Tuina therapy for shoulder periarthritis: Tuina techniques for shoulder periarthritis

Shoulder periarthritis can be relieved by massage techniques, including rolling, kneading, holding, pressing, and shaking. Shoulder periarthritis is often caused by invasion of wind cold dampness or chronic strain, manifested as shoulder pain and limited movement. Massage can relax muscles, activate collaterals, and release adhesions.

1. Rolling Method

Use a small fish or palm dorsum to perform continuous rolling around the shoulder joint, gradually increasing the intensity, with a focus on the anterior, posterior, and deltoid muscle areas of the shoulder. Rolling can promote local blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms, and is suitable for those with obvious early pain in shoulder periarthritis. During operation, it is necessary to avoid the bony process and avoid violent rolling.

2. Rubbing Method

Use the thumb or palm root to perform circular kneading at acupoints such as the shoulder well and shoulder hip, and focus on massaging the tender points of the Ashi acupoint. Rubbing can dispel cold and dampness, reduce swelling and relieve pain, and has a relaxing effect on shoulder joint stiffness. Uniform penetration is required during operation, and it is advisable to rub and press on one side for 3-5 minutes.

3. Holding Method

Use the thumb and the other four fingers to apply relative force, lift the shoulder muscles such as the trapezius and deltoid, and use kneading techniques. This method can relieve muscle adhesions and improve shoulder joint mobility, especially suitable for patients with mid-term functional disorders in shoulder periarthritis. The surgery should be performed gradually to avoid sudden force causing damage.

4. Pressing Method

Use the thumb or elbow tip to press on acupoints such as Tianzong and Bingfeng, and then press on the Shoulder Zhen acupoint. According to the method, it can activate the meridians and collaterals, and has a significant effect on nighttime resting pain. During operation, it is necessary to continuously apply pressure vertically downwards, pressing each acupoint for 1-2 minutes, based on the patient's tolerance.

5. Shaking Method

Fix the patient's scapula with one hand and hold their forearm with the other hand to perform circular shaking, with the amplitude increasing from small to large. Shaking can release joint capsule adhesions, restore shoulder joint abduction and elevation functions, and is suitable for late stage rehabilitation of shoulder periarthritis. The operation should be carried out within a painless range to avoid violent pulling.

Massage therapy for shoulder periarthritis requires functional exercises such as wall climbing and pendulum movements. Pay attention to keeping your shoulders warm in daily life, avoid lifting heavy objects or excessive use of air conditioning. If skin damage or pain worsens after massage, stop immediately and seek medical attention. Patients in the acute phase are recommended to apply hot compress first and then massage. For those with a history of osteoporosis or fractures, the shaking method should be used with caution.