In Singapore, frozen shoulder seems to have become an extremely common condition. The excruciating shoulder pain in the dead of night, the awkwardness of struggling to raise arms to comb hair, even the soreness and swelling affecting sleep – are these symptoms tormenting you as well? Are there any specific effective TCM prescriptions for treating frozen shoulder?
What are the main causes of the high incidence of frozen shoulder?
Air-conditioning Cold Wind as an "Invisible Killer"
Singapore is hot and humid year-round, making air conditioning a daily necessity. However, prolonged exposure to cold air, especially with cold drafts blowing directly on the neck and shoulders, can easily lead to the invasion of cold and dampness into the meridians, obstructing the flow of Qi and blood – "blockage causes pain".
Sedentary Lifestyle, Muscles "Rusting"
Modern lifestyles involving prolonged sitting in offices and lack of exercise cause long-term stiffness and tension in the shoulder and neck muscles, leading to poor Qi and blood circulation, laying the groundwork for frozen shoulder.
Poor Posture, Accumulated Strain
Constantly looking down at mobile phones or working hunched over a desk places long-term incorrect stress on the shoulder and neck muscles. This accumulated strain over time leads to chronic injury.
Aging, Gradual Decline of Qi and Blood
TCM believes that "after the age of forty, Yin Qi naturally declines by half". Singapore's fast-paced lifestyle is particularly prone to depleting health. Insufficient Qi and blood fail to nourish muscles and tendons, becoming an internal trigger for frozen shoulder (also known as "fifty-year shoulder").
How can TCM treat frozen shoulder effectively and quickly?
Dr. Que Poh Yuen Albert, a TCM expert at Gong Fang Tang TCM Singapore, stated that the high incidence of frozen shoulder in Singapore is essentially rooted in Qi and Blood deficiency, with obstruction by wind, cold, and dampness pathogens as the manifestation. Treatment requires addressing both the root and the manifestation: supplementing Qi and invigorating Yang, warming the meridians and dispelling cold, and promoting blood circulation to remove blockages are all indispensable. For this, Physician Qiu particularly recommends the millennium-old famous formula originating from the "Synopsis of the Golden Chamber" – Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang (Astragalus and Cinnamon Twig Five Substances Decoction). It has been clinically proven to be especially effective for Singaporean patients. Its effect is doubled when used in conjunction with Gong Fang Tang TCM TCM's product, the Royal Pain Cream.
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang comes from the "Synopsis of the Golden Chamber" and consists of five medicinal substances: Huang Qi (Astragalus), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Shao Yao (Peony Root), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), and Da Zao (Jujube).
In the formula, Huang Qi (Astragalus) serves as the sovereign herb. Its nature is sweet and warm, possessing the effect of tonifying Qi and raising Yang. In treating frozen shoulder, it enhances the body's vital Qi (Zheng Qi), boosting the ability to resist pathogens, like injecting a powerful force into the body's defense system. Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), acrid and dispersing, warm and unblocking, can invigorate Qi and Blood, dispel wind and cold. It warms the meridians, unblocks collaterals, and dispels cold to relieve pain, guiding other herbs to the affected area like a leading guide. Shao Yao (Peony Root) harmonizes the nutritive aspect and regulates blood, and can also relieve pain. Paired with Gui Zhi, one disperses and one constrains, harmonizing Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive). Sheng Jiang (Ginger) and Da Zao (Jujube), sweet and warm, fortify the middle (Spleen and Stomach), further harmonizing the spleen and stomach, ensuring the source for the generation and transformation of Qi and Blood.
These five herbs may seem simple, but through mutual compatibility, they collectively achieve the effects of benefiting Qi, warming the meridians, harmonizing blood, and unblocking impediment. They are highly effective for frozen shoulder characterized by Qi and Blood deficiency and obstruction of the meridians by wind-cold-damp impediment.
Royal Pain Cream
Royal Pain Cream from Gong Fang Tang TCM promotes blood circulation, resolves stasis, and activates meridians to help relieve muscle soreness, joint pain, and dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps). Combining ancient herbal formulas with modern extraction technology, its refined balm texture allows for rapid absorption into deeper skin layers. Suitable for full-body massage or personal home use.
Medical Case
Patient: Ms. Guo, 47 years old.
Chief Complaint: Long-term sedentary work in an air-conditioned room. Right shoulder soreness began half a year ago, gradually worsening to waking up from pain at night. Unable to raise or extend the arm. Difficulty dressing and combing hair. Diagnosed with "Frozen Shoulder (Freezing Stage)". Tried painkillers and physiotherapy with non-lasting effects.
First Consultation: Tongue pale, coating white and greasy; pulse deep and thready.
TCM Pattern Differentiation: Qi and Blood deficiency with cold-damp impediment obstruction.
TCM Prescription: Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang as the base formula with modifications (increased dosage of Huang Qi, added Qiang Huo and Jiang Huang to enhance unblocking collaterals and relieving pain). 7 doses. Decocted in water, taken morning and evening. Adjust prescription after finishing medicine.
Acupuncture Prescription: Combined with acupuncture treatment twice a week (mainly acupoints: Jianyu, Jianzhen, Binao, Quchi, Hegu).
Topical Application: Royal Pain Cream applied to the painful area twice daily.
Result: After 1 week, nighttime pain significantly reduced, able to sleep. After 2 weeks, daytime soreness reduced, arm could barely lift to shoulder height. After 3 weeks, shoulder joint range of motion basically restored, daily work and life unimpeded.
