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🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

 💻 TCM Treatments for Menopause & Perimenopause Online Course

💊 The Integrative Guide to Vitamins & Nutrients Online Course

Show Notes

Frozen shoulder is something I’ve successfully treated countless times in my clinic—but over the years, I began to notice a fascinating pattern: nearly every single case I’ve treated has been in women going through menopause or post-menopause.

It took time (and many clinical cases!) to see the connection, but it’s undeniable. While conventional medicine often advises women to simply “wait it out” for a year—sometimes longer—offering pain medication as the only solution, Chinese Medicine provides a much more active, effective, and holistic path to healing.

And when the right acupuncture points and TCM strategies are applied?
Recovery can take weeks, not a year.

Why Frozen Shoulder and Menopause Are Linked (The TCM and Western View)

In TCM, frozen shoulder during menopause isn’t just a random musculoskeletal issue—it’s a reflection of internal imbalance, especially involving the Kidneys, Liver, and circulation of Qi and Blood.

The TCM View

As women enter menopause, Kidney essence (Jing) and Yin naturally decline. These are the deep reserves that nourish bones, tendons, and joints. When they weaken, the tendons and ligaments lose lubrication and flexibility, creating the perfect environment for stiffness and pain.

• Kidney deficiency → poor nourishment of bones and joints, slower recovery

• Qi and Blood deficiency → reduced circulation, weak muscles and tendon repair

• Liver Blood deficiency and Qi stagnation → tendons become dry and tight, leading to a limited range of motion

The resulting pattern is often a mix of Qi and Blood stagnation (causing localized pain and fixed stiffness) and Cold-Damp Bi syndrome (worsening symptoms in cold or damp weather, or at night).

So, frozen shoulder during menopause isn’t just about blocked energy—it’s also about depletion. The goal in TCM treatment is to move Qi and Blood, while also nourishing what’s deficient.

The Western Correlation

From a biomedical lens, this makes perfect sense. During menopause, estrogen levels drop, leading to a decrease in collagen production, which results in inflammation and reduced tissue elasticity. The shoulder capsule becomes thicker and tighter, limiting movement and causing pain.

That’s why I always recommend collagen supplements—they help restore elasticity, reduce inflammation, and support not only frozen shoulder recovery but overall joint health.

Acupuncture Solutions: Treating the Root and the Branch

When treating frozen shoulder, I always work with both the root (internal deficiency) and the branch (local stagnation).

Go-to acupuncture points:

• Local points: LI15, SJ14, and Jian Qian to open the shoulder joint and relieve pain

• Distal points: ST38 (opposite side), LI4, LV3 to move Qi and Blood throughout the body

• Tonifying points: ST36 and SP6 to strengthen Qi and Blood for long-term recovery

Combining these with techniques like Tui Na massage, cupping, and heat therapy helps restore circulation, release adhesions, and accelerate healing.

Beyond Needles: Massage, Movement & Lifestyle

Incorporating Chinese massage (Tui Na) before acupuncture helps warm and relax the shoulder, while cupping afterward increases local blood flow and reduces stiffness. I recommend two sessions per week, and in many cases, the typical “one-year” recovery shortens to just six to eight weeks.

Patients should also stay active between treatments:

• Gentle range-of-motion exercises (like wall walks)

• Warm compresses daily to relax muscles

• Avoiding cold, raw foods and drinks that can aggravate stagnation

The Bigger Picture

Frozen shoulder during menopause isn’t just an orthopedic problem—it’s a reflection of a systemic shift. As practitioners, when we treat both the underlying Kidney and Liver deficiency and the local stagnation, we help our patients not only regain mobility but also restore energy, confidence, and balance through the menopausal transition.

That’s the power of Traditional Chinese Medicine—it treats the whole woman, not just the shoulder.

Disclaimer

The Acupro Show podcast and material shared through Acupro Academy is a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. As well as users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice. For any existing medical condition with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.

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