Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain: What the Research Shows
Shoulder pain can be incredibly frustrating. Whether it’s caused by repetitive strain, an old injury, or limited mobility that just won’t budge, it can interfere with everything from sleep to exercise to simple daily tasks. Acupuncture has increasingly been studied as a non-invasive approach for managing musculoskeletal pain, and recent research highlights its benefits for shoulder conditions.
Research on Acupuncture and Shoulder Pain Relief
In 2016, a study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine explored how acupuncture affects people with shoulder pain. The study was carefully designed and compared real acupuncture treatment with a control group over a four-week period.
Participants received acupuncture once per week for four weeks. By the end of the study, the results were clear:
Participants experienced a noticeable reduction in shoulder pain
Shoulder movement and range of motion improved
The reduction in pain was nearly twice as great in the acupuncture group compared to the control group
These findings demonstrate that acupuncture can play a meaningful role in relieving shoulder pain and improving mobility.
How Acupuncture Helps Shoulder Pain
One of the main ways acupuncture helps shoulder pain is by releasing tight muscles and soft tissues around the shoulder. This can ease tension, improve movement, and reduce pain. Acupuncture also helps calm the nervous system, which plays a big role in how the body experiences pain. When the nervous system relaxes, pain signals are less intense and easier to manage.
Acupuncture encourages the body to shift out of “fight or flight” mode and into a “rest and repair” state. This allows the body to focus on healing rather than staying stuck in stress or pain. Many people notice that their shoulder feels looser and more comfortable after treatment.
In addition, acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to injured areas. Better circulation brings oxygen and nutrients to the shoulder, which supports the body’s natural healing process. Over time, this can lead to less pain, better movement, and improved shoulder function. Acupuncture:
Reduces muscle tightness
Decreases pain and stiffness
Improves shoulder flexibility and range of movement
Improves overall comfort during daily activities
Improves overall function of the joint
Many people find that acupuncture not only helps ease pain, but also makes it easier to move the shoulder more freely.
What This Means for You
If you’re dealing with ongoing shoulder pain or limited range of motion, this research offers some encouraging news. Even with just one treatment per week over four weeks, participants experienced noticeable improvements. That makes acupuncture a low-risk, evidence-supported option to consider—either on its own or alongside other therapies.
The Bottom Line
Science is continuing to catch up with what many people have already felt firsthand: acupuncture can be a powerful tool for managing shoulder pain and improving mobility. If your shoulders are holding you back, give acupuncture a try. We’re here to help you reclaim a vibrant, joyful life!