Shoulder Stiffnessaccording to TCM

Symptom families: Joint Symptoms, Shoulder Issues

Parent symptom: Joint Stiffness

What is Shoulder Stiffness?

Shoulder stiffness encompasses a loss of the shoulder joint's normal range of motion, often accompanied by discomfort and the inability to perform movements such as reaching overhead or behind the back. This symptom may arise from various conditions, from postural issues to rotator cuff injuries, and can significantly disrupt daily activities and quality of life. While common in individuals who have sustained shoulder injuries, it can also occur without a clear cause, leading many to seek both medical and alternative treatments.

How does TCM view Shoulder Stiffness?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches shoulder stiffness as an obstruction within the body’s meridian system, specifically the pathways that regulate Qi, or vital energy, and blood flow to the shoulder. TCM emphasizes that such physical symptoms are often signs of deeper imbalances, potentially stemming from external pathogenic factors or internal organ disharmonies.

Treatment focuses on identifying the unique pattern of disharmony for each individual, thereby enabling a tailored approach that seeks to restore the body’s natural flow of energy and alleviate symptoms.

Root Causes of Shoulder Stiffness in TCM

TCM recognizes several patterns that may lead to shoulder stiffness, often involving the Stagnation of Qi and Blood or an invasion of Wind and Dampness into the shoulder. For instance, Blood Stasis can cause sharp, fixed pain and lead to stiffness, while Liver Yang Rising might manifest as tension and rigidity in the shoulder.

Understanding these patterns is fundamental in TCM, as they direct the practitioner towards specific therapeutic strategies designed to address the root cause of the stiffness, not just its physical manifestation.

Explore below more details about what might cause Shoulder stiffness according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Blood Stasis
  • Yang Excess
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Shoulder Stiffness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Blood Stagnation Shoulder stiffness, Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Lumps... see more Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Di Dang Tang | Dan Shen Yin | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Hai Tong Pi Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang | Yu Lin Zhu

TCM Herbal Formulas for Shoulder Stiffness

The TCM pharmacopeia offers an array of formulas and herbs tailored to alleviate shoulder stiffness. For a pattern like Blood Stasis, Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, which includes Peach Kernels, is used to invigorate Blood and dispel Stagnation.

In cases of Liver Yang Rising, which can contribute to tension and stiffness, formulas like Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, rich in Prepared rehmannia, help nourish Yin and subdue Excess Yang. These treatments exemplify TCM’s holistic approach to healing, aiming to restore equilibrium within the body's complex system.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address shoulder stiffness, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Blood Stasis
  • Yang Excess

All Formulas Recommended for Shoulder Stiffness Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation
Di Dang Tang Blood Stagnation
Dan Shen Yin Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan Blood Stagnation
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang Blood Stagnation
Hai Tong Pi Tang Blood Stagnation
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang Blood Stagnation
Yu Lin Zhu Blood Stagnation

Acupoints for Shoulder Stiffness

Acupuncture is a cornerstone of TCM treatment for shoulder stiffness, involving the stimulation of specific points believed to restore the smooth flow of Qi. Points such as Jianjing GB-21 located on the Gall Bladder Channel, and Naoshu SI-10 on the Small Intestine Channel, are targeted to relieve channel obstructions and improve mobility.

By selecting these and other pertinent acupoints, TCM practitioners work to address both the symptoms and the underlying imbalances that contribute to shoulder stiffness.

Explore below some acupoints used to address shoulder stiffness, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Large Intestine Channel
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Heart Channel
Erjian LI-2

Erjian LI-2

On the radial side of the index finger, distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint, at the junction of the white and red skin.

Wenliu LI-7

Wenliu LI-7

When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 5 cun above Yangxi LI-5 at the wrist crease, 1 cun distal to the midpoint of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.

Shousanli LI-10

Shousanli LI-10

When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 2 cun distal to Quchi LI-11 of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.

Quchi LI-11

Quchi LI-11

When the elbow is flexed, Quchi LI-11 is in the depression at the lateral end of the cubital crease, midway between Chize LU-5 and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

Added to Cart