Authored by Jen Myers-Jones, LAc
We frequently take our shoulder for granted until we encounter injury or trauma. The shoulder is actually several joints that combine with muscles and tendons that allow a wide range of motion. This provides us the ability to balance on a beam, bowl a perfect frame or hide a present behind our back. Due to its versatility, the shoulder is also one of the more commonly injured joints. Whether you tore the rotator cuff, fray a ligament deep in the tendons, have osteoarthritis or tendinitis, the pain can impact your daily life. Pain can abruptly appear or sneak up with time and repetitive motions from sport or physical tasks, with pain levels fluctuating from subtle to agonizing.
Shoulder pain can include:
- pain that is worse with motion
- numbness and weakness of the shoulder muscles
- inability to rotate the shoulder or lift the arm over head
- Trouble sleeping due to pain
Acupuncture is a very effective way to treat shoulder pain, and in conjunction with fire cupping can help to move the stagnant energy thereby stimulate healing. Acupuncture reduces inflammation levels, bringing down swelling. Fire Cupping is like a deep tissue massage across your back, neck and shoulders. Bringing the combination of suction and movement, Fire Cupping releases the tight muscles and liberates frazzled nerves.
Using diagnostic tools from Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), we will develop a treatment plan for your injury. This plan is based on your health history, including the length of time you have been suffering from the shoulder pain. If this is a recent injury the number of treatments could be as little as 5, while reoccurring shoulder problems can extend the number of treatments needed. Many patients state that they are able to get a more restful night sleep after treatment.
Self care for shoulder pain:
⁃ A warm bath in Epsom salt which is magnesium base and has a soothing effect
⁃ Magnesium oil which can be sprayed directly on the shoulder. I generally tell people to cut the strength of magnesium oil down to 1/3 oil, 2/3 water in a small portable spray bottle. The oil is very tacky and has directions to shower 20 minutes after use. By diluting the oil you can bring it to work or keep it on your night stand for when you wake with pain.
⁃ Topical ointments that can give relief. At Wellness Minneapolis we have a roll on essential oil blend by Veriditas Botanicals called “Just Plain Relief”, with a combination of peppermint and helichrysum essential oils. Helichrysum has major anti-inflammatory properties. The peppermint is there to vasodilate and penetrate the helichrysum deeper.
⁃ Ice or Heat can be helpful as anti inflammatory agents. TCM would always suggest a heat pack to encourage the healing process. That being said you are the best judge of what is helping, so try icing the shoulder or alternating between hot and cold.
⁃ Nourish your body with your best food choices. This can be a challenge when we are not as mobile as we wish to be. TCM would suggest bone broth or miso soup, and generally eating warm foods with ginger, and higher nutrients.
⁃ Rest, don’t overexert yourself physically. We have a tendency to push our limits when frustrated by our injury’s limitation. Think about using a brace or other device that limits motion. Healing takes time.
Acupuncture can help you lower pain levels, reduce inflammation, increase your range of motion, relieve stress and boost your immune system. Shoulder pain can hinder your work and lifestyle. Get back to your regular schedule with acupuncture.
Shoulder pain can include:
- pain that is worse with motion
- numbness and weakness of the shoulder muscles
- inability to rotate the shoulder or lift the arm over head
- Trouble sleeping due to pain
Acupuncture is a very effective way to treat shoulder pain, and in conjunction with fire cupping can help to move the stagnant energy thereby stimulate healing. Acupuncture reduces inflammation levels, bringing down swelling. Fire Cupping is like a deep tissue massage across your back, neck and shoulders. Bringing the combination of suction and movement, Fire Cupping releases the tight muscles and liberates frazzled nerves.
Using diagnostic tools from Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), we will develop a treatment plan for your injury. This plan is based on your health history, including the length of time you have been suffering from the shoulder pain. If this is a recent injury the number of treatments could be as little as 5, while reoccurring shoulder problems can extend the number of treatments needed. Many patients state that they are able to get a more restful night sleep after treatment.
Self care for shoulder pain:
⁃ A warm bath in Epsom salt which is magnesium base and has a soothing effect
⁃ Magnesium oil which can be sprayed directly on the shoulder. I generally tell people to cut the strength of magnesium oil down to 1/3 oil, 2/3 water in a small portable spray bottle. The oil is very tacky and has directions to shower 20 minutes after use. By diluting the oil you can bring it to work or keep it on your night stand for when you wake with pain.
⁃ Topical ointments that can give relief. At Wellness Minneapolis we have a roll on essential oil blend by Veriditas Botanicals called “Just Plain Relief”, with a combination of peppermint and helichrysum essential oils. Helichrysum has major anti-inflammatory properties. The peppermint is there to vasodilate and penetrate the helichrysum deeper.
⁃ Ice or Heat can be helpful as anti inflammatory agents. TCM would always suggest a heat pack to encourage the healing process. That being said you are the best judge of what is helping, so try icing the shoulder or alternating between hot and cold.
⁃ Nourish your body with your best food choices. This can be a challenge when we are not as mobile as we wish to be. TCM would suggest bone broth or miso soup, and generally eating warm foods with ginger, and higher nutrients.
⁃ Rest, don’t overexert yourself physically. We have a tendency to push our limits when frustrated by our injury’s limitation. Think about using a brace or other device that limits motion. Healing takes time.
Acupuncture can help you lower pain levels, reduce inflammation, increase your range of motion, relieve stress and boost your immune system. Shoulder pain can hinder your work and lifestyle. Get back to your regular schedule with acupuncture.
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