Called “fifties shoulder” in China, frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis is a common symptom among women in menopause and during midlife.
By whatever name, a frozen shoulder is painful and limiting. So let’s talk about what it is, why it happens, and how to find relief.
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is inflammation in the connective tissue around the head of your shoulder joint, called the shoulder capsule. The tissue of the joint gets thicker and tighter, and adhesive bands of tissue can form in the joint. Full range of motion (particularly reaching over your head or behind your back) becomes more and more painful until finally it’s all but impossible.
Pain & limited range of motion
Simple activities get affected due to a frozen shoulder. It becomes difficult and painful to perform usual tasks like:
Wearing clothes
Combing hair
Reaching to the back pocket
Reaching out for things overhead
House chores
Sleeping on the affected side
A long process and 3 stages
Many sufferers say it happens in three stages: stiffening (or painful), frozen, thawing.
Link between shoulder pain & menopause
70% of the people affected with frozen shoulders are women.
A sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, hunched or rounded shoulders and hormonal imbalances put women at a higher risk. Experts have also noted a connection between menopause and frozen shoulder as many women who got a frozen shoulder were also going through menopause at the same time.
The fluctuating hormone levels during menopause may be responsible for a frozen shoulder in menopausal women.
Acupuncture for frozen shoulder: it works !
The good news is, it can thaw, and I see wonderful results here at taproot.
Patience & consistency
We are able to shorten the recovery period to just a few months with patience and consistency. Most of our patients regain their full range of motion, and eliminate or greatly reduce the pain.
One treatment a week minimum for a couple of months, and exercises to do at home on a daily basis.
Acupuncture, cupping and moxa for the win
Along with the needles, we also add moxa, a warming herb that penetrates the tissue to lubricate the joint and reduce inflammation.
Cupping is also always part of the treatment, to nourish and promote blood flow to the otherwise stuck area.
So If you are looking for acupuncture for frozen shoulder near me in Los Angeles and Pasadena area, give us a call !