The trend of "Frozen Shoulder" becoming more prevalent among young adults

Can Enduring Pain Lead to Natural Recovery?

A 52-year-old woman visited our clinic initially for menopause syndrome but mentioned a recurrence of frozen shoulder. She experienced pain and difficulty moving her arm backward or outward for two months, affecting daily activities like lifting heavy objects and wearing a bra. The pain often woke her at night, severely impacting her quality of life. She had previous episodes treated with physical therapy and stretching exercises, which only partially relieved the pain. This time, she opted for TCM treatment.

Frozen shoulder, medically called periarthritis of the shoulder joint, is common around age 50, hence the name "fifty shoulder." Symptoms include shoulder pain and limited movement, also known as adhesive capsulitis. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments like acupuncture and cupping help by relaxing muscles, improving blood circulation, relieving pain, and enhancing shoulder mobility.

The article notes a trend of frozen shoulder appearing in younger patients in their 30s and 40s. Traditional Chinese Medicine attributes the condition to factors like wind, cold, and dampness causing blockage and pain. Hong Kong's humid climate, large temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments, and prolonged exposure to cold air conditioning contribute to poor circulation in the shoulder. Poor posture, chronic strain from carrying heavy bags, and lack of stretching also cause blood and energy stagnation, leading to pain and chronic frozen shoulder. Without treatment, the condition may worsen to muscle atrophy.

Another case involved a man in his 50s diagnosed with frozen shoulder due to insufficient qi and blood, leading to pain. Besides acupuncture, he was prescribed warming and circulation-promoting herbal medicine. He felt warmth and significant improvement in pain and shoulder movement after two days of herbal treatment.

Typically, patients experience noticeable pain relief and improved shoulder rotation after two acupuncture and cupping sessions. A full course of 6 to 8 TCM treatments is recommended depending on severity, combined with maintaining proper posture, avoiding heavy lifting, and regular exercise to keep joints flexible.

In general, frozen shoulder is no longer limited to those around 50 years old but is increasingly seen in younger adults. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers effective treatment options that address both symptoms and underlying causes, improving quality of life and shoulder function.