Acupuncture treatment of Frozen Shoulder

Approximately 5% of the UK population will suffer from frozen shoulder at some point in their life. Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is an extremely painful and sometimes disabling condition in which the movement of the shoulder is restricted. It can last for months or years. The symptoms include pain, stiffness, redness and contraction.

Cause

The NHS describes frozen shoulder as being caused by the inflammation and thickening of the flexible tissue that surrounds the shoulder joint, known as the capsule. Factors which increase the likelihood of developing a frozen shoulder include:

• a previous shoulder injury or shoulder surgery
• diabetes due to the reduced micro circulation
• Dupuytren's contracture (a progressive painless thickening and tightening of the tissue of the hands and fingers)
• other health conditions, e.g. high cholesterol, heart disease and stroke

The Shoulder Joint

The shoulder joint is normally flexible and elastic. The humerus, the scapula and the clavicle form the shoulder joint. The synovial fluid in the joint lubricates it. The four muscles of the rotator cuff allow the shoulder to rotate and help keep it in place. The subscapularis allows the arm to rotate medially (inwards). The Teres minor and the Infraspinatus externally rotates the arm. The Supraspinatus abducts the arm (brings it closer to the body.)

Treatment

The joint is assessed to ascertain the range of motion and any painful points. Frozen shoulder is treated by a combination of acupuncture and massage. Massage helps to improve blood flow to the area. Acupuncture helps with the pain, reduces inflammation, enhancing local micro-circulation and stimulating nerves located in muscles and other tissues, leading to release of endorphins the body's painkillers. Moxa on a needle can also help to bring warmth to the affected area. Advice is also given on gentle stretching exercises which gradually increase the range of motion of the shoulder.

Shoulder Exercises

Adjust your posture

You can help to reduce subscapularis-related shoulder pain by adjusting your posture—while awake and sleeping.

When sitting in front of a computer avoid slumping forward because this forces the arms to rotate into an uncomfortable position, which trigger pain in the subscapularis muscle. When sat at your desk, keep moving your arms. Reaching the arm up and behind the head will help to stretch the subscapularis muscle.

When walking allow your arms to swing freely. 

Sleep with a pillow

An extra pillow can help. If you’re sleeping on the painful side, place the pillow between your elbow and the side of the body. This helps to move the arm away from the body, which stretches the subscapularis muscle. If you sleep on the pain-free side, put the pillow in front of you so that the painful arm can rest on it.

The Wood Element in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine Spring is related to the Wood element. The nature of Wood is expansive. It pushes upwards and outwards. You can imagine seeds growing upwards out of the ground towards the light and warmth. The Wood Element encompasses all forms of vegetation from grasses and flowers to trees. The Power of Wood is birth. Spring time is also lambing time. Many animals give birth to their young in Spring time. The Wood element relates to the Liver and Gall Bladder. In terms of Chinese Medicine the Liver is the General that makes the plans and the Gall Bladder is the decision maker. The spirit of the Liver is the Hun. This represents the spiritual aspect of the Liver Meridian. It is involved with thinking, sleeping and consciousness. It is easily upset by drugs and alcohol. When a person uses "astral travel" it is their Hun that leaves their body.

The Wood Element

References

Hicks, Hicks and Mole, 2004, Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture, Churchill Livingstone

Diet in Chinese Medicine

Proportions

A good nutritious diet is high in fiber, minerals and vitamins, moderate in unsaturated fat and low in saturated fat. People who eat these diets live longer and are less prone to cancer and heart disease. According to Healing with Whole Foods (Pitchford) it should contain the following proportions:

35-60% Grains such as whole grains and cereals

20-25% Vegetables starchy and non starchy, seaweeds, microalgi

5-15% Legumes: including beans, peas and lentils

5-15% Fruits, nuts and seeds

0-10% Animal Products: meat, dairy, eggs and fish

Breakfast

There is a saying "Breakfast like a King, Lunch like a Prince, and Dine like a Pauper..." and another saying "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." This makes sense in terms of Chinese Medicine. The digestive system is strongest between 7 and 9am and between 7 and 9pm. So breakfast is the best time to eat a hearty meal and we should be eating sparingly in the evening. In the West this advice is not always followed. Many people skip breakfast and eat a sandwich in front of their computer. 

Fiber and protein slow the transfer of sugar into the blood and should definitely be included at breakfast time. Oats are a good food for a slow release of energy throughout the day. The setting for meals is just as important as the food itself. "When eating just eat" is a good saying. Your body's energies should be concentrated on digesting your food. Rather than rushing your breakfast or arguing with your family take the time to chew your food so that it is digested properly and avoid distractions like mobile phones and TV when you are eating.

Lunch

 Often we must eat lunch at work. Take this time to eat and socialize rather than hunching over your computer, laptop or mobile phone. A warm meal works wonders in Autumn and Winter. If your work offers warm meals you should take advantage of them. In summer months a salad makes more sense.

Tea/Supper

     The evening meal should be more simple. There is little point preparing a full meal if your body does not have the energy to digest one.  Soup fits the bill nicely. After 9pm we should avoid eating. If we must snack then fruit is a good choice as it is easy to digest. We should avoid caffeine or alcohol if we wish to have a good nights sleep.

References

Hicks, Hicks and Mole, 2004, Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture, Churchill Livingstone