PAIN MANAGEMENT
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Prolonged poor posture, long hours of sitting, and untreated sports injuries can
all disrupt healthy blood circulation, leading to neck pain, back pain, shoulder
pain, joint pain, and other related discomforts. These issues may also be
accompanied by headaches, tingling sensations, numbness, and fatigue.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a safe, non-invasive approach to
effectively relieve pain and promote recovery. Common therapies include
acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine, aimed at unblocking meridians,
improving qi and blood circulation, and reducing inflammation and discomfort.
In Singapore, many TCM treatments are specially designed for common conditions
such as back pain, lower back pain, frozen shoulder, and shoulder tendinitis.
These treatments not only help alleviate pain but also improve overall quality
of life. Pain is the body’s warning signal—if left untreated, chronic pain in
the neck, shoulders, waist, and back may worsen with age, significantly affecting
daily life and work.
BACK、NECK、SHOULDER
We specialise in providing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pain management therapies to help relieve long-standing or recurring chronic pain and discomfort. In Singapore, knee injuries and lower back pain are among the most common conditions we treat.
FROZEN SHOULDER
TCM Treatment and Pain Management for Frozen Shoulder In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), frozen shoulder—also known as adhesive capsulitis—is referred to as wushi jian (literally “fifty shoulder”) because it most commonly occurs in individuals around the age of 50.
Sports Injuries and Accidents
Sports injuries often affect the bones and/or muscles and are commonly caused by acute trauma or repetitive stress related to physical activity. These injuries are not limited to professional athletes—regular exercisers and individuals in certain occupations are also at risk.
Chronic Pain Solutions
Research has shown that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is highly effective in pain management, using a combination of acupuncture, tuina (therapeutic massage), herbal medicine, and holistic therapies to relieve symptoms, improve function, and promote recovery.
Pain Management from a TCM Perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pain is often seen as
the result of blocked flow of qi (vital energy) and blood,
and is frequently associated with pathogenic cold. This
blockage may be caused by external pathogenic factors—
particularly wind, cold, dampness, and dryness—that disrupt
the normal circulation of qi. Such pain is often classified
as an excess syndrome (Shi) and can be alleviated through
therapies such as acupuncture, which help to unblock the
meridians and dispel pathogenic factors.
In addition, internal imbalances—triggered by emotional stress or physical trauma—can also be the root cause of pain. TCM places strong emphasis on syndrome differentiation, distinguishing between
deficiency syndromes (Xu) and excess syndromes (Shi) to determine whether qi, blood, yin, and yang are stagnating or deficient. With precise diagnosis, a TCM physician can design a personalised pain management plan to
restore the smooth flow of qi and blood, rebalance yin and
yang, relieve pain, and promote overall harmony and wellbeing in the body.
Management of Different Types of Pain
Pain varies in type and intensity from person to person, which is why a personalised treatment plan is essential. Common conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and shoulder
pain—including lower back pain, lumbar strain, and frozen
shoulder—are often caused by poor posture, muscle strain,
or repetitive stress injuries. These can be effectively
addressed through targeted therapies such as acupuncture,
tuina (therapeutic massage), and other specialised
Treatments.
Frozen shoulder is characterised by stiffness and pain in
the shoulder joint, with a significant restriction in range
of motion. Treatment focuses on restoring joint mobility
while reducing inflammation and pain. Sports injuries or
accidental trauma often result in acute pain, which should
be managed promptly to speed up healing and prevent the
condition from becoming chronic.
For chronic pain—such as long-term discomfort caused by
arthritis, fibromyalgia, or nerve injuries—TCM often combines acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle
adjustments to relieve pain and improve function. Because
each type of pain has its own underlying cause and
characteristics, effective pain management requires a
comprehensive, individualised approach that both alleviates
symptoms and enhances overall quality of life.
Types of TCM Treatment To Manage Pain
TCM Pain Management Methods
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a variety of pain management therapies that address the root cause of pain, restore the body’s natural balance, and promote overall health. Common TCM pain management approaches include:
Herbal Medicine
TCM herbal therapy uses natural herbs to regulate qi and blood, restore the balance of yin and yang, and is customised to each individual’s condition. Common ingredients include ginseng, ginger, and licorice root. Herbal medicine can reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and enhance the body’s self-healing ability. It is especially effective for chronic pain and is often combined with other TCM therapies for greater Results.
Tuina (Therapeutic Massage)
Tuina is a therapeutic form of massage that uses techniques such as kneading, rolling, and pressing to stimulate meridians and acupoints. It relaxes muscles, improves circulation, and alleviates pain—particularly in the back, neck, and shoulders, as well as for sports-related musculoskeletal injuries. Tuina also helps promote the smooth flow of qi and blood, and can provide supportive benefits for certain internal conditions.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping involves placing cups on the skin and creating suction to improve local blood flow, release muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing. It also helps expel cold dampness and toxins from the body, enhancing circulation. Cupping is often combined with acupuncture or tuina for enhanced effectiveness.
Acupuncture
By inserting fine needles into specific acupoints, acupuncture regulates the flow of qi, unblocks meridians, and effectively relieves various types of pain, including chronic pain, sports injuries, and headaches. Its therapeutic effects include stimulating the release of the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals, improving blood flow, and reducing inflammation to support recovery.
Gua Sha (Scraping Therapy)
Gua sha uses a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape the skin, promoting blood circulation, dispersing blood stasis, and unblocking meridians. This therapy can help break down scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and encourage tissue repair. It is particularly effective for chronic pain, muscle tension, and frozen shoulder. Gua sha can also boost immune function and enhance overall vitality