Shoulder arthritis, also known as shoulder periarthritis, is a chronic inflammation of the soft tissues such as shoulder muscles, tendons, bursae, and joint capsules. It is more common in people around the age of 50. The main treatments for shoulder arthritis are topical medications and massage therapy. So how do we massage for shoulder arthritis?
Principles of Massage Therapy for Shoulder Arthritis
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the onset of shoulder periarthritis is mainly due to the invasion of wind, cold, and dampness pathogens into the shoulder meridians, resulting in blockage of the shoulder meridians and poor circulation of qi and blood. Therefore, the treatment principle should focus on unblocking the shoulder meridians and promoting the smooth flow of qi and blood.
Special Acupoints for Massage Therapy for Shoulder Arthritis
Three-Way Acupoint
The onset of shoulder periarthritis is closely related to the deficiency of yang qi. The Three-Way Acupoint is an acupoint of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, which is the most vigorous yang qi among the three yang meridians of the hand. Regular stimulation of the Three-Way Acupoint can treat shoulder periarthritis.
Acupoint location: On the back of the hand, in the depression near the proximal end of the second metacarpophalangeal joint on the radial side.
Massage technique: Use the tip of the thumb to press, pinch, and knead the Three-Way Acupoint. While stimulating the acupoint, move the shoulder to enhance the therapeutic effect. Each time should be around 10 minutes, with moderate intensity, until a sense of soreness, swelling, and tenderness is felt.
Tianzong Acupoint
The Tianzong Acupoint belongs to the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, which runs through the neck and shoulder area and has a strong ability to unblock meridians and relieve pain. It has good effects on neck and shoulder pain, and upper limb soreness.
Acupoint location: In the scapular region, at the intersection point of one-third from the midpoint of the scapular spine to the angle of the scapula and two-thirds from the bottom.
Massage technique: Use the thumb pad to press the acupoint vertically with force, gradually increasing the intensity until a sense of soreness and numbness is felt. Each time should be around 5 minutes.
Tiao Kou Acupoint
Tiao Kou is an acupoint of the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, which has the functions of relaxing tendons, activating collaterals, regulating qi, and relieving pain. It is commonly used to treat shoulder periarthritis and local conditions in the lower leg.
Acupoint location: On the lateral side of the lower leg, 8 cun below the Dubi point, one horizontal fingerbreadth from the anterior border of the tibia.
Massage technique: Use the middle finger pad to press the acupoint with slight force until a sense of soreness is felt. Each time should be around 5 minutes.
Basic Massage Techniques for Shoulder Arthritis
1. Rubbing Jianyu Acupoint: The patient sits with the affected limb extended to the point of pain. The masseur supports the patient's elbow with one hand and rubs the Jianyu Acupoint with the thumb of the other hand for 2-3 minutes.
2. Rubbing Jianliao Acupoint: The patient maintains the same position as above, and the masseur rubs the Jianliao Acupoint with the thumb for 2-3 minutes. While rubbing both acupoints, gradually increase the angle of extension. The technique should be gentle yet firm.
3. Pinging Shenjian Acupoint: The patient maintains the same position as above, and the masseur supports the patient's elbow with one hand while pinging the Shenjian Acupoint with the thumb of the other hand for 2-3 minutes. The pinging can gradually increase the angle of elevation.
4. Pinging Qianzheng Acupoint: The patient maintains the same position, and the masseur lifts the affected limb and internally rotates it to the point of pain. Then, the masseur pings the Qianzheng Acupoint (located 1 cun above the anterior axillary fold, an extraordinary acupoint of the meridian) with the thumb for 2-3 minutes.
Massage for Shoulder Arthritis with Limited Range of Motion
Ping Shousanli Acupoint.
Ping Tiaokou Acupoint: The patient lies supine, and the masseur pings the Tiaokou Acupoint with the thumb while instructing the patient to raise the affected shoulder, performing internal and external rotation movements. The procedure generally takes 2-3 minutes to complete.
