Frozen Shoulder – TheTole Treatment & Herbal Approach
Frozen Shoulder, also known as Adhesive Capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It develops when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder thickens and tightens, restricting movement and causing progressive discomfort.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, Frozen Shoulder is caused by Qi and Blood stagnation, Cold-Damp obstruction in the meridians, and Liver–Kidney imbalance affecting tendon nourishment.
Overview
- Frozen Shoulder progresses through stages: pain, stiffness, and gradual recovery, but may take months or years.
- Symptoms include severe stiffness, dull or sharp pain, difficulty lifting the arm, and pain at night or during movement.
- Causes include inflammation, injury, prolonged immobility, hormonal imbalance, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes.
- TCM views the condition as blocked Qi/Blood flow in the shoulder meridians due to Cold, Damp, stagnation, or underlying deficiency.
- Without treatment, mobility may remain restricted, affecting daily function and posture.
TheTole Approach
Treatment Philosophy
TheTole focuses on restoring joint mobility, relieving pain, improving circulation, and dissolving adhesions naturally using acupuncture and herbal formulations.
Treatment aims to:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Restore full shoulder range of motion
- Improve circulation of Qi and Blood through the joint
- Relax stiff muscles and tendons
- Prevent long-term contracture or recurrence
Acupuncture
TheTole’s acupuncture approach helps:
- Stimulate circulation in the frozen shoulder capsule
- Release tight muscles in the upper arm, neck, and back
- Reduce inflammation and pain around joint structures
- Break down stagnation and adhesions blocking movement
- Improve shoulder flexibility and functional mobility
Acupuncture points are tailored based on whether the condition is in the painful, frozen, or thawing stage.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal formulations are customized to:
- Promote Qi and Blood flow in the shoulder
- Reduce Cold-Damp obstruction causing stiffness
- Nourish tendons through Liver and Kidney support
- Relieve inflammation and muscular tension
- Enhance recovery from chronic frozen shoulder
Herbal prescriptions evolve based on symptom stage and mobility changes.
Lifestyle & Management
Helpful steps include:
- Gentle shoulder stretching
- Avoiding sudden heavy lifting
- Applying warm compresses (not cold) to relieve stiffness
- Maintaining good posture during work or sleep
- Light rotational movements to prevent further tightening
Treatment Process
- Consultation with Dato’ Tole to assess stage, mobility limitation, and underlying TCM imbalance.
- Acupuncture sessions to release stagnation, reduce pain, and restore movement.
- Herbal therapy tailored to clear obstruction and nourish underlying deficiencies.
- Progress monitoring to adjust treatment and accelerate recovery.
FAQs
Q: How long does Frozen Shoulder last?
A: It can last months to years without treatment; TheTole therapy aims to shorten recovery time significantly.
Q: Why does Frozen Shoulder occur suddenly?
A: Inflammation, hormonal changes, stress, immobility, or Cold-Damp exposure may trigger sudden onset.
Q: Can acupuncture help immediately?
A: Many patients report reduced pain and improved movement after initial treatments.
