perimenopausal frozen shoulder and how acupuncture can help?

Image from Nathalie LV @sadgurumami on Unsplash

Recently, it has become clear that people in perimenopause suffer from frozen shoulder more frequently than the general population. Studies have come out showing correlations between estrogen depletion among other hormone changes with the pain and dysfunction that come with adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder results from inflammation and fibrosis in the synovial capsule around the shoulder joint and is characterized by pain and loss of range of motion in the shoulder joint.

During perimenopause, there is a roller coaster of hormonal activity as the body tries its darndest to produce the levels of estrogen it is accustomed to using for normal body functioning, including managing inflammation and fibrosis. The ovaries produce less estrogen overall because there is a decrease in follicles in the ovaries and the quality of those follicles declines. Eventually as the follicles are completely depleted, so is estrogen.

It is estimated that 70% of perimenopausal women will experience musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause, with frozen shoulder being one of the common manifestations. The decrease in estrogen, or more specifically estradiol, results in changes to the bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and adipose tissue. According to one study, “The fall in estradiol levels leads to five primary changes: an increase in inflammation, a decrease in bone mineral density leading to osteopenia/osteoporosis, arthritis, sarcopenia  and a decrease in the proliferation of satellite cells (muscle stem cells)” (Wright, et al 2024).

Enter acupuncture. Acupuncture is effective at maintaining your body’s homeostasis and has been proven to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the vehicle through which the Central Nervous System regulates the body. Acupuncture works by modulating neurotransmitters, hormones, and their receptors. Acupuncture is also effective at regulating inflammation in the body, making regular acupuncture a key component to maintaining health for perimenopausal people looking to manages their symptoms of the great change. 

Acupuncture is also effective at relieving musculoskeletal pain through using local points to release muscle tension. We love to add cupping, gua sha, heat, topical liniments, and our Celluma light panel for low level light therapy in the management of frozen shoulder, as we can treat both the root of the problem (inflammation and fibrosis due to hormonal changes) and the branch of the problem (the pain and loss of range of motion you experience).