Shoulder pain; acupuncture and tuina

Shoulder pain is a very common complaint, affecting people of all ages and limiting simple actions such as lifting an arm, getting dressed or sleeping on one’s side. The shoulder is a complex, sensitive joint, so pain there can stem from a wide range of causes, from a sudden injury to strain that builds up gradually over time. Shai Davids, a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, helps many people ease shoulder pain and regain range of motion through a unique combination of Tuina and acupuncture.

What causes shoulder pain

Shoulder pain can result from injuries to the rotator cuff muscles, tendinitis, bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint), or “frozen shoulder” syndrome, marked by a significant restriction in the joint’s movement. Long hours sitting at a computer, an awkward sleeping position, or repeated strain from sports activity can also contribute to the pain developing. Sometimes the pain appears gradually and worsens over time, and sometimes it follows a sudden movement or a one-time exertion.

Tuina for shoulder pain

Tuina is a traditional manual treatment that uses massage and acupressure techniques to release tension and pain in the body. The practitioner works directly on the muscles and tissue around the shoulder joint, releasing knots and areas of tension and improving flexibility and mobility in the area. For many patients, this hands-on treatment provides immediate pain relief and a real sense of release, often after just the first session.

Acupuncture for shoulder pain

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at specific points along the meridian pathways, aiming to stimulate the flow of Qi, the body’s vital energy. Acupuncture helps release endorphins, which reduce pain and promote a sense of wellbeing, while also increasing blood flow to the affected area and reducing inflammation, which speeds up the body’s natural healing process.

Combining Tuina and acupuncture

The combination of Tuina and acupuncture has proven especially effective in treating shoulder pain. Manual treatment provides immediate relief from muscle pain and tension, while acupuncture works more deeply, stimulating Qi flow and promoting long-term healing. Together they create a complementary treatment approach that addresses both the immediate symptom and the underlying cause of the pain.

Who the treatment suits

This treatment suits people with chronic shoulder pain, athletes coping with repeated strain on the joint, and anyone who sits for long hours at a computer and suffers from accumulated tension in the shoulder and neck area, sometimes together with accompanying back pain. Treatment is tailored individually according to the severity of the pain, how long it has lasted, and its underlying cause, so it is worth consulting with the practitioner before starting the process.

During the first session, the practitioner also assesses the joint’s range of motion and its most sensitive areas, in order to tailor the combination of techniques precisely. For acute, recent pain, fewer sessions are usually needed, while chronic cases or frozen shoulder syndrome call for a longer course of treatment, combining gentle mobility exercises alongside the treatment itself.

Scheduling treatment

Patient experience at Machat Ruach repeatedly demonstrates the effectiveness of combining Tuina and acupuncture for shoulder pain. Combining manual therapy with needle treatment helps address the root of the pain and promotes healing in a safe, natural way, guided by Shai Davids at clinics in Jerusalem and Ramat Gan. It is usually best to start with a short series of sessions and reassess progress along the way, so the pace of treatment can be matched to each patient’s actual recovery. Get in touch to schedule treatment.