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Frozen Shoulder Pain Relief & TCM Treatment in Singapore

SIN KANG TCM

Within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the frozen shoulder is also known as the “50-year-old shoulder”, as many patients tend to develop symptoms of this ailment in their middle age, around 50 years of age. However, it is possible to experience frozen shoulders at a young age, too, due to one’s lifestyle, work habits, and exercise habits. Deficiency of Qi due to stress and overworking may also affect blood flow in the shoulder region, causing frozen shoulders.


Frozen shoulder symptoms include pain or stiffness in the shoulder joint and limited range of movement. As the condition worsens, the level of pain may increase or become a persistent and chronic pain. Frozen shoulder pain usually flares up when the shoulder joint is used and can affect daily activities, such as reaching for items on a shelf. The pain can also occur at night, disrupting regular sleep cycles and habits.


TCM treatment for frozen shoulder pain varies as it depends on the individual causes and factors leading to the condition.


Physicians at Sin Kang TCM can diagnose and recommend relevant treatments to meet the pain relief needs of patients in Singapore. Acupuncture, Tui Na, Cupping, moxibustion, herbal medicine, and other remedies may be combined for a comprehensive treatment plan to address the condition.

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What is Frozen Shoulder?

The shoulder joint comprises a ball (the humeral head) and a socket (the glenoid). It’s one of the body’s most mobile joints; therefore, the capsules or tissues around the shoulder joint are prone to inflammation from pain or overuse, leading to adhesive capsulitis or pericapsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder. Instances of pain, discomfort, or stiffness when moving your shoulder are some of the common frozen shoulder symptoms.

If you are experiencing a frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis, it can significantly affect how you perform your everyday routine. Simple daily tasks such as bathing, dressing up, and even working can become complicated since a frozen shoulder restricts your ability to move. When this happens, it’s essential to seek relevant treatments in Singapore to get back to living an optimal quality of life.

Stages of the Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder or pericapsulitis symptoms are divided into three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing.

1. Freezing Stage

During the freezing stage, your shoulder capsule begins to thicken or “freeze.” You will experience sharp pain when you move your shoulders, and your shoulder movements gradually become limited. The freezing stage typically lasts 6 to 9 weeks.

2. Frozen Stage

Frozen shoulder symptoms during the subsequent frozen stage involve diminishing pain and won’t be as excruciating as the freezing stage; however, your shoulder movements become rigid, and performing your daily activities becomes more difficult. This stage typically lasts for 4 to 6 weeks.

3. Thawing Stage

For some, your frozen shoulders will naturally enter a thawing stage of improvement. During this stage, you won’t feel any pain, and your shoulder movements will begin to improve. This stage can continue for 6 months to 2 years with the help of exercises, medical treatments, and TCM for shoulder pain. For others, initial intervention may be needed to progress to the thawing stage.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

While there is no clear cause or reason for experiencing frozen shoulders, there are possible factors that could potentially increase the risk of developing frozen shoulders. Some of these risk factors include:

1. Reduced Mobility

Constantly keeping a shoulder somewhat still for longer periods can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulders. If you have undergone surgery, experienced a rotator cuff injury, or gone through a stroke, you will likely be immobile, which may potentially cause frozen shoulders.

2. Diabetes Mellitus

If you have diabetes, you may be prone to developing various musculoskeletal issues, including frozen shoulders. The exact mechanism linking diabetes to a frozen shoulder is not fully understood. Still, it is believed that elevated glucose levels can lead to inflammation and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule.

3. Thyroid Disorder

Thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), are also risk factors for frozen shoulders. Though the association remains unclear, research has shown that patients with hypothyroidism have a higher chance of developing frozen shoulders.

4. Cancer

Frozen shoulder is a relatively common condition in Singapore that can appear when cancer patients receive treatment. For example, it is a frequent complication after mastectomy, which is a treatment for breast cancer. In some cases, frozen shoulders can be a manifestation of solid tumours and haematological malignancies.

5. Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is characterized as a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain, which is the hormone that helps in performing smooth, coordinated muscle movements. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may include muscle rigidity and stiffness, which can extend to the shoulder joint. This stiffness can contribute to the development of frozen shoulders over time.

How Are Frozen Shoulders Diagnosed?

Before consulting with a TCM specialist for frozen shoulder treatment, you will need to register and provide your personal information and medical history, if needed. The TCM practitioner will then assess your condition by reviewing all the information you’ve provided, including your symptoms. You may also be required to undergo diagnostic tests, such as:

1. X-Rays

An X-ray can help eliminate other potential causes like arthritis.

