The causes of shoulder pain vary, and the reasons for left shoulder pain are different from those for right shoulder pain. Now let's take a look at the specific causes of shoulder pain.
How Traditional Chinese Massage Treats Shoulder Pain
1. Acupoint Stimulation and Pressure Method
① Jianjing Point
When treating shoulder pain, acupuncture therapy is the most effective, and among them, the Jianjing point is the most effective. The Jianjing point is located in the middle of the neck at the junction between the root of the neck and the shoulder. You can pinch the armpit and close your fingers on the other side of the shoulder. At this point, the middle finger will touch the Jianjing point. Pressing the Jianjing point will produce a very comfortable pressure pain (pain during pressure), which can be easily found.
The Jianjing point is a representative acupoint for treating shoulder pain and muscle knots. The stiffer the muscles in the shoulder, the stronger the feeling of pain. Massaging the Jianjing point, sit with the left hand and massage the Jianjing point on the right shoulder with the middle finger for 1-2 minutes, then switch hands. Massage the Quchi point, sit with the left hand and press and massage the Quchi point on the right arm for 1-2 minutes, then switch hands. Massage the Hegu point, sit with the left hand and press and massage the Hegu point on the right hand for 1-2 minutes before switching hands. Pressing the Jianjing point with your fingers will improve blood circulation in the shoulder and gradually relax the stiff shoulder.
② Tianzong Point, Fengchi Point, Tianzhu Point
When the shoulder pain extends to the back, pressing the Tianzong point can be effective. The Tianzong point is located in the center of the scapula. On the back of the shoulder, there are triangular bones on both sides, which are the scapulae.
Touch the center of the scapula with your fingers. You should be able to feel the concave area where the bone becomes thinner. Pressing it should cause a tingling sensation, indicating that it is the Tianzong point. To improve the effect, you can also stimulate other acupoints such as the Fengchi point and Tianzhu point.
③ Zhongfu Point
The key acupoint for relieving shoulder pain, mainly used to treat shoulder pain caused by arching the upper body or walking in high heels for a long time. It is located about two finger widths below the end of the collarbone. The pressing method involves lightly holding the shoulder with your hand and gently pressing the Zhongfu point with your thumb.
2. Simple Exercise Relief Method
① Hands on Head Method
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and tightly hold your hands behind your head. Open your elbows and keep them parallel to your body. Bring your elbows together, as if you are holding your head, and repeat.
② Single Hand Pressure Method
Using the right shoulder as an example, stand with your feet in a lunge position, with your right foot in front, about a foot away from the table. Your left foot should be straight and behind you. Place your right hand on the table and press your left palm against your right shoulder, using the movement of your body to swing downward and backward.
③ Chest Expansion and Shoulder Separation Method
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and place your hands in front of your chest, with your elbows parallel to your shoulders, the back of your hands facing up, and your palms facing down. Open up your chest, separate your shoulders, and inhale. Exhale when returning to the starting position.
④ Head Pressing Palm Method
Before going to bed at night and before getting up in the morning, lie on your back in bed, extend your legs, place your palms under your head, with your palms facing up and the backs of your hands facing down, and press your head tightly against the center of your palms (press the palm on the side that hurts). Do this for 20 minutes each time. In the first few days, the arms may not bend too much and it may be difficult to position the palms correctly, so you can start by pressing the palms while lying on your side.
Massage intensity varies from person to person
If the massage intensity is too strong, it will cause excessive stimulation, resulting in a superliminal inhibitory signal that reduces the effectiveness of the technique, and it can also easily cause tissue damage. The intensity of the massage technique can vary from person to person. For example, those who are thin and weak can use less force. Those who are overweight or strong should increase the force appropriately. Do not use too little force, as it may cause no sensation, but also avoid using excessive force that may damage the skin and internal organs. In general, after a massage, if you feel comfortable and relaxed, the force used is considered appropriate.
Massage intensity usually starts from light and gradually increases
The intensity of the massage usually starts from light and gradually increases. Start with a gentle rubbing motion to slowly allow the skin and its nerves to adapt, and then the force can be slightly increased, just a little stronger than before, while paying attention to the patient's acceptance and natural reaction, whether there is a frowning or uncomfortable feeling. If there is none, the force can be increased a little more on the third time, but avoid starting with too much force. Only when the affected area is loosened and activated can it be said that this force is the best.
For the first massage, the force must be appropriate
For those who are receiving a massage for the first time, the force must be appropriate. If the force is too strong, the recipient may develop a fear of massage, and perhaps they will only receive a massage once and not dare to receive it again. The sensitivity of different reflex zones also varies, so for reflex zones with high sensitivity, the force should not be too great, such as acupoints around the eyes, ears, duodenum, and frontal sinuses; for reflex zones with relatively weak sensitivity, the force should be increased appropriately, such as the kidney area, adrenal gland area, small intestine area, pituitary area, and reproductive gland area. It is through this appropriate force that stimulates the reflex zones and produces a sense of pain that diseases can be cured and patients can recover their health as soon as possible.
