Acupuncture, an Effective Treatment for Shoulder Pain.

A hiker pauses on a forest trail, gripping his shoulder feeling pain and tightness.

Shoulder pain is a common issue affecting thousands of people in Portland, Oregon, limiting mobility and impacting daily life. One particularly debilitating condition is frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. This condition causes pain, stiffness, and restricted movement in the shoulder joint, making simple tasks like reaching overhead or putting on a jacket incredibly difficult. Is acupuncture treatment for shoulder pain effective? Fortunately, acupuncture for frozen shoulder and shoulder pain is emerging as an effective, non-invasive solution for pain relief and recovery. As an acupuncturist I have been seeing an increase in patients with shoulder pain and frozen shoulder.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder and Shoulder Pain

Frozen shoulder develops when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, restricting movement. This condition can last for months or even years if left untreated. Other types of shoulder pain, such as rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, and bursitis, can result from sports injuries, overuse, or poor posture. Regardless of the cause, Stumptown Acupuncture in Portland, OR, offers a drug-free, minimally invasive treatment to restore shoulder function, reduce, and alleviate pain.

How Acupuncture Helps Relieve Shoulder Pain

Acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. For frozen shoulder and chronic shoulder pain, acupuncture works in several ways:

1. Reduces Inflammation – Acupuncture stimulates blood circulation, reducing inflammation and swelling around the shoulder joint.

2. Relieves Pain Naturally – By triggering the release of endorphins and natural painkillers, acupuncture provides long-lasting shoulder pain relief without medication.

3. Improves Mobility – Acupuncture relaxes tight muscles and fascia, gradually increasing the shoulder’s range of motion.

4. Restores Nerve Function – For nerve-related shoulder pain, acupuncture helps stimulate nerve pathways, improving function and reducing discomfort.

5. Addresses the Root Cause – Unlike pain medications that only mask symptoms, acupuncture stimulates the body's natural healing process, ensuring long-term recovery.

   
   

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Treatment for Shoulder Pain

If you’re new to acupuncture in Portland, your first visit will include a comprehensive consultation to assess your symptoms and overall health. During treatment, thin needles are placed in specific acupuncture points on the shoulder, neck, and possibly distal points on the arms or legs to reduce inflammation, promote blood flow, and stimulate healing. Many patients experience a sense of relaxation during the session, and noticeable relief can be felt after just a few treatments.

For frozen shoulder, consistent acupuncture sessions combined with gentle stretching and mobility exercises provide the best results. Most patients see significant improvement after 3-8 sessions, depending on the severity of their condition.

Find Shoulder Pain Relief at Stumptown Acupuncture in Portland, OR

If you’re suffering from frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, or general shoulder pain, acupuncture offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment to restore movement and relieve pain. At Stumptown Acupuncture, we specialize in treating chronic pain and orthopedic conditions, helping Portland residents get back to their active lives.

Book your acupuncture appointment today! We accept most insurance plans and offer free benefit verification for new patients.

Schedule Now