2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRI can detect any soft tissue injuries and inflammation, including a rotator cuff tear.

3. Active and Passive Range of Motion Assessments

Range of Motion assessment is typically employed to evaluate the movement of your shoulder joints, with the measurements repeated over time to observe any changes. This assessment helps determine if your range of motion falls within the normal expected parameters.

Once the assessments are complete, the final diagnosis will be provided, and the TCM specialist will recommend the proper treatment for your frozen shoulder pain.

Non-Surgical Frozen Shoulder Treatment Methods

If you want more minimally invasive solutions for your frozen shoulder, various non-surgical treatment options are available in Singapore. These approaches typically target pain relief, improving your overall quality of life.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

In this procedure, a small amount of the patient's own blood is drawn and processed to concentrate the platelets. The resulting PRP will be utilized to heal the injured tendon and improve blood flow into the adhesive capsulitis shoulder. This injection treatment increases blood circulation, reduces oedema, and causes healing with fibroblastic proliferation, helping alleviate frozen shoulder pain.

Nerve Blocks and Cortisone Injections

Nerve blocks involve injecting anti-inflammatory agents around specific nerves to temporarily block pain signals. This is often used in conjunction with other treatment methods for effective outcomes. Once the pain is managed, it will naturally mobilize the shoulder, which has not begun going into stricture or contracture.

Joint Manipulation Under Anaesthesia

Joint manipulation under anaesthesia is a procedure where patients in Singapore are put under anaesthesia, and the healthcare provider manipulates the affected shoulder to break up adhesions and improve the range of motion. This treatment is typically performed during stage 2 of the frozen shoulder condition.

How Does Sin Kang TCM Treat Frozen Shoulder Symptoms?

TCM pain relief treatments for frozen shoulder pain may be one or a combination of the following:

Tui Na for Shoulder Pain Relief

Tuina is an ancient massage form that balances the body’s energy. It’s a TCM treatment for shoulder pain involving acupressure massage techniques such as stretching, pressing, kneading, and rolling and TCM principles to loosen up and remove Qi blockages in your shoulder. It stimulates the body’s pressure points using the fingers to promote better blood flow and circulation. This technique can help with shoulder pain relief as it can help the body heal itself naturally. Practitioners in Singapore often combine Tui Na massage with acupuncture to encourage proper Qi and blood flow treat frozen shoulders.

TCM Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain

Chinese acupuncture is also used for treating frozen shoulders and works to restore normal blood flow by stimulating blood circulation in the body. As a result, this releases the ‘pain killer’ hormones to clear Qi blockages and provide frozen shoulder pain relief. The sight of needles may be intimidating for some; however, with TCM acupuncture treatment for shoulder pain, you don’t have to worry about feeling any discomfort, as there are TCM practitioners capable of performing procedures with minimal pain. These practitioners can access your body’s acupoints to clear any Qi blockages and restore your blood flow. As a result, your body will release pain-killing hormones and provide shoulder pain relief. Acupuncture and Tui Na are often used together as pain management treatments in Singapore for shoulder pain.

Frozen Shoulder Cupping Treatment

This treatment uses special cups to aid in restoring the flow of your Qi by creating a vacuum that improves blood circulation. Cupping stimulates blood flow and restores balanced Qi flow in a targeted part of the body. This makes it suitable for shoulder pain relief caused by long-term injuries or prolonged exposure to coldness. TCM cupping treatment helps detoxify your body’s immune system, relax your muscles, and break down any muscle fibre and fascia adhesions. With frequent and follow-up treatments, it can promote mobility in your shoulders and improve shoulder pain relief.

TCM Moxibustion for Shoulder Pain

Moxibustion is a TCM technique for shoulder pain involving burning “moxa” (made from mugwort or wormwood) to warm the meridians in the body. Mugworts are dried, ground into cones or sticks, and lighted to be used in warming the body to relieve it from any pain and remove any pathogenic elements. This stimulates stagnated Qi flow and rids the body of excess cold and dampness, providing pain relief for frozen shoulders caused by these factors. Additionally, moxibustion is often used to complement acupuncture to treat frozen shoulders and provide shoulder pain relief.

Frozen Shoulder TCM Specialists in Singapore

Sin Kang TCM has a team of physicians and therapists who can provide frozen shoulder treatment.

