January 20, 2025

Case study: Comprehensive Acupuncture and Herbal Treatment for Shoulder Pain with Difficulty in Elevation

Patient:
A male in his 50s, of European descent, visiting Melbourne on a short trip.

Chief Complaint:
Left shoulder strain persisting for over two months, with severe shoulder pain and restricted arm elevation. The maximum range of motion was less than 90 degrees. The patient had previously received electro-acupuncture treatment in Italy, which yielded unsatisfactory results.

Initial Diagnosis:
The pulse was slippery with slight tension, otherwise normal. Diagnosis revealed impaired qi and blood circulation in the Yangming meridian, accompanied by phlegm-damp obstruction.

Treatment Plan:

  1. Acupuncture Therapy:
    • One point along the Yangming meridian was selected, employing traditional acupuncture techniques to regulate qi and blood flow and unblock meridians.
  2. Herbal Medicine Support:
    • Prescribed Zhi Mi Fu Ling Wan to resolve evident phlegm-damp obstruction, complementing acupuncture treatment.

Treatment Course and Results:

  • First Session: The range of motion improved by approximately 45 degrees, and pain was significantly alleviated.
  • Second Session: Further improvement in shoulder mobility; the patient regained full arm elevation.
  • Third Session: Complete elimination of pain during arm elevation, with full recovery of shoulder function.

Reflections on Treatment:
The patient’s prior electro-acupuncture treatment may have been less effective due to its deviation from the traditional Chinese medicine principle of “harmonizing natural qi.” This case demonstrates the efficacy of traditional acupuncture techniques in combination with herbal medicine in restoring shoulder function. It highlights the advantages of holistic TCM approaches in regulating qi and facilitating natural recovery.

 


Case NO.108 @ iCare clinic, Melbourne

Note: TCM doesn’t ‘treat’ any certain WM disease name. TCM has its own system and method to rebalance the human body, release the symptoms and help the body truly recover on its own. TCM treatment methods and effects are different according to individual differences, and the sharing of the case study does NOT constitute treatment recommendations.

Published @January 20, 2025 | Author Max Ma | TCMDrMa All Rights Reserved

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