TCM Treatment for Shoulder Pain

Natural Remedies for Frozen Shoulder, Stiff Shoulders, and Shoulder Sprains

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues encountered in clinical practice. It frequently affects middle-aged individuals, office workers with sedentary habits, manual laborers, and those with sports injuries, impacting daily activities and work efficiency. Many people experience soreness, stiffness, restricted movement, or even pain that wakes them at night—often attributed to "Frozen Shoulder," "Shoulder Periarthritis," or "Shoulder Sprains."

Although Singapore has a hot climate year-round, high humidity and prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments can cause the shoulders to catch a "chill." Pathogenic wind, cold, and dampness can easily invade the joints, leading to frequent episodes of pain. TCM offers a systematic understanding of shoulder pain, emphasizing the balance between internal regulation and external treatments.

Common Symptoms and Types of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is often accompanied by the following:

Aching, dull pain, or sharp stinging pain in the joint

Restricted range of motion, difficulty lifting arms

Pain worsening at night, especially when lying on the affected side

Stiffness, swelling, or numbness extending to the arm

TCM categorizes these based on specific underlying causes:

Frozen Shoulder (Periarthritis)

Common in ages 40–60. Caused by insufficient Qi and Blood or invasion of wind-cold-dampness, leading to meridian blockage.

Shoulder Sprains

Caused by external impact, sports strain, or poor posture, leading to Qi stagnation and blood stasis.

Referred Pain

Left shoulder pain may be related to heart conditions; right shoulder pain may relate to gallbladder issues.

Causes of Shoulder Pain in TCM

TCM believes shoulder pain is caused by factors such as invasion of wind-cold-dampness, Liver and Kidney deficiency, and lack of circulation.

  • Wind-Cold-Damp Invasion: The shoulder is a "Yang" position easily affected by cold air. Sleeping with shoulders exposed to air conditioning causes cold to accumulate, constricting vessels.
  • Qi & Blood Deficiency: As we age, Liver and Kidney weakness leads to poor nourishment of tendons and bones, causing degeneration.
  • Qi Stagnation & Blood Stasis: Following a fall or sprain, local blood flow is disrupted, forming stasis that causes swelling and pain.

TCM Treatment Methods

  • Acupuncture: By targeting points like Jianyu, Jianjing, and Ashi points, it unblocks meridians and activates blood flow.
  • Cupping & Gua Sha: Removes cold-dampness and improves local circulation.
  • Herbal Medicine: Formulas like Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang are used to nourish the Liver/Kidneys and dispel wind and cold.
  • External Applications: Herbal plasters and medicated oils help reduce inflammation and swelling.

Prevention and Daily Care Suggestions

Keep shoulders warm; avoid direct air-conditioning blast.

Perform regular shoulder stretches and rotations during work breaks.

Use ergonomic chairs and maintain proper posture at your desk.

Maintain emotional well-being to avoid Liver Qi stagnation.

Incorporate blood-activating ingredients like Turmeric or Angelica into your diet.

The Dangers of Delayed Treatment

Many people rely on painkillers or injections when shoulder pain appears. While these provide temporary relief, they do not solve the root cause and can mask the condition, leading to missed opportunities for proper recovery. If left untreated, joint mobility will decrease further, potentially leading to a "Frozen Shoulder" that severely impacts quality of life.

TCM focuses on "preventive treatment" and personalized care. By harmonizing Qi and Blood and warming the meridians, TCM offers an effective path to lasting relief. Especially in Singapore's air-conditioned environment, proactive care is essential for long-term health.

Dr Li Rui

MOH-registered TCM physician with a Master’s degree from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and over 30 years of clinical experience

Dr Li Rui is a registered TCM Physician and Acupuncturist with the Ministry of Health (Singapore), with over 30 years of clinical experience. She holds a Master’s degree in TCM (China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences) and a Bachelor’s degree in Western Medicine (Shandong Medical University).

Previously an Attending Physician at Xinhua Hospital (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), she founded the Shanghai Chinese Medicine Centre in Singapore in 2002. She is highly trusted by patients for her expertise in treating musculoskeletal conditions through integrated acupuncture and herbal medicine.

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Consult Dr Li Rui to Relieve Your Shoulder Pain

If you are suffering from shoulder pain, we suggest seeking professional TCM consultation early to prevent long-term mobility issues. Book an appointment at our Yishun clinic today!

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Shanghai Chinese Medicine Centre

Blk 925 Yishun Central 1
#01-243
Singapore 760925

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+65 6756 1528

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info@tcm-shanghai.com.sg

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