Frozen Shoulder and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

When energy gets blocked, the shoulder freezes

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and disabling condition that severely limits shoulder movement. It mainly affects people between the ages of 40 and 65, often without any obvious cause.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different and complementary perspective on this condition by focusing not only on the body, but also on the circulation of vital energy, known as Qi.

What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is characterized by inflammation and thickening of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint.It usually progresses through three stages:

1. Painful stageIntense pain, especially at night, with a gradual loss of mobility.

2. Stiffness stagePain decreases, but the shoulder becomes increasingly immobile.

3. Recovery stageMovement slowly returns, sometimes over a period of 12 to 24 months.

The TCM perspective

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, frozen shoulder is often classified under Bi syndromes, which refer to painful blockages caused by the invasion of Cold, Dampness, or Wind into the meridians.

Beyond these external factors, TCM seeks to identify the root cause:

• Stagnation of Qi and Blood

• Kidney or Liver deficiency

• Spleen weakness (poor transformation of fluids)

• Unexpressed emotional stress (grief, anger, frustration)

The shoulder is crossed by several meridians:Large Intestine, Triple Burner (San Jiao), Small Intestine, and Lung, and is deeply influenced by the Liver and Kidneys.

The emotional connection

In TCM, the shoulders symbolize the ability to carry, take responsibility, and let go. Frozen shoulder often appears after:

• an overload of responsibilities

• bereavement or separation

• unresolved conflict

• prolonged fatigue

The body “freezes” what the mind cannot release.

TCM treatment approaches for frozen shoulder

🔹 Acupuncture

Helps to:

• release energetic blockages

• reduce pain

• restore the flow of Qi and Blood

🔹 Tui Na (Chinese therapeutic massage)

Deep work on the meridians to soften and mobilize the joint.

🔹 Moxibustion

Heat therapy to expel Cold and Dampness responsible for pain.

🔹 Chinese herbal medicine

Formulas to nourish Blood, strengthen the Kidneys, and unblock the meridians.

🔹 Therapeutic Qi Gong

Gentle movements to gradually restore mobility.

A holistic approach

TCM does not treat only the shoulder, but the whole person. The goal is not simply to eliminate pain, but to rebalance the internal terrain and prevent recurrence.

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder is not inevitable.Through Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is possible to understand the body’s message, release energetic blockages, and gradually regain flexibility and freedom of movement.

When energy flows again, the body regains its fluidity.