Acute shoulder pain is a common issue, often caused by muscle strain, tendon inflammation, or sudden injury. It can significantly affect daily activities, limiting the ability to do simple movements like putting a shirt on or holding a kettle to make your morning coffee. This pain can be intense, or accompanied by stiffness to the neck and upper back.
Some common causes of shoulder pain are:
Joint dislocation
Tendonitis
Rotator cuff muscle injury
Frozen shoulder
Bursitis
Shoulder impingement syndrome
Osteoarthritis
Trauma or sudden overuse
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acute shoulder pain is called Bi syndrome, meaning stagnation of qi (vital energy) which limits blood flow to the shoulder joint and restricts movement. Often the shoulder joint may become sensitised to cold temperatures but at the same time, the joint feels hot to touch due to inflammation. The Shaoyang and Taiyang meridians commonly pass through this region.
Channels vs muscles of the neck and shoulder area:
Shaoyang (Gallbladder and San Jiao Channels): Side of the neck, behind the ears and upper shoulder area
Taiyang (Bladder and Small Intestine channels): Back and side of the neck, behind the ears, between the shoulder blades, anterior shoulder joint area, armpit, and rotator cuff muscles.
Acupuncture addresses acute shoulder pain by targeting points along the affected channels mentioned above to help relax the muscles surrounding the shoulder and improve the range of motion. When blood flow is stimulated, then this helps the body heal quicker because inflammation is reduced, alleviating pain.
Home Care Tips for Shoulder Pain
Heat therapy: Apply a heat pack to the affected shoulder to relax muscles and improve blood flow.
Gentle stretches: Stretching exercises can help maintain mobility and prevent stiffness, except in the case of dislocations and torn ligaments.
Avoid overexertion: Rest the shoulder to avoid further strain and promote healing.
With proper care after acupuncture, clients experience significant relief and improved shoulder function without relying on medication or invasive treatments in the long term. Please consult our acupuncturists to find the best approach for your specific condition.
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