Acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder
Acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder
What is a Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, medically called as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that limits the movement of the shoulder joint. It occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, affecting flexibility and making movement difficult. The condition develops gradually and typically progresses through three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing, each affecting range of motion differently. While it can just resolve over time by itself, recovery can take months or even years without proper treatment. Various treatments for frozen shoulder, like physical therapy and acupuncture for frozen shoulder, can help restore movement and reduce discomfort.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder happens when the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens, affecting movement. Common frozen shoulder causes are:
- Prolonged Shoulder Immobility. Usually after surgery, injury, or prolonged immobilization (like when wearing a sling).
- Inflammation. Conditions like bursitis or tendinitis can trigger shoulder capsule tightening.
- Diabetes. Increases the risk of frozen shoulders because of abnormal collagen buildup and chronic inflammation.
- Hormonal Changes. More common in women, especially during menopause, because of shifts in hormone levels.
- Autoimmune Disorders. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint inflammation.
- Thyroid Disorders. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder Symptoms
Symptoms of frozen shoulder develop over time and progress through three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing.
- Freezing Stage. Shoulder becomes stiff, pain develops, making movement difficult. Pain worsens at night and can interfere with sleep.
- Frozen Stage. Pain may lessen, but the shoulder becomes significantly stiff, limiting mobility and making daily activities challenging. Raising the arm or reaching behind the back becomes especially difficult.
- Thawing Stage. Mobility slowly improves as stiffness decreases, though full recovery without proper medical care can take months or even years.
What Does Frozen Shoulder Feel Like?
While experiences may vary, here’s how it looks in general. Imagine trying to lift your arm, but it feels like it’s stuck in place, as if someone glued your shoulder joint together. At first, there’s just some stiffness and discomfort, but over time, the pain becomes a deep, dull ache that doesn’t go away. Simple movements, like reaching for something on a shelf or putting on a jacket, feel impossible. The pain gets worse at night, making falling and staying asleep difficult. Even when you’re not moving, there’s a constant, nagging tightness, like your shoulder is locked up. You try to stretch or push through it, but it only makes things worse. No matter what you do, the mobility just isn’t there, and daily tasks become frustratingly difficult, white some – straight up impossible.
How Does Acupuncture Help Frozen Shoulder?
Acupuncture helps frozen shoulder by addressing inflammation, improving blood circulation, and restoring mobility. Thin, sterile needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points for frozen shoulder to stimulate the nervous system and trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. This helps ease deep, persistent pain and relax tight shoulder muscles, finally releasing tension.
Frozen shoulder treatment like acupuncture also improves blood flow to the shoulder joint, which triggers the body’s response to heal tissues. It also influences the body’s fascia and connective tissue, helping break up adhesions that limit movement. Besides that, acupuncture regulates the body’s pain response by modulating neurotransmitters and reducing nerve hypersensitivity.
How Many Acupuncture Sessions are Needed for Frozen Shoulder?
The exact number of acupuncture sessions for frozen shoulder syndrome depends on the severity of the condition and how your body responds to treatment. In most cases, patients start with one to two sessions per week for about four weeks. During your first visit, your acupuncturist will assess your symptoms, medical history, and other symptoms to create a personalized treatment plan.
Many patients notice gradual improvement after a few sessions, but long-term benefits require consistent treatment. As mobility improves, the frequency of sessions may be reduced, transitioning to maintenance treatments if needed.
How to Prevent Frozen Shoulder?
While not all cases of frozen shoulder can be avoided, there are certain things you can do to lower the risks of developing this condition. Here are some of them:
- Keep Moving. Regularly move your shoulders through their full range of motion.
- Stretch Daily. Gentle shoulder stretches, especially after long periods of inactivity, help keep the joint loose.
- Strengthen Your Shoulder Muscles. Add light resistance exercises into your daily routine to keep the muscles around the shoulder strong and supportive.
- Maintain Good Posture. Slouching can put a lot of unnecessary strain on your shoulders, leading to tension and stiffness over time.
- Avoid Prolonged Inactivity. If you’ve had an injury or surgery, follow a physical therapy plan to avoid movements that can lead to frozen shoulder.
- Apply Heat or Cold. If you experience mild discomfort, using heat and cold therapy can help.
Treat Frozen Shoulder Naturally
If you need a natural approach to address frozen shoulder, Pulse Acupuncture in Clifton, NJ, and Williamsburg, Brooklyn is humbly at your service! We offer a range of holistic therapies to help restore mobility and ease discomfort. Marina Doktorman, L.Ac., specializes in acupuncture services, using time-tested techniques to target inflammation and stiffness.
Acupuncture is a key part of alternative medicine, boosting circulation, easing pain, and improving range of motion without relying on medications or more invasive therapies. Many patients also benefit from complementary treatments like Tui Na massage, which is a therapeutic hands-on technique that addresses mobility issues, as well as cupping therapy, which helps ease muscle tension and boost blood flow.
Besides all that, acupuncture assists with other conditions affecting mobility, including acupuncture for spinal stenosis, offering help with chronic stiffness and pain. Are you ready to feel the difference and move freely once again? Contact Pulse Acupuncture today and improve your health holistically.
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Marina Doktorman, M.S., L.Ac., is an experienced acupuncturist who obtained her Masters of Acupuncture from the Tri-State College of Acupuncture in New York City in 2001. During her studies, she focused on Chinese Herbology, a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that utilizes herbs to complement acupuncture treatments. Marina is licensed in both New York (NY) and New Jersey (NJ) and holds a Diplomate of Acupuncture from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), indicating her expertise in the field.
Why Pulse Acupuncture?
Experience
Marina Doktorman, L.Ac. has over 20 years of clinical experience.
RELAXATION
At Pulse Acupuncture, we aim to cultivate a spa-like environment.
Comfort
All of our needles are of the highest quality for painless insertion.
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Acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder - FAQ
How does acupuncture help with frozen shoulder?
Acupuncture stimulates specific points to promote blood flow and release tension in muscles and joints, which can reduce pain and improve mobility in frozen shoulder.
Is acupuncture safe for treating frozen shoulder?
Yes, acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a trained practitioner. It’s non-invasive and has minimal side effects compared to other treatments.
How many acupuncture sessions are needed for frozen shoulder?
The number of sessions varies depending on the severity of the condition. Typically, a series of sessions spread over several weeks is recommended to achieve optimal results.
How does acupuncture complement other treatments for frozen shoulder?
Acupuncture can complement physical therapy and medications by addressing pain and stiffness, potentially enhancing overall recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
Contact us
Acupuncture therapy at Pulse Acupuncture Practice, at Clifton, NJ and Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYC offers unique combination of various cupuncture types for healing on all levels: emotional, spiritual and physical by integrating ancient wisdom of energy healing with modern acupuncture techniques.