Is There a Connection Between Menopause and Frozen Shoulder? Acupuncture is a Great Intervention!

If you are a woman in your 40s, 50s, or 60s and suddenly find yourself struggling to reach behind your back, put on a jacket, or lift your arm, you may be experiencing frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis.

The Today show recently highlighted a possible connection between frozen shoulder and menopause. A recent study of 1,952 menopausal women found the incidence of frozen shoulder in women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was almost half - about 3.9% vs. about 7.7% of women who were not taking HRT.

It's an interesting finding, but we need to read between the lines on statements like this and remember that correlation is not causation. Only 152 women in the study were taking HRT, so it may not be so dramatic in a group of 1800 to see a higher incidence of frozen shoulder. There are also other factors to consider beyond just either being on HRT or not.

Acupuncture Has A Point Dedicated to Frozen Shoulder!

If you have frozen shoulder, acupuncture is a great therapy. Fun fact - there is a classic distal point for shoulder problems located on the lower leg. In acupuncture we have local and distal points to treat conditions. This is an example of a distal point and sticking needles into potentially inflamed and painful areas is not necessary. I think that is so cool!

Research has specifically investigated this point for adhesive capsulitis and found improvements in pain and shoulder function.

When I treat frozen shoulder, I don't rely on acupuncture alone. I use a combination of therapies designed to address pain, muscle tension, circulation and restricted movement.

Depending on the individual, I may also incorporate:

• Near-infrared light therapy

• Cupping

• Gua sha

The goal isn't simply to treat where it hurts. It's to take a whole-body approach to pain, tension and restricted movement, while helping the shoulder regain mobility.

If you're going through perimenopause or menopause (or not) and develop persistent shoulder pain or progressively limited movement, don't assume it's something you have to live with.

Frozen shoulder can be painful and limiting—but acupuncture and related therapies offer a drug free approach to help you move and feel better.