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TCM Frozen Shoulder Treatment
Explore effective TCM solutions for the frozen shoulder, a condition marked by restricted mobility and chronic pain. Our treatments aim to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore shoulder flexibility.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, involves pain and stiffness that restricts shoulder movement. This condition commonly develops gradually but can be effectively managed with TCM. It develops when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickened. Common symptoms include persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, making even simple movements challenging.
Stages of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder might sound like something you'd expect in an ice rink, but it’s actually a painful condition where your shoulder gets stiff and locked up. It typically goes through three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. Each stage has its own set of challenges, and recognising them can help you get on the right track with your treatment. The good news? With a little knowledge and the right TCM treatment, you can glide through these stages and start feeling better!
• Freezing Stage
The freezing stage – when your shoulder starts to throw a little tantrum. The pain sneaks in gradually, and before you know it, even simple moves like reaching for a glass become a challenge. It's like your shoulder’s saying, “Nope, I’m not budging!” The pain gets worse, especially when you try to move or at night. Daily activities feel like a big hurdle, and let’s be honest, it’s frustrating! If you catch it early, though, you can avoid things getting worse. So don’t let your shoulder freeze up—get it checked out at a TCM clinic!
• Frozen Stage
Now we’re at the frozen stage where the pain backs off a little, but your shoulder remains as stiff as a board. You’re still struggling with simple tasks like getting dressed or even driving. And that arm? Forget about lifting it above your head! It feels like your shoulder’s completely locked in place.
The physical restrictions are tough, but the emotional impact can be just as draining. You might feel frustrated or stressed, and let’s face it, that can put a damper on your mood. But recognising this stage early means you can start treating it right and move toward feeling better.
• Thawing Stage
Finally, the thawing stage—cue the happy dance! Your shoulder slowly starts to loosen up, and with every stretch, you're one step closer to freedom. While the pain fades, you might still feel a little discomfort as your range of motion improves. But hey, it’s progress, and progress feels amazing!
It’s like getting your freedom back, one stretch at a time. It’s a slow process, but steady improvement is the name of the game. You’re on your way to full recovery, and with the right care, soon enough, your shoulder will feel like new again!
Common Causes of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder doesn’t happen out of nowhere—it’s often the result of various factors, both physical and systemic. Understanding the root causes can be your first step in preventing or managing the condition. From repetitive strain and chronic health issues to age and lifestyle factors, knowing the triggers allows for a more targeted approach to treatment. Let’s dive into some of the common causes, and how TCM can help bring you back to full mobility!
• Injury or Overuse
Injury or overuse is one of the top culprits behind frozen shoulder. Whether you’re lifting heavy boxes, doing repetitive movements, or pushing yourself a bit too hard during sports, these actions can cause inflammation in the shoulder joint. Over time, this inflammation can restrict movement, leaving your shoulder stiff and painful. Imagine trying to reach for something on a high shelf, only to feel that sharp discomfort—it’s a classic sign of frozen shoulder.
The constant irritation prevents the shoulder from moving freely, making everyday tasks like exercising or lifting objects a real struggle. With the right care and TCM treatments like acupuncture, inflammation can be reduced, and your shoulder can start to heal!
• Chronic Health Conditions
Chronic conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and even heart disease can make you more vulnerable to developing frozen shoulder. For those with diabetes, high blood sugar can affect tendon health, making them stiffer and more prone to injury. Similarly, thyroid issues can cause hormonal imbalances that affect the connective tissues, further raising your chances of developing stiffness in the shoulder.
If you’ve been living with these conditions, you may have noticed some shoulder tightness creeping in over time. TCM treatments focus on restoring balance, reducing inflammation, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes to ease the impact of these chronic health issues on your shoulder.
• Age and Lifestyle Factors
Frozen shoulder is more common as we age, especially for those over 40. The natural aging process can lead to decreased mobility and slower recovery, making the shoulder more vulnerable to stiffness. But it’s not just age—our modern, sedentary lifestyles play a big role too. Sitting at desks for hours, not moving enough, and generally being inactive can cause muscles and joints to stiffen up.
Over time, this lack of movement affects the shoulder, contributing to frozen shoulder. From a TCM perspective, the depletion of Qi and blood circulation over time can cause joint health to decline. But don’t worry! TCM has effective solutions to support mobility and help keep those joints happy and healthy.
Effective TCM Treatments for Frozen Shoulder
TCM offers effective solutions for reducing pain and restoring shoulder movement. These treatments are tailored to each patient’s needs:
• Acupuncture
Precisely placed needles stimulate shoulder acupoints, reducing pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
• Herbal Medicine
Custom herbal formulas aim to balance internal energies, reduce inflammation, and support joint repair.
• Tui Na Massage
A deep-tissue massage technique that releases tension, improves blood circulation, and enhances shoulder mobility.
• Cupping Therapy
Cupping may be used to relieve pain, increase blood flow, and help restore shoulder range of motion.
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Are TCM Treatments safe?TCM has been practised for centuries. It promotes the usage of natural ingredients and encourages the body to regulate itself. The clinic's physicians are all registered under the TCM Practioners Board of Singapore and have years of clinical experience.
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Why does my neck ache so often?Neck pain is a common syndrome for people working desk bound jobs. After every hour, remember to move away from your desk and do some stretches. Also, check that your sleeping pillow is not too high, a fist height is usually recommended. If these changes do not help you alleviate your pain, or your neck pain cause you to experience headaches, come down to our clinic and our physician can do a checkup and recommend you the best treatment methods.
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Why do I need to undergo consultation first?Answering thorough questions actually helps a physician understand your condition better, and propose the best treatment solution for you! Don't worry! All these questions are for your benefit!
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How long does each treatment take?Each treatment session (consultation, spot massage, acupuncture) is usually about 40 to 45 mins. At the end of the session depending on each individual's situation, the physician will recommend a follow up date. During the follow up session, it will be possible to understand the individual's recovery rate. In most cases, patient's experience remarkable improvements after 3 to 4 sessions. No one is trying to scam you when we tell you that you need a review. Think about it, do you recover from an infection by eating medicine for just 1 day?
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Why is treatment so expensive?As cliche as it sounds, health is priceless. Are you willing to live in constant pain and allow your problems to escalate until the only solution is surgery? Don't worry, you have our promise that we do not oversell you treatements that you do not require!