Frozen shoulder and Shoulder impingement

Introduction

Shoulder pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages, especially those who work at desks, play sports, or are recovering from an injury.

Two common but often confused causes of shoulder discomfort are Frozen Shoulder and Shoulder Impingement. While the symptoms can feel similar—stiffness, pain, and limited movement—the underlying causes and treatment approaches are quite different.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between these two conditions and how acupuncture and related techniques may help restore mobility and reduce pain.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is characterized by pain and stiffness that gradually worsen over time. It often follows prolonged shoulder immobility, such as after surgery or injury, and is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60.

The shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and tight, severely restricting motion—especially external rotation. Simple tasks like dressing or reaching overhead can become difficult or even impossible.

Movement of External rotation

What is Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder impingement occurs when tendons or bursae in the shoulder become compressed or irritated, typically during arm movements above the head. It’s often caused by muscle imbalance, poor posture, or repetitive overhead activity.

Pain is more noticeable during motion rather than at rest, and the range of motion is often preserved, though it may be painful.

Shoulder impingement

Key Differences

	Frozen Shoulder	Shoulder Impingement
Pain at rest	Common	Less common
Range of motion	Severely limited	Painful but usually mobile
Typical cause	Often unclear; post-injury or post-surgery	Mechanical (posture, overuse)
Progression	Gradual, over months	Varies with activity

How Can Acupuncture Help?

At IDOU Japanese Acupuncture, we often see patients with shoulder issues—some of whom have lived with pain and stiffness for months or even years. Based on the type and degree of movement limitation, we choose specific acupuncture points tailored to the individual’s condition.

For example:

• Acupuncture on the rotator cuff area can help improve joint mobility by reducing local inflammation and relaxing deep muscle layers.

• Depending on how limited the movement is, we carefully select needle placement to target the most relevant muscles and tendons.

• Gentle electrical stimulation (electro-acupuncture) may be used to encourage light muscle contractions. This promotes blood circulation and supports natural healing.

• In some cases, cupping therapy is applied to lift the muscle belly and release tension in the surrounding tissues. This helps relax the tendon spindles, which can otherwise inhibit smooth shoulder movement.

These techniques aim to support the body’s own recovery process—especially when used regularly over a short course of treatment.

While every patient responds differently, many begin to notice improvements in flexibility and reduced discomfort after just a few sessions.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been experiencing shoulder pain that interferes with daily life, understanding the root cause is the first step toward recovery.

Whether it's frozen shoulder or impingement syndrome, early and appropriate care can make a significant difference.

Should you wish to explore acupuncture as an option, you're always welcome to reach out to us at IDOU Japanese Acupuncture in Utrecht.

Our approach is gentle, individualized, and rooted in traditional Japanese techniques designed to restore natural movement.