What did cause shoulder pain?

 Shoulder pain is very common and easy suffered problem in modern society, the shoulder is more prone to tenseness or injuries than other joints because of it is always frequently used and moved with wide range.

There are several factors that cause shoulder pain and limit movement of the shoulder joint, including:    

 Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is characterised by suffering chronic pain and stiffness in the area of shoulder. The connective tissue surrounding the Glenohumeral Joint of the shoulder becomes inflamed and stiff, furthermore it restrict the movement of the shoulder. The pain is usually constant and worse at night. It becomes worse when the weather is colder. Sometime certain movements can cause sudden onset of huge pain and cramping that can last several minutes.

 The exact cause of this problem is unknown. It can last from five months to few years and is considered as result of injury or trauma to the area. The people who suffer from this problem usually experience problems sleeping due to pain that is worse at night and restricted positions. The condition also can lead to depression, pain, and pain in the neck and back. The risk factors for frozen shoulder include diabetes, stroke, lung disease, heart disease and connective tissue disorders. This problem is easy appears in people around 50.

Treatment of frozen shoulder consists of physical therapy, remedial massage, acupuncture, medication or surgery. The purpose of treatment is to break up the adhesions and scar tissue in the shoulder joint and restore the qi and blood circulation in shoulder area. Most people will regain about 90% of shoulder motion over time. People suffered from frozen shoulder may have difficulty working and going about normal life activities for several months or longer.

 Rotator Cuff Disorders

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that make and keep the normal shoulder joint movement function. It occurs when tissues in the shoulder get irritated or damaged. Rotator cuff disorders include inflammation of the tendons, impingement, calcific tendinitis and tendons tears. The inflammation can be caused by general wear and tear that occurs with age, activities that require constant or repetitive shoulder motion, especially move above shoulder level, heavy lifting, trauma, or poor posture. Serious injuries and untreated inflammation of the tendons can cause the rotator cuff to tear.

The pain associated with rotator cuff problems is normally felt at the front or on the outside of the shoulder, particularly when you raise your arm or lift something above your head. You may also notice the pain more when lying in bed. Severe injuries can cause weakness of the shoulder muscles, restricted shoulder movement and continuous pain.

  Shoulder Dislocation

Shoulder dislocation occurs when the ball-shaped head of your upper arm bone (humerus) comes out of the shoulder socket. It may be caused by a fall, a sporting injury, or trauma, and is an extremely painful condition. A dislocated shoulder is visibly deformed or out of place, and there may be swelling or bruising around the joint. Shoulder movement is severely restricted in people with a dislocated shoulder. Doctors can usually put the shoulder bones back into place using gentle manoeuvres.

Following a dislocation, the shoulder joint sometimes becomes unstable and susceptible to repeated dislocations. This condition is known as shoulder instability, and causes pain and unsteadiness when you raise your arm or move it away from your body. Your shoulder may feel as if it is slipping out of place when you lift your arm over your head.

 Arthritis

Arthritis causes progressive joint pain, the pain is often a constant and daily feature of the disease. There are near 100 types of arthritis, but most kind of arthritis can affect the shoulder joint and can be painful joint. The most important thing is to understand the disorder and find ways to overcome the obstacles which prevent physical movement of the shoulder joint.

  Sometimes shoulder pain is actually due to problems in your neck or a mixture of several different problems and emotional stress. Also shoulder pain may be caused by infection, problems with the nerves, or a tumour.

What can be done by acupuncture for your shoulder pain?

Acupuncture can be a very effective method to treat most neck and shoulder problems. Neck and shoulder muscle tightness and tension, especially of people who do a lot of repetitive physical job or work in an office. Sitting in front of a computer and typing for long time causes a poor blood circulation in the tissue and fatigue of the muscles involved. The neck and shoulder muscular stiffness can be also aggravated and formed tight muscular scar tissue without timely treatment. It also can be developed into frozen shoulder around age 50.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers shoulder pain caused either by invasion of pathogenic wind, cold and dampness due to asthenia, or by weakness in the aged and malnutrition of soft tissues; or by blockage of qi and blood as well as retention of dampness and phlegm that block the meridians, furthermore it prevent the flow of qi and blood and lead to dysfunction of the tendons and muscles. Acupuncture will work on special meridians points to make the qi and blood to go fluently.

The basic acupoints includes LI15, TE14, LI11, SI9, GB12, BG20, SI11, LI14, LI10, ST36 and ashi acupoints.