Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It typically develops slowly in three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. Here’s an overview:
1. Freezing Stage: The shoulder becomes stiff and moving it starts to become painful. This stage can last from six weeks to nine months.
2. Frozen Stage: The pain might decrease during this stage, but the shoulder remains stiff, making it more difficult to use. This stage can last four to six months.
3. Thawing Stage: Shoulder motion gradually returns to normal and pain fades. This recovery phase can last from six months to two years.
Syndrome differentiation of frozen shoulder in Traditional Chinese Medicine:
1. Syndrome of blockage by pathogenic wind-cold
General pathogenesis: Invasion of external wind and cold obstructs the flow of qi and blood of the shoulder
Treatment principle: Expelling wind and cold, relaxing tendons and activating collaterals.
Acupuncture treatment plan:
Ashi point, Jianyu, Jianliao, Jianzhen, Hegu, Fengchi, Shenshu, Guanyuan
Treat 2-3 times a week for 2-4 weeks or until symptoms reduce.
2. Syndrome of qi and blood stagnation
General pathogenesis: Qi and blood stagnation that disturb the flow of qi in the channels
Treatment principle: Promoting blood flow to remove the stasis, activating qi flow to stop pain.
Acupuncture treatment plan:
Ashi point, Jianyu, Jianliao, Jianzhen, Xuehai, Geshu, Taichong
Treat 2-3 times a week for 2-4 weeks or until symptoms reduce.
3. Syndrome of qi and blood deficiency
General pathogenesis: Qi and blood deficiency that fails to nourish the muscles, tendosn and bones.
Treatment principle: Replenishing qi and blood, relaxing tendons and activating collaterals.
Acupuncture treatment plan:
Ashi point, Jianyu, Jianliao, Jianzhen, Zusanli, Qihai
Treat 2-3 times a week for 2-4 weeks or until symptoms reduce.
PAUL Wu, RMT, R.Ac., R.Tcmp. 