Shoulder Stiffness in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different shoulder stiffness patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Shoulder stiffness encompasses a loss of the shoulder joint's normal range of motion, often accompanied by discomfort and the inability to perform movements such as reaching overhead or behind the back. This symptom may arise from various conditions, from postural issues to rotator cuff injuries, and can significantly disrupt daily activities and quality of life. While common in individuals who have sustained shoulder injuries, it can also occur without a clear cause, leading many to seek both medical and alternative treatments.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches shoulder stiffness as an obstruction within the body’s meridian system, specifically the pathways that regulate Qi, or vital energy, and blood flow to the shoulder. TCM emphasizes that such physical symptoms are often signs of deeper imbalances, potentially stemming from external pathogenic factors or internal organ disharmonies.
Treatment focuses on identifying the unique pattern of disharmony for each individual, thereby enabling a tailored approach that seeks to restore the body’s natural flow of energy and alleviate symptoms.
TCM Patterns for Shoulder Stiffness
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause shoulder stiffness
Blood Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Firm (Lao), Wiry (Xian)
Purple tongue
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Liver Yang Rising
Diagnostic signs
Wiry (Xian)
Pale, normal or slightly red on the sides with no coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Shoulder Stiffness
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address shoulder stiffness