You Need To Consider Doing This If Your Frozen Shoulder Is Not Improving With Acupuncture

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, can feel like a heavy burden that traps you in your own body. The pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint make even simple movements, like reaching for a glass or lifting your arm, a painful and frustrating experience. Over time, the lack of mobility can restrict your daily activities, making it difficult to work, exercise, or participate in social events. The emotional strain of being unable to move your arm freely can be just as debilitating as the physical pain itself.

When frozen shoulder takes over, it can leave you feeling helpless, isolated, and exhausted, as the discomfort lingers day after day, making it seem like there’s no way out.

Acupuncture: A Popular Approach to Treating Frozen Shoulder

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used for centuries to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including frozen shoulder. This technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote the flow of energy (qi), relieve pain, and reduce inflammation. For many individuals suffering from frozen shoulder, acupuncture offers a non-invasive solution to reduce pain and improve range of motion, helping them regain control over their bodies.

However, while acupuncture can bring significant relief for some, there are times when it may not be enough, especially if the root cause of the frozen shoulder has not been fully diagnosed. Without a clear understanding of the underlying issue, treatments may provide temporary relief without addressing the core problem.

Why Getting a Clear Diagnosis Is Crucial

Frozen shoulder can be caused by various factors. Here are five common causes:

1. Inflammation – The capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, leading to pain and stiffness that restricts movement.
2. Rotator Cuff Injuries – Damage to the rotator cuff tendons can limit shoulder mobility and lead to frozen shoulder.
3. Post-Surgical Stiffness – After surgery, especially for the shoulder or surrounding areas, the joint may become stiff and develop frozen shoulder.
4. Diabetes – People with diabetes are more likely to develop frozen shoulder due to changes in tissue around the shoulder joint.
5. Shoulder Immobilization – Prolonged immobility after an injury can lead to stiffness and the development of frozen shoulder.

In addition to these common causes, there are two less common but potentially serious causes of frozen shoulder:

1. Infections – Infections in the shoulder joint can lead to swelling and stiffness, requiring prompt medical attention.
2. Tumors – Rare tumors in or around the shoulder joint can cause stiffness and pain, leading to symptoms similar to frozen shoulder.

The Need for Imaging to Get a Precise Diagnosis

It’s crucial to understand that frozen shoulder cannot be fully diagnosed through physical examination alone. A proper diagnosis requires imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds to determine the extent of inflammation, the condition of the rotator cuff, or the presence of any underlying issues like fractures or tumors. These imaging methods give a clearer view of what’s going on in the shoulder joint and help ensure that treatments are targeted effectively.

The Pain Relief Clinic: Your Partner in Finding a Clear Diagnosis

At The Pain Relief Clinic, we understand the frustration of frozen shoulder, where every movement seems limited by pain and stiffness. With over a decade of experience, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing the root cause of your shoulder discomfort. If you’ve been struggling with frozen shoulder and haven’t found lasting relief, we can arrange for affordable scans, typically within one working day. Medisave can often be used to help cover the cost of these scans, making it an affordable option for you.

We also assist with insurance claims, including accident insurance, travel insurance, and company insurance, ensuring that you can access the care you need without added financial stress.

Once we have a clear diagnosis, we can provide targeted treatments that help alleviate the pain, restore mobility, and give you back the freedom to move your shoulder without discomfort.

Ready to find relief from frozen shoulder? Send us a message today to arrange an appointment and begin your journey toward lasting relief from frozen shoulder.