Acupuncture for shoulder pain has helped many people regain movement and feel like themselves again. Many patients come to us seeking acupuncture for shoulder pain relief after trying stretches, massages, or rest without long lasting results. Barry was one of them. He had been dealing with stubborn shoulder pain for nearly three years. He described it as a tight knot that would not let go, no matter what he tried. Some days it felt as if he had a brick strapped to his shoulder, heavy and constantly in the way. As someone who enjoys staying active, the pain made even simple movements like push ups or reaching overhead feel impossible. Nothing gave him real relief until he returned to Horizon Integrative Medicine.
Struggling to Work Out and Stay Active
When Barry came back to the clinic, his right shoulder pain was getting in the way of his workouts. He told Dr. Esteban Ortega that he hadn’t been able to train properly in a long time. His shoulder felt locked up, and his upper back and neck were always tight. On top of that, his left side had started overcompensating, which led to even more tension and soreness.
Dr. Ortega listened to Barry’s concerns and ran a few simple strength and movement tests. It was clear that several muscles around his shoulder and upper back weren’t doing their job. They were either too tight or too weak, which was throwing off his whole posture and causing pain to spread across his upper body.
How Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain Relief Helped Barry Recover
Dr. Ortega created a customized treatment plan to help Barry rebuild strength, improve movement, and reduce pain. The plan included a combination of natural therapies, including:
- Acupuncture with light electrical stimulation to help relax tight muscles and improve blood flow
- Cupping therapy to reduce deep muscle tension and promote circulation
- Gua Sha (muscle scraping) to release tight areas in the upper back
- Infrared therapy to support healing and recovery
- Muscle activation exercises to strengthen the weaker muscles and rebalance movement
According to a 2023 study titled Application of Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain Over the Past 22 Years: A Bibliometric Analysis, acupuncture continues to be widely used and researched for its ability to improve mobility and reduce inflammation. Many people turn to acupuncture for shoulder pain relief when other approaches have not worked. Barry was committed to his recovery and came in regularly for treatment. Dr. Ortega also gave him helpful home care tips, such as using heat during the day and staying well hydrated to support the healing process.
Real Results After Just a Few Visits
By the fifth visit, Barry noticed a big shift. He told us it was the first time in three years that the knot in his shoulder didn’t feel tight or painful. His pain level dropped from a 10 to a 3, and he felt like things were finally moving in the right direction.
As the treatments continued, his strength started to return. He could finally do shoulder exercises at the gym again without flinching or holding back. The tightness that had spread to his back and neck eased up too, making it easier to move, sleep, and train. Many patients dealing with long-term injuries like Barry have found success with acupuncture for shoulder pain, especially when nothing else helps.
“It Feels Like My Shoulder is Finally Working Again”
At the end of his treatment plan, Barry felt like himself again. He was back to doing workouts he hadn’t been able to do in years, and his shoulder felt strong, stable, and pain-free. The biggest win? That heavy, nagging feeling he carried for so long was gone.
“I’ve been dealing with a shoulder pain for a long time, and their treatment brought me real relief. ” Barry said in a google review. “The atmosphere is always welcoming, and I leave feeling better every time. ”
Ready to Get Back to the Things You Love?
If you’re ready to try acupuncture for shoulder pain, book a consultation with us today. At Horizon Integrative Medicine, we create personalized treatment plans to help you heal naturally and feel your best again. Whether your pain is from an old injury, overuse, or tight muscles that won’t loosen up, we’re here to help.