Shoulders

What is Shoulder Pain?

When people hear “shoulder pain,” they often think only of pain in the shoulders, but in reality, it is common to feel stiffness or tightness in the neck and back as well. Shoulder pain is primarily related to the trapezius muscle, which spans from the back of the head to the shoulders and even down to the lower back.

As humans are bipedal, our body structure puts strain on the neck and lower back. In particular, the muscles between the neck and shoulders tend to tense up to maintain posture, which in turn reduces blood flow. This poor circulation is one of the reasons the shoulders feel heavy.

In fact, according to the 2022 National Health and Nutrition Survey, both men and women report experiencing shoulder pain frequently. Shoulder pain is one of the most common symptoms that affects daily life.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

Working in a posture that puts tension on the neck and back, poor posture (such as slouching or leaning forward), lack of exercise, mental stress, narrow shoulders, maintaining the same posture for long periods, carrying a shoulder bag, and air conditioning can all contribute to shoulder pain. Specifically, the following conditions make shoulder pain more likely:

Diagnosis Methods

Diagnosis is made through interviews, neurological examination, especially palpation for tenderness and muscle tension in the trapezius, range of motion of the shoulder joint, and checking for cervical spine disorders.

It is not uncommon for “shoulder stiffness” to be a concomitant symptom of cervical spine disorders, intracranial disorders, hypertension, eye diseases, ear, nose, and throat diseases, and shoulder joint disorders. We thoroughly assess the symptoms that cause shoulder pain and apply appropriate treatment.

Common Treatments

Massage Therapy (Improving blood flow to muscles and easing muscle tension)

Many cases of shoulder stiffness are caused by poor blood circulation. Massage therapy improves muscle blood flow and relaxes muscle tension to relieve shoulder stiffness.

Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture involves inserting a specialized needle into acupuncture points to provide stimulation. The needle is as thin as a hair, so there is little pain. The stimulation from the inserted needle affects the autonomic nervous system, immune system, and helps relax muscle tension, improve the metabolism of blood and lymph fluid, and increase hormone secretion, aiding the body’s natural healing process.

Heat Therapy (Using hot towels or baths to ease muscle tension)

Warming the body is also effective in improving blood circulation. Heat therapy uses sound waves or hot compresses to warm the affected area.

Exercise Therapy (Muscle Strengthening)

Exercise therapy is helpful in alleviating muscle tension. Stretching exercises for shoulder stiffness and daily life guidance are provided.

Pharmacological Therapy (Topical medications, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory analgesics, local injections, etc.)

When shoulder stiffness occurs, the muscles around the shoulders become tense, and blood circulation is impaired. Muscle relaxants are used to relieve this muscle tension. For shoulder stiffness, muscle relaxants with mild effects are typically used.

Posture Guidance

Having an unbalanced, tense body increases the risk of decreased performance, injury, and damage in sports.

Medical Japan’s Traditional Medicine Approach

Tenderness, removal of nodules, and adjustment of the autonomic nervous system or mental stability as needed. Treatment is applied to the areas of tenderness and nodules around the neck, shoulders, and between the shoulder blades, as well as to other corresponding acupuncture points. [Prescription Example] Tianzhu, Fengchi, Jianjing, Gaomang, Shenzhu

Special Acupuncture Point for Shoulder Stiffness – Jianjing (肩井)

Interventions Only Medical Japan Can Provide

Unlike rotator cuff tendinitis or tears, this condition is primarily caused by poor circulation, and the treatment focuses on improving blood flow. By approaching the body from the neck, shoulders, back, and even the waist and legs, we address not only the areas you are aware of but also hidden contributing factors. Additionally, we aim to expand the range of motion and increase flexibility by incorporating breathing techniques and posture correction. To achieve early improvement, we provide personalized consultations, customized treatments, and bespoke therapy tailored to each individual.

Acupuncture Pulse Treatment for the Area Between the Shoulder Blades

By inserting acupuncture needles into hardened muscles and applying low-frequency currents, this excellent treatment provides stable results for chronic pain, muscle stiffness, and poor circulation.

