Acupuncture for Shoulder and Elbow Pain

Shoulder and elbow pain are common complaints, often resulting from injury, overuse, or chronic conditions like tendinitis and arthritis. Elbow and shoulder discomfort are prevalent issues that can hinder daily activities, restricting movement and causing significant unease. While Western medicine often addresses these ailments through physical therapy, medications, or surgery, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a holistic approach, focusing on the body's energy flow to alleviate pain.

" Josh really helped me with my Golfer's Elbow! After struggling for months, my pain got better after just a few sessions. Josh was truly listening to my needs and was really invested in removing my pain; sessions were not rushed and it was great to have him explaining what he was doing."

— Felipe

Western Medicine’s View

Shoulder Pain

Common causes include:

  • Rotator Cuff Injuries: Damage or inflammation leading to pain and weakness.

  • Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Stiffness and pain from inflammation of the shoulder joint capsule.

  • Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: Pain due to compression of tendons during arm movement.

  • Tendonitis or Bursitis: Inflammation of tendons or bursae causing discomfort.

  • Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint changes leading to stiffness and pain.

Elbow Pain

Common conditions include:

  • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Pain on the outer elbow from repetitive motions.

  • Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Pain on the inner elbow due to overuse.

  • Olecranon Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa at the back of the elbow.

  • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the ulnar nerve causing numbness or pain.

Chinese Medicine Perspective

In TCM, pain signifies an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood within the body's meridians.

Common Causes in TCM

  • Stagnation of Qi and Blood: Resulting from trauma or overuse, leading to pain.

  • Invasion of External Pathogens:

    • Wind-Cold: Causes stiff, aching joints, especially in cold weather.

    • Wind-Damp: Leads to heaviness and swelling in the joints.

  • Deficiency of Liver and Kidney: These organs nourish tendons and bones; their deficiency can cause chronic pain.

  • Phlegm or Dampness Accumulation: Obstructs meridians, causing persistent pain.

Meridian Involvement

  • Shoulder Pain: Often involves the Large Intestine (LI), Small Intestine (SI), Triple Burner (TB), or Gallbladder (GB) meridians.

  • Elbow Pain: Frequently involves the Large Intestine (LI), Heart (HT), and Lung (LU) meridians.

Acupuncture therapy for shoulder pain is when the patient is lying down on her side and the practitioner palpates the shoulder.
A patient is receiving acupuncture treatment on a bed with needles inserted in their body, and another person is assisting.

Power of the Points

Typical Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture Points for Shoulder Pain

  • LI15 (Jianyu): Located near the shoulder, helps alleviate pain and improve mobility.

  • TB14 (Jianliao): Relieves shoulder pain and enhances movement.

  • SI9 (Jianzhen): Eases shoulder discomfort by promoting energy flow.

  • GB21 (Jianjing): Reduces tension in the upper shoulder area.

Acupuncture Points for Elbow Pain

  • LI11 (Quchi): Located at the elbow crease, effective for relieving elbow pain.

  • HT3 (Shaohai): Benefits the elbow by reducing strain-induced pain.

  • SI8 (Xiaohai): Alleviates discomfort in the elbow region.

  • LU5 (Chize): Promotes flexibility and reduces elbow pain.

Self-Care with Acupressure

Applying gentle pressure to specific points can provide relief:

  • For Shoulder Pain:

    • LI15 (Jianyu): Massage to reduce stiffness.

    • GB21 (Jianjing): Press to alleviate upper shoulder tension.

  • For Elbow Pain:

    • LI11 (Quchi): Massage to ease elbow discomfort.

    • LU5 (Chize): Apply pressure to enhance flexibility.

Integrating Complementary Therapies

Combining acupuncture with other treatments can enhance healing:

  • Cupping: Boosts circulation and alleviates stagnation around affected areas.

  • Moxibustion: Warms meridians, relieving pain from cold exposure.

  • Massage Therapy

FAQs

  • A growing body of scientific research supports acupuncture as a complementary treatment for shoulder and elbow pain:

    • A 2018 review published in The Journal of Pain Research found that acupuncture provided significant pain relief and improved function in patients with rotator cuff disorders and frozen shoulder.

    • Studies on tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) suggest that acupuncture can effectively reduce pain and improve grip strength, offering a non-invasive alternative to corticosteroid injections and other treatments.

    • A 2013 systematic review showed that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with various shoulder conditions, particularly those with chronic pain and limited range of motion.

    Though more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms, acupuncture’s role in reducing inflammation, stimulating the nervous system, and promoting blood flow makes it a promising option for shoulder and elbow pain relief.

  • Acupuncture offers several potential benefits for individuals suffering from shoulder or elbow pain:

    • Non-invasive and drug-free: Acupuncture provides a natural, drug-free approach to pain relief, making it ideal for those who prefer to avoid medication or surgery.

    • Holistic treatment: Acupuncture treats the whole body, not just the area in pain. This holistic approach helps balance physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

    • Few side effects: When performed by a licensed practitioner, acupuncture is generally considered safe and has few side effects. Mild bruising, soreness, or dizziness may occur but typically resolves quickly.

    • Improved quality of life: By reducing pain and increasing mobility, acupuncture can improve your ability to perform daily tasks, participate in physical activities, and enhance overall quality of life.

  • During your initial consultation, the acupuncturist will assess your symptoms, medical history, and any specific conditions affecting your shoulder or elbow. Based on this information, the practitioner will develop a tailored treatment plan.

    In an acupuncture session, fine needles are gently inserted into selected acupoints, which may be located on or near the shoulder and elbow or in other parts of the body connected by meridians. You may feel a slight tingling or warmth at the insertion points, but most people find the treatment relaxing and relatively painless.

    Each session usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes. For shoulder and elbow pain, a series of treatments may be required to achieve long-lasting relief. Some people experience improvement after just a few sessions, while others may need more regular treatments over several weeks or months.

  • The number of sessions varies depending on the severity and cause of your pain. Many people begin to see results after 4-6 sessions, though chronic conditions may require ongoing treatments.