Relieving Shoulder Pain with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the human body — and when it hurts, it can really affect your daily life. While we often think of the “shoulder” as just one joint, it’s actually a network of moving parts, including the glenohumeral joint (where your upper arm bone meets your shoulder blade), the acromioclavicular joint, the sternoclavicular joint, and the scapulothoracic connection.
All of these need to work together in harmony for pain-free movement.
Unfortunately, shoulder pain is incredibly common — it’s the third most frequent musculoskeletal complaint after lower back and neck pain. Research shows that up to 1 in 4 people may have shoulder pain at any given time, and it often lingers: only half of patients fully recover after six months, and many experience recurrences.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can stem from many different issues, such as:
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Rotator cuff injuries and tendinopathy
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Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
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Bursitis or inflammation of the shoulder’s soft tissues
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Shoulder impingement
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Joint instability or arthritis
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Referred pain from the neck or internal organs (in rarer cases)
Repetitive strain from work or sport, poor posture, and age-related wear and tear are common contributors.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most shoulder pain is musculoskeletal, it’s important to seek urgent assessment if you also have:
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Sudden severe pain with chest discomfort or shortness of breath
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Fever, swelling, redness, or heat in the joint
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Unexplained weight loss, history of cancer, or recent significant trauma
These can indicate more serious conditions and should be checked by a healthcare professional.
How Chinese Medicine Views Shoulder Pain
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), shoulder pain is often seen as the result of:
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Qi and Blood stagnation – often following injury or overuse, leading to sharp, fixed pain.
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Wind-Cold-Damp invasion – causing stiffness and aching that worsens in cold or damp weather.
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Liver and Kidney deficiency – more common in chronic cases, with weakness, dull pain, and slower healing.
The aim of TCM treatment is to restore the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, expel any pathogenic factors (like “Wind” or “Cold”), and strengthen the body’s underlying energy to prevent recurrence.
Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain
Acupuncture uses fine needles at specific points to:
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Reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues
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Improve local circulation to speed healing
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Relax tight muscles and relieve tension
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Stimulate the body’s natural pain-relief mechanisms
Commonly Used Points (point selection always depends on the patient’s exact presentation):
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LI15 (Jianyu) – local point to relieve pain and improve mobility in the shoulder joint.
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SJ14 (Jianliao) – reduces inflammation and stiffness in the shoulder region.
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SI9 (Jianzhen) – benefits chronic or radiating shoulder pain.
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LI4 (Hegu) – a distal point for pain relief and circulation, often used with local points.
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ST38 (Tiaokou) – a powerful point for frozen shoulder when combined with active movement.
For many patients, pain relief and improved movement can be felt after just a few sessions, with ongoing treatments building longer-term recovery.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Shoulder Pain
Herbal formulas can be prescribed alongside acupuncture to:
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Reduce inflammation and swelling
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Relieve pain
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Nourish tendons and ligaments for better repair
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Support overall vitality and recovery
Commonly Prescribed Formulas (adapted for the individual):
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Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang – moves Qi and Blood, disperses painful obstruction, and is excellent for chronic fixed pain after injury.
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Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang – strengthens the Liver and Kidney, nourishes tendons and bones, and is suited to chronic joint pain, especially in older patients or those with deficiency.
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Juan Bi Tang – dispels Wind and Damp, useful for shoulder pain that worsens with cold or damp weather.
A formula is always tailored to the individual — for example, someone with post-injury sharp pain may be prescribed herbs that invigorate Blood, while someone with long-standing aching may need herbs to strengthen the Liver and Kidney.
The Combined Approach
Using acupuncture and herbal medicine together can:
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Address both the symptoms (pain, stiffness) and the root cause (underlying energy imbalance)
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Shorten recovery time after injury
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Reduce the likelihood of pain returning
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Improve function for everyday activities
Don’t Put Up With Shoulder Pain
If shoulder pain is making it hard to sleep, work, or enjoy your hobbies, help is available. Acupuncture and herbal medicine offer safe, drug-free options that can be used alone or alongside physiotherapy and other treatments.
Book an appointment today and take the first step towards free and easy movement again.