A 47 year old man came to our office with pain and limited range of motion in his right shoulder. This frozen shoulder acupuncture case study describes how we were able to restore function and resolve pain in his shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder – The Problem
An article in the Archives of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation describe frozen shoulder in the following way. It affects an estimated 2 to 5 percent of the general population. It is most common when people are in their 50s and 60s, with a peak occurrence in the mid-50s. Onset before age 40 is rare. Women contract frozen shoulder more than men. The non-dominant shoulder is slightly more likely to be affected. Recurrence within 5 years in the other shoulder is found in 6 to 17 percent of patients.
Frozen shoulder typically occurs unilaterally (on one side) and is usually self-limited (running a defined and limited course). This course, however, can be prolonged, in some cases lasting over two to three years. Some studies suggest that up to 40 percent of patients have persistent but mostly mild symptoms beyond three years, and 15 percent have long-term disability. The bottom line is that frozen shoulder is a real problem in need of a good solution. Acupuncture is one such solution.
Frozen Shoulder – The Solution
Acupuncture has been effectively resolving shoulder pain for thousands of years. The classic Chinese medicine text, Haung Di Nei Jing, written two thousand years ago, speaks of resolving shoulder pain. Different shoulder conditions need different types of treatment approaches. Frozen shoulder requires the movement of qi and blood in the joint, tendons, ligaments and fascia to restore normal function again. These principles were applied to our patient in this frozen shoulder acupuncture case study.
Frozen Shoulder Acupuncture Case Study
Our patient was struggling with pain in the shoulder joint, radiating down his arm and up his neck on the right side. He also had limited range of motion and was only able to lift his arm to the side 90 degrees (not above his shoulder height). It was difficult for him to reach behind his back and get dressed in the morning. He was unable to engage in physical exercise and sports.
His Chinese medicine diagnosis was Bi Syndrome causing pain and restricted motion to the right shoulder. This is an ancient diagnosis reflecting the particular presentation of the patient. The treatment principle was to open blocked channels and collaterals in the shoulder and invigorate qi and blood to reduce pain and restore normal function.
Acupucture points included, but were not limited to: Li16, Li15, Li14, TW14, TW5, TW6, Si10, Jianhuo, GB21, GB34, ST38, BL15, BL17 and BL18. Approximately 10 to 12 points were used for each treatment, some local at the shoulder and some distal on other parts of the body to promote qi and blood circulation.
Results of Shoulder Pain Treatment
After 4 treatments the patient saw clear improvement. He had 30% less shoulder pain and 20% improved range of motion. Following the 7th treatment his pain was 60% resolved and mobility improved 50%. After the 10th treatment his shoulder was restored to normal function. All during this time the patient stretched at home on a daily basis. When pain started to recede he began gentle strengthening exercises.
Conclusions
This result is fairly common for the shoulder pain cases we treat. Most patients heal during their acupuncture therapy. Some heal faster, others take longer. It depends on the extent of their injury and their own body’s healing capacity.
Next Steps
If you have frozen shoulder or another type of shoulder pain, come in for acupuncture. Chances are that it will help reduce your pain and improve your mobility. Treatments are safe, natural and deliver long lasting results.
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We hope this frozen shoulder acupuncture case study provided helpful information for you. If you have questions about your own condition, feel free to call us. We’ll be happy to discuss your situation over the phone.
Shoulder Pain Resolved
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What our Clients are Saying
Tennis player with shoulder pain. Getting worse to the point of freezing up. Went to acupuncture. Starting easing immediately. Now back to tennis full force with no shoulder pain. I recommend this practice.
After shoulder surgery following a car accident, my shoulder was always stiff and achy. PT helped, but I suffered every day from shoulder pain. I went to Raleigh Acupuncture and they really helped. I did four treatments and my shoulder pain was completely gone.
I’m a golfer and started having trouble with my left shoulder over a year ago. My doctor wanted to do surgery, but I wanted to try other alternatives first. So I tried acupuncture. The folks at Raleigh Acupuncture were very professional, reasonably priced and did excellent work. They resolved my shoulder pain completely. I use them now for other pains in my post-50 body! Thank you Raleigh Acupuncture.