Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, can be one of the most frustrating shoulder conditions to deal with. The shoulder gradually becomes painful and stiff, and over time, everyday movements like reaching overhead, putting on a jacket, or reaching behind your back can become difficult.
Acupuncture can be a helpful part of treatment for frozen shoulder, especially when combined with other techniques such as electrical stimulation and gua sha.
Acupuncture for pain and mobility
Traditional acupuncture looks at more than just the painful area. Treatment may include local points around the shoulder as well as points elsewhere on the body based on the individual’s symptoms, constitution, and underlying pattern.
Local acupuncture points can be used around the shoulder joint, muscles, tendons, and areas of restricted movement. Acupuncture may help reduce pain, relax muscle tension, and improve circulation to the affected area, making it easier to begin restoring movement.
I also use traditional acupuncture approaches to address patterns that may contribute to pain and stiffness throughout the body rather than treating the shoulder in isolation.
Electrical stimulation
Electrical stimulation can be added to acupuncture treatment when appropriate. Small electrical impulses are applied through pairs of acupuncture needles, creating a gentle rhythmic stimulation through the targeted muscles and tissues.
There is also research specifically looking at electroacupuncture for frozen shoulder. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis examined 13 studies involving 936 patients and found that electroacupuncture was associated with improvements in pain and shoulder function compared with manual acupuncture and control treatments. The researchers concluded that electroacupuncture may be a useful treatment for frozen shoulder.
Research: Heo J-W, Jo J-H, Lee J-J, et al. Electroacupuncture for the treatment of frozen shoulder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Medicine. 2022;9:928823.
For frozen shoulder, this can be particularly useful when there is significant muscle tension, weakness, or restricted movement. I may use electrical stimulation around the shoulder and through specific muscles to encourage movement and relaxation of the tissues.
The intensity is adjusted to the individual. It should feel noticeable but comfortable rather than painful.
Gua sha for tight and restricted tissue
Gua sha is another technique I may incorporate into treatment. It uses a smooth tool to apply pressure and strokes to the skin and underlying tissues.
For shoulder problems, gua sha can be used over areas of muscular tension and restricted soft tissue around the shoulder, upper back, neck, and shoulder blade. It can help address areas that feel tight, dense, or restricted and can be particularly useful when muscular tension is contributing to limited shoulder movement.
Gua sha can leave temporary redness or discoloration on the skin. This is a normal response and generally fades within several days.
Frozen shoulder often involves more than one structure. The joint capsule, muscles, tendons, fascia, and surrounding tissues can all contribute to pain and restricted movement.
My approach combines acupuncture with techniques such as electrical stimulation, gua sha, and manual work when appropriate. Treatment is individualized based on where you have pain, which movements are restricted, how the shoulder is moving, and what I find during the treatment.
Acupuncture can be used alongside physical therapy, mobility work, and other forms of rehabilitation. If you're dealing with a stiff, painful shoulder that is limiting your daily activities, acupuncture may be a useful addition to your recovery.
