Scraping Therapy: An Effective Treatment for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

November 14, 2023

Shoulder impingement syndrome, also known as shoulder bursitis, is a chronic degenerative disease of the soft tissues and joint capsule around the shoulder joint. It is commonly seen in middle-aged individuals around the age of 50, hence the nickname "frozen shoulder". It is a common and prevalent disease that affects the health of middle-aged and elderly people. Scraping therapy, as a traditional Chinese medicine treatment method, is simple, convenient, and safe, and it has a good therapeutic effect on shoulder impingement syndrome. Let's take a look at the steps of scraping therapy for shoulder impingement syndrome!

Treatment Steps for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Scraping Therapy

1. Scraping Areas

1. Head and neck: Tianzhu, Dazhui.

2. Chest: Anterior axillary line, Middle axillary line.

3. Shoulder and back: Posterior axillary line, Jianjing, Tianzong, Jianyu.

4. Affected upper limb: Quchi, Waiguan.

2. Scraping Method

Apply a small amount of scraping oil to the area, first scrape from Tianzhu to Dazhui; then scrape the anterior axillary line, middle axillary line, and posterior axillary line in an upward direction; then scrape the shoulder and back, scraping Jianjing, Tianzong, and Jianyu acupoints in the direction of the arrows; finally, use the rounded corner of the scraping board to press or scrape Quchi and Waiguan acupoints.

Scrape each area about 30 times, or use the appearance of sha (petechiae) in the local area as the measurement. Cupping therapy before or after scraping can enhance the treatment effect.

3. Indications

Treat shoulder impingement syndrome and alleviate pain symptoms. In the early stages of shoulder impingement syndrome, shoulder pain is the main symptom, which worsens at night and is accompanied by a cool and stiff feeling. In the later stages, there will be pathological changes such as congestion, edema, exudation, and adhesion in the soft tissues around the shoulder joint.

Precautions for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Scraping Therapy

1. If conditions permit, take X-rays before scraping therapy to exclude joint bone lesions.

2. Frozen shoulder caused by fractures or dislocations should be treated after reduction or fracture healing.

3. Pay attention to keeping the area warm, prevent exposure to cold, and avoid excessive fatigue to avoid aggravating the condition and affecting the treatment effect.

4. During the treatment period, proper shoulder exercise should be accompanied, and the principles of perseverance, gradual progress, and individual differences should be followed.

5. During scraping therapy, instruct the patient to move their shoulder appropriately to promote blood circulation and qi flow.

Cupping Locations for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

1. Cupping Method:

Cupping at the Tianting area, lateral neck area, posterior lung area, Kidney Shu area, spleen area, etc. The cupping time is 30-40 minutes.

2. Operation Principle

These areas have the function of promoting blood circulation, dredging meridians, and facilitating joint movement.

3. Tips

(1) Cupping therapy has a good therapeutic effect on treating shoulder impingement syndrome.

(2) After cupping, strengthen shoulder joint and back exercises, and pay attention to keeping the shoulder and back warm.

Where is the Best Location for Moxibustion in Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

1. Acupoint Selection

Shoulder well point, Jianzhongshu point, Jianwaishu point, Jianzhen point, Jianimg195 point, Jianimg196 point.

2. Moxibustion Method

Step 1:

Rotate moxibustion at shoulder well point, Jianzhongshu point, Jianwaishu point, Jianzhen point for 20 minutes continuously.

Step 2:

Gentle moxibustion at Jianyu point, Jianliao point, 20 minutes each point, once a day, for 10 consecutive days as one course of treatment.

Step 3:

Massage the shoulder to relieve pain and alleviate stiffness.

Pawing the Wall Exercise for Treating Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Patients with shoulder impingement syndrome can do the pawing the wall exercise. During the exercise, the patient stands facing the wall, with the body close to the wall, and the palm of the affected limb against the wall. Slowly crawl the fingers along the wall upwards until the shoulder feels pain.

After reaching the maximum extent, make a mark on the wall, then slowly move down to the original position, repeat the process, gradually increasing the height.

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