encourage our patients to work with a physical therapist and a massage therapist during that time. Too much time in between treatments tends to only prolong the problem and the pain. And having a team of healers in your pocket almost always decreases the healing time.
If you or someone you know is suffering from the pain of a frozen shoulder, now is the time to contact us. We would be honored to answer any questions you have and help you get started on your healing journey.