Is Acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder Really Effective? And How Many Sessions Will It Take to Get Better?

Written By：C.M.P. Melody 林医师

The answer is yes: acupuncture is an effective treatment for frozen shoulder. 

It's a very important and commonly used method in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for this condition. As for how many sessions you'll need, there is no single, fixed number, as it varies from person to person.

Why Is Acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder Effective?

The medical name for "frozen shoulder" is Adhesive Capsulitis. In simple terms, it means the joint capsule—the "jacket" inside your shoulder—is inflamed and stuck together, making your shoulder painful, stiff, and unable to lift.

The principles behind acupuncture treatment for frozen shoulder are based on TCM wisdom, working to "thaw" your shoulder from multiple angles:

🔸Pain Relief: 

Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Numerous studies have confirmed acupuncture's significant effect on pain relief, which is especially helpful for the severe pain in the early stages of frozen shoulder.

🔸Reduced Inflammation: 

Acupuncture improves local blood circulation, promoting the absorption and metabolism of inflammatory substances, which helps to reduce inflammation in the joint capsule.

🔸Clearing Meridians & Improving Blood Flow: 

TCM believes that "where there is blockage, there is pain." Frozen shoulder is a condition where the qi and blood flow in the shoulder meridians are blocked. By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture can clear these meridians, helping fresh blood and energy reach the damaged joint and muscles to aid in their recovery.

🔸Muscle Relaxation: 

Frozen shoulder is often accompanied by muscle stiffness and spasms around the joint. Acupuncture helps to relax tense muscles and alleviate spasms, which in turn improves the joint's range of motion.。

🔸Releasing Adhesions: 

In the "frozen" stage, the joint capsule may develop adhesions. Some acupuncture techniques, especially when combined with massage, stretching, or even a specific technique called "small needle knife," can help release these adhesions and restore space in the joint.

How Many Sessions Will It Take? It Varies Greatly.

This is the most common question, but it's impossible to give a standard answer.

Every person's condition is different. It's like asking, "How long does it take to run a marathon?" The answer depends on many factors:

👉🏻 The Stage of Your Frozen Shoulder:

🔹The Painful ("Freezing") Stage: 

The main goal at this stage is pain relief, and acupuncture can have a very noticeable effect in just a few sessions.

🔹The Stiff ("Frozen") Stage: 

This stage requires more time, as the goal is to resolve stiffness and adhesions, not just pain. You will likely need more acupuncture sessions combined with rehabilitation exercises.

🔹The Recovery ("Thawing") Stage: 

At this point, acupuncture's role is to solidify the progress and accelerate recovery.

👉🏻 Severity of the Condition: 

The more severe the joint adhesions and the longer the condition has lasted, the more treatments will be needed.

👉🏻 Your Personal Constitution: 

Your age, overall health, and recovery ability all influence the results. Some people, especially younger or healthier individuals, may recover faster.

👉🏻 Consistency and Combined Therapy: 

This is a crucial point! If you combine acupuncture with physiotherapy (stretching and functional exercises), massage, moxibustion, and active at-home exercises, your recovery will be significantly faster. Acupuncture can relieve pain and stiffness, making it easier for you to perform your physiotherapy exercises.

👉🏻 Frequency of Treatment: 

Typically, a TCM practitioner will recommend 2-3 sessions per week for a period of time.

A General Estimate:

🔹Mild or Early Cases: 

You may see significant results after just 3-5 sessions and a full course of treatment (around 10-15 sessions).

🔹Moderate or "Frozen" Stage Cases: 

You may need 2-3 courses of treatment or more to achieve good recovery, which could take several months.

🔹Severe or Long-Standing Cases: 

Recovery will be slower and may require a longer period of consistent treatment and rehabilitation.

The Most Important Things to Remember:

‼️ Don't Expect a "Magic Fix": 

Acupuncture is not a miracle cure; it requires a process and patience.

‼️ Be Consistent: 

Stick to a regular treatment schedule and strictly follow your practitioner's and physical therapist's advice for at-home exercises.

‼️ Communicate: 

Talk to your practitioner about how you feel and the progress you're making so they can adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for frozen shoulder because it helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, relax muscles, and release adhesions. However, the exact number of treatments you'll need depends on your specific condition, your body, and your commitment to rehabilitation.

If you are suffering from frozen shoulder, consider consulting with an experienced, registered TCM practitioner to get an assessment and a personalized acupuncture and rehabilitation plan. The sooner you get treated, the sooner your shoulder can "thaw"!