Acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder.
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that affects the shoulder joint. This condition often develops in three phases: freezing, frozen, and thawing, with each phase representing different levels of discomfort and reduced mobility. Initially, individuals may experience pain and stiffness in the shoulder, which progresses to a point where it becomes challenging to perform everyday activities like reaching overhead, getting dressed, or even lifting objects.
Most individuals will naturally recover from frozen shoulder, but without treatment, the problem can severely affect their quality of life from several months to a few years.
What is our clinical experience?
Based on feedback collected from over 1,692 initial appointments for Arm, Elbow & Hand Pain, 73% of our patients reported improved quality of life after their first 3 appointments. See our detailed benchmarking statistics.
Initial
Consults
1,692
Average
Appointments
3
Improved
Quality of Life
73%
Refer Family &
Friends
87%
What does the research say?
The following insights are obtained from systematic reviews and analysis of clinical trials investigating the efficacy of Chinese medicine and acupuncture for frozen shoulder.
2017 Physiotherapy
Acupuncture combined with physiotherapy or exercise was found to be more effective for frozen shoulder than physiotherapy or exercise alone in the short and long term.
Shoulder pain is a leading musculoskeletal pain complaint, and is responsible for high morbidity with marked impact on quality of life. Acupuncture is a modality commonly employed in the treatment of shoulder conditions; however, past systematic reviews investigating its effectiveness have been inconclusive, noting a paucity of good quality research. A new body of research has since been published, and is included within this review. The objective of this systematic review was therefore to investigate the current evidence base for the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of shoulder pain.
Effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of shoulder pain: a systematic review of published randomised clinical trials A. Rubio M. Mansfield J. Lewis
2016 Materia Socio Medica
Acupuncture may enhance shoulder movement and relieve pain more effectively than standard treatment in patients suffering from adhesive capsulitis, also known as a frozen shoulder.
In the methodology utilized, a controlled clinical trial was conducted on 40 patients diagnosed with frozen shoulder who were referred to a health clinic. Diagnostic measures included assessing variables such as joint pain, range of motion, and quality of life. Data was collected through pre-determined questionnaires at baseline, one and a half months later (end of the session), and then three months after the examination.
In terms of results, a comparison of the intervention group treated with acupuncture and the control group revealed significant improvements in shoulder movement, particularly flexion and adduction. Additionally, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) index, showing the level of pain, indicated greater improvements in the acupuncture group three months after the treatment. Overall, the acupuncture group showed higher enhancement in shoulder motion, suggesting acupuncture as a potent treatment method for frozen shoulder.
Investigation of the Effectiveness of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder Asheghan M, Aghda A, Hashemi E, Hollisaz M
Consult with our practitioners for personalised care and advice.
Although well-conducted clinical research can help members of the public to make better-informed decisions about their healthcare, we cannot claim that any particular treatment may be effective for any individual person.
When you consult with our Chinese medicine practitioners, you'll receive personalised advice and treatment based on your symptoms and Chinese medicine diagnosis.
Scientific References
Browse our collection of scientific clinical research on acupuncture for frozen shoulder.
It includes recent and reputable papers published by peer-reviewed journals within the last 10 years.
2017, Dec 1
Effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of shoulder pain: a systematic review of published randomised clinical trials
Physiotherapy
This study showed that acupuncture is more effective for shoulder pain than physiotherapy. It also indicated that acupuncture combined with physiotherapy or exercise was found to be more effective for frozen shoulder than physiotherapy or exercise alone in the short and long term.
A. Rubio M. Mansfield J. Lewis Full Article
2016, Jan
Investigation of the Effectiveness of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder
Materia Socio Medica
Acupuncture may improve shoulder motion in patients with frozen shoulder, as indicated by improved range of motion and reduced pain.
Asheghan M, Aghda A, Hashemi E, Hollisaz M Full Article
“It is by virtue of the twelve channels that human life exists, that disease arises, that human beings can be treated and illness cured. The twelve channels are where beginners start and masters end.” The Classic of Acupuncture
Circa 1st Century BCE