Acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder: Regaining Movement and Easing Pain

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and frustrating condition that can make even the simplest movements feel impossible. It develops gradually, often starting with mild discomfort that worsens over time, leading to significant stiffness and restricted mobility. Everyday activities—like reaching overhead, fastening a seatbelt, or even getting dressed—can become a struggle. 

If left untreated, frozen shoulder can take months or even years to resolve. While conventional treatments such as physical therapy, pain medications, and steroid injections may provide relief, acupuncture offers a natural, holistic approach to easing pain, improving mobility, and supporting long-term recovery.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder: Causes and Risk Factors

Frozen shoulder typically develops in three distinct stages:

1. Freezing Stage: This is the initial phase, marked by increasing pain and stiffness. The shoulder’s range of motion becomes progressively limited, making everyday movements difficult. This stage can last anywhere from six weeks to nine months.
2. Frozen Stage: While pain may subside slightly, stiffness remains a major issue. The shoulder becomes extremely difficult to move, and function is significantly reduced. This phase can last for several months.
3. Thawing Stage: Gradually, the shoulder starts to loosen up, and mobility begins to return. This final stage can take anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment pursued.

The exact cause of frozen shoulder isn’t always clear, but certain factors increase the risk of developing it:

• Prolonged Shoulder Immobilization: If the shoulder remains inactive due to injury, surgery, or another medical condition, frozen shoulder is more likely to develop.
• Diabetes: Research suggests that individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder, though the exact reason remains unclear.
• Age & Gender: Frozen shoulder is most common in people between 40 and 60 years old, and it tends to affect women more frequently than men.
• Thyroid Disorders: Conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been linked to a higher risk of frozen shoulder.
• Inflammatory & Autoimmune Conditions: Chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders can contribute to joint stiffness and pain, increasing the likelihood of frozen shoulder.

How Acupuncture Helps Treat Frozen Shoulder

Acupuncture, a core component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and restore balance. When it comes to frozen shoulder, acupuncture offers several key benefits:

• Pain Relief: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, helping to reduce discomfort without the need for medication.
• Improved Blood Circulation: By enhancing blood flow to the shoulder area, acupuncture helps nourish tissues, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing.
• Muscle Relaxation: Frozen shoulder often leads to severe muscle tightness. Acupuncture can help release tension, making movement less painful.
• Increased Range of Motion: By targeting key acupuncture points, treatment can help break down adhesions in the shoulder capsule, restoring flexibility and function.
• Reduced Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to pain and stiffness. Acupuncture helps regulate the body’s inflammatory response, promoting long-term relief.

How Many Acupuncture Sessions Are Needed for Frozen Shoulder?

The number of acupuncture sessions needed to treat frozen shoulder varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the condition and individual response to treatment. In general, many patients begin to notice improvements after four to six sessions, with more significant progress occurring after eight to twelve sessions. For chronic or severe cases, a longer treatment plan may be necessary. Acupuncture works best when combined with other therapies such as gentle stretching, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to maximize healing.

Treat Frozen Shoulder Naturally

Don’t let your frozen shoulder hold you back any longer. While it can be a challenging condition, there’s hope for regaining movement, easing pain, and restoring your quality of life. Acupuncture, with its time-tested ability to harmonise the body’s natural healing abilities, offers a powerful pathway to recovery. Unlike medications that only mask symptoms, acupuncture works to address the root cause of frozen shoulder by promoting circulation, reducing inflammation, and improving mobility. Many patients find that acupuncture not only relieves pain but also supports overall well-being, helping them regain function without relying on long-term medication use.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If frozen shoulder is limiting daily activities and quality of life, acupuncture may be the natural solution needed.

📍 Address: 13 Hoylake Cres, West Lakes, SA 5021
📞 Phone: 0402 108 808 / 0406 412 808
✉️ Email: contact@adelaideacupuncture.com.au
🕘 Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat-Sun: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Don’t let frozen shoulders hold you back—schedule an acupuncture appointment today and take the first step toward pain-free movement!