Frozen Shoulder is medically called Adhesive capsulitis. It is a crippling condition that lasts months or sometimes years, and causes excruciating pain and limited mobility. Physical therapy (PT) and medications (NSAIDs, corticosteroids) are examples of conventional treatments that offer some relief. But these conventional methods of treatments have drawbacks like slow PT progress or drug side effects. Acupuncture is a preferred treatment method due to its ability to target pain at its source, improve mobility and prevent negative reactions. Acupuncture has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine and emerges as a superior alternative. In terms of efficacy and safety. According to some systematic reviews and clinical trials, acupuncture surpasses the advantages of medications and physical therapy most times.
Why Acupuncture Stands Out
Acupuncture is the practice of putting thin needles into certain points on the body. It aims to help it heal, reduce inflammation and bring it back into balance. Acupuncture works differently than allopathy medications that hide symptoms or physical therapy that focuses on stretching the body mechanically. It activates the body’s natural painkillers like endorphins, and changes how the brain works. A meta-analysis confirms that it works to relieve pain and restore function in people with frozen shoulders. It is interesting to note that the benefits of acupuncture last longer than those of most drug regimens.
Reason 1: Superior Pain Relief Without Dependency
One major benefit of acupuncture is that it can quickly and permanently relieve pain. Many researches indicate that acupuncture facilitates earlier pain alleviation compared to rehabilitation alone. This works better than NSAIDs or corticosteroids, which may need to be taken regularly and can cause stomach problems like Ulcer or addiction. Acupuncture is indeed a safer first-line treatment.
Reason 2: Enhanced Range of Motion Gains
Acupuncture is great for making your shoulders more flexible, and it often does better than physical therapy for certain movements like flexion and abduction. There are examples of clinical evidence available that demonstrates good improvements in active range of motion with acupuncture. The targeted stimulation nourishes tissues and reduces adhesions more effectively than physical therapy (PT). This has been found to help overall range of motion (ROM). It also leads to faster functional recovery without the fatigue that comes from doing the same exercises over and over again. – Human
Boosts flexion and abduction angles.
Complements PT outcomes and sometimes it can also accelerate.
Avoids the plateau effect which is common in med-only approaches.
Reason 3: Minimal Side Effects Compared to Meds
Acupuncture has shown no negative effects in various trials. On the other hand, medications like corticosteroids have been documented to cause weight gain, osteoporosis or injection site complications. Acupuncture is perfect for long-term care because of its safety profile. This is visibly true for patients who are drug intolerant. Acupuncture gently reduces inflammation without the risks associated with physical therapy. Oftentimes physical therapy is safe but sometimes can worsen pain if it is overdone.
Reason 4: Long-Lasting Functional Improvements
Acupuncture improves shoulder function over a period of time. This contrasts the transient effects of painkillers. According to some analysis, some forms of acupuncture have been shown to possess superior Constant-Murley scores and response rates compared to manual techniques or controls. Its effects have been demonstrated to last up to six months too. This gives patients a practical option to long-term independence in daily activities. This clearly beats the slow improvements of physical therapy and the short-term suppression of medications.
Reason 5: Effective as Standalone or Adjunct Therapy
Acupuncture can be used in tandem with other therapies also. This despite the fact that it is effective on its own. When paired with exercise, it raises shoulder assessment scores. The gains made are easily maintained after 20 weeks too. The adaptability hence offered by acupuncture offers flexible relief for a range of frozen shoulder stages. This is beyond strict medical protocols or physical therapy regimens.
Higher patient acceptance and compliance.
Fewer sessions needed for noticeable results.
Integrates seamlessly without any contraindications.
Reason 6: Natural Anti-Inflammatory Action
Acupuncture reduces inflammation better than corticosteroids. It does by releasing bioactive chemicals and altering neuroimmune pathways. Its role in reducing pain-producing factors is supported by evidence from animal models. It provides a non-pharmacological advantage over medications and has been found to suppress immunity. Although Physical therapy focuses on mechanics, it does not address the underlying inflammation directly.
Reason 7: Holistic Wellness Beyond Symptoms
Apart from providing physical relief, Acupuncture enhances mental and sleep quality. The benefits so accrued from acupuncture are rarely observed with medication or physical therapy. Trials show improved quality of life due to balanced energy flow. This makes acupuncture a complete solution for frozen shoulders.
These seven factors above highlight how acupuncture is superior to medication and physical therapy in treating frozen shoulders. To regain your mobility and receive the much needed relief, fix an appointment and visit an experienced acupuncture practitioner.