Shoulder Pain
What is Shoulder Pain?
Definition
Shoulder pain refers to pain in the area of the shoulder joint and surrounding musculature. It can arise from injuries, inflammation, degeneration, or functional disorders, and may significantly restrict arm mobility.
Common Causes
- Rotator cuff disorders (tear or inflammation)
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Shoulder joint osteoarthritis
- Muscle tension from poor posture
- Tendinitis (tendon inflammation)
Physiological and Pathological Mechanisms
- Mechanical compression of tendons and bursae
- Inflammatory processes within the joint space
- Muscular imbalance and poor posture
How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) understands Shoulder Pain
In TCM, shoulder pain is classified as Bi syndrome (obstruction syndrome). Wind, cold, dampness, or heat block the flow of Qi and Blood in the shoulder meridians.
Treatment Principles
Acupuncture
Local points such as LI 15, SJ 14, SI 9 and distal points are needled to resolve the obstruction and normalise Qi flow.
Tuina Treatment
Targeted mobilisation techniques and massage release adhesions, improve joint mobility, and relieve pain.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Herbal formulas to expel wind and cold and activate Blood flow (e.g. Juan Bi Tang).
Lifestyle Adjustments
Ergonomic work setup, targeted stretching exercises, heat treatment, and avoidance of overhead loading.
When to See a Doctor Immediately
Warning Signs
- Pain following trauma or a fall
- Complete loss of arm strength
- Numbness or tingling in the arm
- Swelling, redness, or warmth in the shoulder area
When to Contact a Clinic
In the event of severe trauma or acute loss of strength, please seek a doctor immediately.