Dynamic Control of the Shoulder Blades to Normalize Head Position

By actively lowering and inwardly rotating the shoulder blades through automatic movement, the position of the head is corrected to a normal alignment. It is important to “activate the muscle strength needed to maintain posture.” Simply massaging the muscles will not result in improvement.

AI Posture Analysis System

From your current posture, we can estimate areas where muscles are stiff or pain may occur, as well as future posture. This helps in explaining treatment plans and effectiveness more clearly. It also makes it easier for patients to understand their body condition. This allows us to identify which muscles need to be loosened and which need to be trained. By recognizing your body, you will know what needs to be improved. Of course, this also enables more precise treatments. Based on this analysis, we can provide you with customized training and stretching methods.

Myopressure (Gait Diagnosis System)

When walking on a treadmill with about 20,000 sensors, you can identify your foot pressure, center of gravity shifts, and left-right load distribution. Additionally, two cameras are used to visually check your walking posture.

Insole & Shoe Prescription

Based on the results from the Myopressure (gait diagnosis system), we can create insoles that are more suited to your body. Since you can visually check imbalances in your center of gravity and foot trajectory, this allows for more accurate guidance in improving the use of the entire foot. By using insoles that fit your body, the natural function of your feet is enhanced, supporting the arches and making it easier to apply the correct center of gravity. This leads to improved performance, endurance, reduced fatigue, and less stress on muscles and the body. It also makes walking more comfortable.

【Realign Core】【Realign Balance Shoes】

Realign Core is an exercise aid designed to align the pelvis and ribcage, which make up the body’s core. When there is “misalignment (asymmetry)” in the pelvis and ribcage, it can negatively affect not only the spine but also the movement functions of the shoulders, neck, and hip joints. By wearing the Realign Core and performing a simple 10-minute exercise, you can correct misalignment in the pelvis and ribcage and effectively learn the “optimal movement pattern” for the spine.

Medical Japan Intervention Examples

Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound is applied to a specific area, either with or without thermal effects. MRI was taken at a partnered medical institution to assess the affected area, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of medical treatment. Ultrasound → Increased blood flow to the arterial plexus through deep heat. Additionally, high-frequency and ultrasound therapy devices (Astron) are used to relieve muscle tension with high frequency and suppress pain transmission.

Prevention Methods and Rehabilitation Programs

Manual therapy and acupuncture are used to improve blood circulation. By being mindful of these methods in daily life, you can maintain treatment results and achieve a “body that doesn’t easily get stiff.” We also provide various exercise techniques, body usage tips, and daily life improvement points.

Recommendation from a Doctor

I am Dr. Ryohei Tsuchida, the director of Tokyo Bisen Clinic Shibuya. At our clinic, we address a variety of musculoskeletal conditions based on orthopedic expertise. Our clinic is fully equipped with an X-ray room to ensure accurate diagnoses.

While we treat a wide range of musculoskeletal symptoms, I strongly recommend the treatments offered by Medical Japan as a reliable and effective option.

For example:
Acupuncture and Chiropractic to Improve Pain and Numbness at the Root
Treating pain and numbness caused by shoulder stiffness, back pain, arthritis, myofascial pain, and neuralgia at the root to achieve sustainable recovery.

Rehabilitation and Evaluation Analysis to Prevent Recurrence
Based on a detailed evaluation, we create personalized rehabilitation plans to prevent recurrence of knee, shoulder, and chronic back pain.

Training to Strengthen the Body
After recovery, we focus on strengthening the body to prevent recurrence, sports injuries, and muscle weakness.

Medical Japan offers evidence-based comprehensive health support, making it especially recommended for those experiencing musculoskeletal issues such as shoulder stiffness, back pain, arthritis, myofascial pain, and sports injuries.

References

Affiliated Organizations

• National Acupuncture and Massage Association
• World Chiropractic Alliance
• Japan Chiropractic Association
• Kaatsu Training JAPAN
• PHI Pilates Japan
• Japan Joint Mobilization Approach (AKA) Medical Society

Testimonials from Our Patients

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