Jian Ning
AliasShoulder periarthritis
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Shoulder Adhesions (Scapulohumeral Periarthritis)
In traditional Chinese medicine, shoulder adhesions, also known as scapulohumeral periarthritis, fall under the category of "Bi Syndrome." According to the records in "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," shoulder adhesions refer to chronic aseptic inflammation of the shoulder joint and its surrounding soft tissues, leading to symptoms such as shoulder pain and restricted movement. The pathogenesis is often due to the obstruction of Qi and blood circulation, resulting in the malnourishment of the sinews and bones.
In TCM clinical practice, shoulder adhesions are a common limb-meridian disease. The core pathogenesis is obstructed Qi-blood circulation and malnourishment of the sinews and bones. Common triggers include overexertion, improper posture, and contraction of wind-cold-damp pathogens. During syndrome differentiation, attention should be paid to the following key points:
1. Cold, heat, deficiency, and excess: Wind-cold obstructing syndrome manifests as shoulder pain aggravated by wind-cold, worse at night; Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome manifests as stabbing shoulder pain, limited mobility, fixed pain location; Qi-blood deficiency syndrome manifests as aching shoulder pain, weakness when raising the arm, aggravated by exertion.
2. Key points of syndrome differentiation: Observe the nature, location, and temporal changes of the pain, as well as the constitution, to comprehensively judge the pathogenesis.
Overall direction of regulation: In TCM clinical practice, corresponding treatment principles are adopted for different syndrome types. Wind-cold obstructing syndrome should be treated by dispersing wind and cold, unblocking collaterals and relieving pain; Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome should be treated by invigorating blood and resolving stasis, regulating Qi and relieving pain; Qi-blood deficiency syndrome should be treated by tonifying Qi and nourishing blood, strengthening sinews and bones. During treatment, attention should be paid to adjusting lifestyle habits and strengthening functional exercise to promote the recovery of shoulder function.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Wind-cold obstruction syndrome
Main Manifestations: Shoulder pain, exacerbated by cold and wind, worse at night
Management Approach: Expel Wind and Disperse Cold, Unblock Channels and Alleviate Pain
Stagnation and blood stasis
Main Manifestations: Shoulder piercing pain, limited movement, pain at a fixed point
Management Approach: Activate Blood and Dissolve Stasis, Regulate Qi and Alleviate Pain
Deficiency of Qi and blood syndrome
Main Manifestations: Shoulder soreness, weak lifting, exacerbated by fatigue
Management Approach: Tonify Qi and nourish blood, strengthen the tendons and bones
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
Treatment of shoulder adhesions should follow the principle of "free flow prevents pain", emphasizing the combination of local and holistic approaches.
— Chai Xia Yang Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)