What causes frozen shoulder? How to determine whether you have frozen shoulder?

Most cases of frozen shoulder are caused by disease factors, while some cases are caused by the deterioration of physical fitness after reaching a certain age. However, no matter which one it is, relevant treatment should be carried out as soon as possible.

What causes frozen shoulder (Western medicine theory)

1

Periarthritis of the shoulder is mainly caused by exogenous wind-cold, dampness or muscle damage under the action of external force, which leads to chronic aseptic inflammation of local tissues including joint capsule, rotator cuff, ligaments, bursa, muscle tendons.

What causes frozen shoulder (TCM theory)

2

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that this is caused by aging, insufficiency of the liver and kidneys, deficiency of Qi and blood, lack of nourishment to the tendons and bones, coupled with long-term fatigue, and cold stagnation of the fascia due to lying with the shoulders exposed. Over time, the tendons and veins will become adhered and unable to move. Therefore, deficiency of Qi and blood and failure of blood to nourish tendons are internal causes, while invasion of wind, cold and dampness are external causes.

TCM Diagnosis of Periarthritis of Shoulder

3

1. Wind-cold-dampness obstruction syndrome: cold pain in the shoulder joint, limited movement, heaviness of the affected area, increased pain when exposed to cold and reduced pain when exposed to warmth, pale red tongue, thin white fur, and deep, tight pulse.

2. Blood deficiency and cold stagnation syndrome: cold pain in the shoulder joint, relieved by warmth and aggravated by cold, limited shoulder movement, dizziness, pale complexion, pale tongue, thin white fur, and deep, slow and fine pulse.

3. Blood stasis and obstruction syndrome: stabbing and fixed pain in the shoulder joint, pain that is resistant to pressure, worse at night, limited movement, dark purple tongue, thin white fur, and sluggish pulse.