David

Senior Therapist

Expertise: David’s expertise lies in treating soft tissue injuries using the gentle yet effective Imperial Tendon Manipulation Technique for pain relief. He is skilled in addressing neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain. He is adept in managing conditions like lumbar and spine disorders, sciatica, hand and foot numbness, and joint pain.

Years of practice: 20

Credentials: Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, ITEC Diploma in Holistic Massage

Stephanie

TCM Physician

TCM Registration No. T1603379J

Expertise: Physician Stephanie is trained in employing needle-based treatments to address a range of pain issues. These include acute or chronic lumbar sprains, slipped (herniated) disks, as well as neck and shoulder pain, and knee arthritis. Besides pain management, she also specialises in TCM internal medicine, TCM gynaecology, skin disease, facial paralysis, and slimming acupuncture.

Years of Practice: 13

Credentials: Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, registered TCM Practitioner

Wang Chien Min

TCM Physician

TCM Registration No. T2103723J

Expertise: With over 10 years of training in traditional Chinese medicine in Taiwan and Malaysia, Physician Wang is a third-generation disciple of Dong. He received training under the guidance of Dr. Lin Liangzhong, specialising in acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, and structural therapy. Dr. Wang employs an integrated approach that incorporates acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and structural therapy, and he specialises in traumatology, internal medicine, paediatrics, and gynaecology.

Years of Practice: 10

Credentials: Advanced Diploma in TCM, Singapore College of TCM

FAQs About TCM for Shoulder Pain

  • TCM treatments for frozen shoulder pain help reduce inflammation in the affected area by improving blood flow and circulation. Frozen shoulder treatments are also helpful in providing shoulder pain relief by healing the body as a whole. In addition to pain relief, TCM can also help reduce shoulder stiffness, allowing you to regain control of your mobility.

  • You can try TCM treatments for shoulder pain if you’re experiencing frozen shoulder pain and have not been able to achieve pain relief with conventional Western medical treatments. However, it’s essential that you seek medical advice from your physician before getting TCM treatments if you are pregnant, lactating, elderly, or have an existing injury or condition such as dislocation or a fracture.

  • Sin Kang TCM has been providing frozen shoulder treatments and other TCM therapies in Singapore for over 20 years. The goal of TCM treatments is to target the root of the shoulder pain, which could be the Wind, Cold or Dampness pathogens that have entered your body and are preventing the circulation of blood. Overall, non-invasive TCM treatment can help you achieve long-term frozen shoulder pain relief. Our team consists of physicians and therapists in Singapore who provide TCM treatments for shoulder pain to help renew your overall well-being.

  • The decision for surgery on frozen shoulders is typically considered when conservative treatments in Singapore, like physical therapy and TCM treatment fail to provide relief. If severe pain, stiffness, and limited mobility persist in the shoulder, a healthcare professional may recommend surgical intervention. It is advisable that you understand your options fully to guide you in making an informed decision.

  • TCM offers a holistic approach to managing frozen shoulder pain, aiming to alleviate symptoms and improve shoulder function. While TCM can provide significant relief for shoulder pain and enhance the body’s natural healing processes, claiming a complete cure may be challenging. The effectiveness of TCM varies from person to person, and factors such as the stage of frozen shoulder and individual response to treatment play crucial roles.

  • When undergoing frozen shoulder treatment, dietary recommendations often involve promoting circulation and reducing inflammation. Foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as ginger and turmeric, may be encouraged. It’s also recommended that you avoid foods containing processed sugar, as elevated sugar levels in your blood can lessen elasticity in soft tissues and blood vessels, increasing your susceptibility to frozen shoulders. Consulting with a TCM practitioner in Singapore for personalised dietary advice based on individual conditions is advisable.

  • The frequency of TCM treatments for frozen shoulder pain varies depending on the severity of the condition and individual response to therapy. Initially, more frequent sessions, such as weekly treatments, may be recommended. As symptoms improve, the frequency may decrease. It is essential to follow the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner in Singapore, as the treatment plans are tailored to address your specific needs and support your progress.

  • While it’s not always possible to prevent frozen shoulders, certain measures can reduce the risk. Regular shoulder exercises to maintain flexibility and strength, especially in individuals with known risk factors, can be beneficial. Avoiding prolonged immobilisation of the shoulder, such as keeping it in one position for extended periods, and seeking prompt treatment for symptoms of frozen shoulder, such as shoulder pain or stiffness, can contribute to prevention. Maintaining overall joint health through a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and regular exercise, can also be preventive measures.