Shoulder Pain

Yes. Acupuncture releases muscle rigidity around the shoulder joint and improves circulation, making it effective for acute and chronic shoulder pain. The WHO also recognises shoulder pain as an indication for acupuncture.

Yes. Cupping around the shoulder joint clears blood stasis and releases muscle tension, effectively easing shoulder pain.

Yes. Herbal medicine has demonstrated effects in strengthening bone and muscle and suppressing inflammation. Formulas that tonify the liver and kidney in particular slow musculoskeletal degeneration and promote tissue regeneration.

Chuna therapy performed by an experienced Korean medicine doctor involves little pain. Many patients in fact feel their body is refreshed and lighter after the session. We adjust the intensity to each person's condition.

Yes. Korean medicine procedures such as acupuncture, cupping and Chuna are covered by health insurance. Herbal formulas are not covered, but private indemnity insurance may reimburse them in some cases.

Acute pain eases substantially within 2 to 4 weeks. Chronic pain or a structural problem needs 2 to 3 months of systematic treatment, followed by a maintenance period to prevent recurrence.

A condition in which inflammation and adhesion form in the shoulder joint capsule, making it hard to raise the arm or reach behind. It is called "fifty shoulder" in Korean because it is common in the fifties, but it occurs across the forties to sixties.

A condition in which the four tendons that stabilise the shoulder — the rotator cuff — wear down or tear. Pain on raising the arm, night pain and loss of strength are the typical symptoms.

A condition in which calcium deposits in the shoulder tendons (the rotator cuff), causing extreme pain. Often the shoulder suddenly hurts so intensely that the arm cannot be moved at all.

A condition in which the acromion and the rotator cuff tendon collide when the arm is raised, causing pain and inflammation. Repeated overhead movement is the main cause.

A condition in which inflammation or degeneration develops in the acromioclavicular (AC) joint where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade, causing pain on top of the shoulder. It worsens when raising the arm overhead or reaching to touch the opposite shoulder.

A state in which the fibrocartilage rim (labrum) surrounding the shoulder socket is damaged. Shoulder instability, a sense of dislocation and catching during certain movements are the typical symptoms.