The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which makes it easy to injure or overuse. Shoulder pain can limit work, sleep and everyday movements such as reaching up or behind your back.
Common causes
- Rotator cuff strain or tendon inflammation (tendinitis)
- Bursitis, an inflamed cushion in the joint
- Frozen shoulder, with pain and stiffness that limit movement
- Pain referred from the neck
- Arthritis of the shoulder joint
- Poor posture and long hours at a desk
What usually helps
Resting from painful movements but keeping the shoulder moving gently, heat or ice, and physiotherapy exercises help many people. Your doctor may suggest medicines or an injection for persistent pain.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine
Neuro acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are offered at The Tole to complement your medical care. They aim to ease pain and tightness around the shoulder and support circulation to the area.
Some studies suggest acupuncture can reduce shoulder pain, but the research varies, so we do not promise a particular result.
Acupuncture and herbal treatment at The Tole
At The Tole, treatment combines neuro acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, in the way developed by our founder, Dato’ Leong Hong Tole. Master Tole is the founder of TheTole neuro acupuncture and TheTole neuro brain powder, and the treatment is based on his own technique and on the family’s ancestral formulas. His team reviews your history and any medical reports, then recommends acupuncture, herbal preparations, or both. Herbs are prepared for the individual, using natural herbs.
Treatment at The Tole is used together with your medical treatment, to support your recovery. We never ask anyone to stop the care their doctor has advised.
You can walk in during opening hours without an appointment. If you live far away, email your medical reports and we will advise you on herbs and, where suitable, an intensive course of acupuncture. Herbs can be couriered to any country, usually in 3 to 5 working days. See herbs by post.
Please consult before you buy. Before you purchase any TheTole herbs, including TheTole neuro brain powder, we recommend consulting Dato’ Tole or his team first, so that you receive the correct prescription for your condition.
What to expect at your first visit
- Walk in or message us. No appointment is needed during opening hours. You can also send a WhatsApp message first.
- Tell us your story. The Master’s team asks about your symptoms and history, and looks at any reports you bring.
- Agree a plan. They recommend neuro acupuncture, herbal medicine, or both, and explain what to expect.
- Follow up. If you take herbs, we ask you to update us on your progress by email.
Why people choose The Tole
- Founded by Dato’ Master Leong Hong Tole, creator of TheTole neuro acupuncture and TheTole neuro brain powder
- A family practice, now in its fourth generation, in Kuala Lumpur since 1992
- Officially opened by the Health Minister on 31 January 1993
- Herbal formulas prepared for each patient, using natural herbs
- Walk-ins welcome, and herbs couriered to any country
Common questions
Can acupuncture help shoulder pain?
Some people find it eases pain and improves movement. Studies vary in quality, so we offer it as a complement to physiotherapy and medical care.
Is my shoulder pain coming from my neck?
It can be. Pain from the neck often spreads to the shoulder. We will ask about your neck and arm, and look at any reports you bring.
Should I keep the arm still?
Rest from the movements that hurt, but avoid keeping the shoulder completely still for long, because it can stiffen. Your physiotherapist can advise.
See a doctor first if
- Shoulder or arm pain with chest tightness, sweating or breathlessness. Call emergency services at once (999 in Malaysia)
- Pain after a fall, or a shoulder that looks out of shape
- Fever, redness or heat around the joint
- Sudden weakness, or being unable to lift the arm
Ready to talk to us?
Message us on WhatsApp, or walk in during opening hours. No appointment is needed.
Traditional Chinese medicine is offered as a complement to, not a replacement for, medical care. Used together with your doctor’s treatment, it aims to support your recovery. Responses vary from person to person, and no particular result can be promised. Please keep your doctor informed about any herbs or treatments you use.