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. The condition
has complex causes and is closely linked to one’s living
environment, daily habits, and physical activity patterns.
TCM offers a variety of treatment methods for shoulder pain,
including acupuncture, tuina (therapeutic massage), herbal
medicine, cupping, and moxibustion. Each treatment plan is
tailored to the patient’s individual constitution and
condition through detailed syndrome differentiation, taking
into account the patient’s comfort level and tolerance to
ensure optimal results.

Common TCM Causes of Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis):

  • 1. Invasion of external pathogenic factors such as wind, cold, dampness, or chill affecting the joints
  • 2. Prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments leading to cold-damp invasion
  • 3. Overexertion and fatigue depleting qi and blood, resulting in deficiency
  • 4. Previous shoulder injuries causing qi and blood Stagnation
Our TCM treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s constitution and condition through careful syndrome differentiation, while also taking into account the patient’s comfort level and tolerance. For example, patients with excessive wind pathogens and pronounced cold-damp accumulation will first undergo therapies to dispel wind and cold while regulating qi and blood. In the initial stage, acupuncture may be used to restore the balance of yin and yang and improve joint mobility.
This can be followed by a combination of moxibustion and tuina (therapeutic massage), or supplemented with spinal and joint adjustments, to relieve pain, relax muscles, stimulate nerve responses, and promote both local and overall functional recovery. In addition, herbal medicine is often prescribed to help patients continue consolidating treatment results and maintaining yin–yang balance after leaving the clinic. When treatment begins in the early stages of the condition, most patients can experience noticeable improvement within just 2–3 sessions.