Oakland, CA – Acupuncture and Cupping Reduces Shoulder Pain

Every week, I support men and women in my clinic suffering from shoulder pain. Whether due to athletic pursuits or too much time hunched over at the workplace, many people are struggling with pain in their shoulders, neck, and sometimes down into their hands. Thankfully, acupuncture is a highly effective pain reliever since it reduces inflammation, increases circulation, and supports the release of endorphins in the brain which decreases the pain sensation.

Angela’s case was typical – she enjoyed running and yoga, spent her weekdays working at a computer, and had been dealing with a nagging shoulder pain for months. A friend suggested that she try acupuncture to alleviate her pain. I worked with Angela for about four treatments. We used cupping over several spots on her shoulders, upper back, and neck, and we often did acupuncture treatments both on the front and the back sides of her shoulder. Within the four treatments her pain was substantially better, with only an occasional twinge. However, we both noticed that her posture was sub-optimal, with rolled-forward shoulders and some weakness between her shoulder blades on her back. I referred her to an amazing local pilates-based rehab specialist who helped her to stretch, strengthen, and adjust her sitting and standing posture to prevent future shoulder pain.

Maya’s shoulder pain was a little more difficult to address. Maya was in her early 50s and had suffered from shoulder pain on and off for more than a year. Her orthopedist had given her a cortisone shot the year prior, which helped for a month, but the shoulder pain returned. Her right shoulder ached and periodically sent burning pains down her arm. After each acupuncture session, Maya felt significant pain relief, lasting from days to a week, and the burning sensation never returned. (She also noticed that she slept better and had less stress, irritability, and depression). However, we could not get Maya’s pain to go away completely. An MRI that she had shoulder joint bursitis and partial tears in several tendons of the rotator cuff. Her orthopedist recommends surgery, although Maya will be pursuing physical therapy along with acupuncture in the hopes that proper strengthening will avert the need for surgery.

Do you have a nagging pain that needs relief? Send me an email or give me a call and we can discuss if acupuncture is right for you!