Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain in London
Acupuncture Treatment for Shoulder Pain at Acubody
Shoulder pain can be caused by many things, including strains, tears, or inflammation of the rotator cuff muscles; osteoarthritis; and swelling of the tendons in the shoulder. Shoulder issues may arise simply from overuse or as a direct result of a sports injury or serious accident.
Whatever the cause, we offer acupuncture as a treatment method for shoulder pain that can work alongside conventional medicine and other therapies, promoting overall well-being as well as reducing pain in targeted areas.
How Can Acupuncture Help with Shoulder Pain?
Acupuncture can be an effective complementary therapy for managing shoulder pain. By targeting specific points on the body, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the central nervous system, promoting the release of neurochemicals and hormones that can help alleviate pain and inflammation. When it comes to shoulder pain, acupuncture can be beneficial in several ways:
- Pain Relief — Acupuncture can help reduce pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. By promoting the release of these chemicals, the acupuncture process may be able to help sufferers manage the perception of pain from their shoulder condition.
- Improved Blood Circulation — Whether for shoulder pain or other forms of muscle or joint pain, acupuncture may enhance blood flow to the affected area and throughout the body, promoting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and facilitating the removal of waste products. This may support the body’s natural process of healing.
- Muscle Relaxation — Muscle tightness can contribute to shoulder pain by affecting the overall function and stability of the shoulder joint. When muscles surrounding the shoulder become tight, it can lead to several complications that can make shoulder pain worse. Using acupuncture for shoulder pain may be able to promote muscle relaxation, through targeting specific acupuncture points and leading to improved shoulder mobility and function.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects — Amongst other things that could make shoulder pain worse, swelling can create pressure on surrounding structures, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to heightened pain and discomfort. Acupuncture has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory benefits, which can be helpful in reducing inflammation associated with shoulder conditions.
Who Can Use Shoulder Pain Acupuncture?
Acupuncture can be used as a complementary therapy for a range of individuals experiencing shoulder pain. It is commonly considered for individuals unable to tolerate certain medications, those who have not found sufficient relief from conventional treatments, or people who prefer to explore alternative and holistic approaches to managing their pain.
Acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder can cause persistent pain and stiffness and may make everyday movements, such as reaching overhead or behind the back, difficult. The NHS advises that frozen shoulder can persist for months or years, so ongoing shoulder pain and restricted movement should be appropriately assessed rather than self-diagnosed. nhs.uk
People looking for acupuncture for frozen shoulder may consider it as a complementary approach alongside appropriate medical care, physiotherapy or rehabilitation. At Acubody, treatment is considered individually according to the person’s symptoms, health history and existing care rather than applying the same acupuncture approach to every shoulder condition.
Shoulder Trigger Points and Muscle Tension
Muscle tension and sensitive areas around the shoulder can sometimes occur alongside shoulder pain and restricted movement. Trigger points of the shoulder may involve muscles around the shoulder blade, upper back and neck, depending on the individual presentation.
Duncan McGechie has practised acupuncture since 2003 and myofascial and neuromuscular bodywork since 2006. Where appropriate, the assessment may consider acupuncture alongside manual bodywork and rehabilitation rather than looking only at the area where pain is felt.
Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain in London
Acubody offers a wide range of treatments and activities, from neuromuscular therapy to Qi Gong, that can all be included in a treatment program tailored to individual needs.
Our practitioners always consider an individual’s overall health and well-being before developing a holistic approach to pain management that often includes integration of manual therapy with acupuncture, as well as rehabilitation exercises.
If you are interested in learning more about our services for acupuncture for shoulder in London, or how this approach can be used with others to help maintain your well-being and enhance your performance levels, we’d love to hear from you.
What Happens at a Shoulder Pain Acupuncture Appointment?
Your appointment begins with an individual assessment of your shoulder symptoms, general health and relevant medical history. Duncan may ask when the pain started, what movements affect it, whether there has been an injury and what treatment or rehabilitation you have already received.
The acupuncture approach and selection of points will depend on the individual assessment. Acupuncture may be considered on its own or, where appropriate, alongside Acubody’s bodywork and rehabilitation approaches.
About Your Acupuncturist
Shoulder pain acupuncture at Acubody is provided by Duncan McGechie, who has practised acupuncture since 2003 and myofascial and neuromuscular bodywork since 2006. His qualifications include BA, MSc, Grad Dip, MBAcC, MRCHM, MISRM and FHEA.
Duncan is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) and the Institute of Sports and Remedial Massage (ISRM). Treatment is based on an individual assessment and takes into account symptoms, health history and other care being received.
Learn more about Duncan McGechie
Reviewed by: Duncan McGechie, BA, MSc, Grad Dip, MBAcC, MRCHM, MISRM, FHEA
Last reviewed: October 2026
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Can acupuncture be used for shoulder pain?
Acupuncture may be considered as a complementary approach for some people experiencing shoulder pain. Whether it is appropriate will depend on the cause of the symptoms, the individual assessment and any other treatment being received.
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Can acupuncture be used for frozen shoulder?
People with frozen shoulder may consider acupuncture as a complementary approach alongside appropriate medical care, physiotherapy or rehabilitation. Persistent shoulder pain or restricted movement should be properly assessed rather than self-diagnosed.
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Where are acupuncture needles placed for shoulder pain?
There is no single set of acupuncture points used for everyone with shoulder pain. The selection and location of points depend on the individual assessment, symptoms and treatment approach.
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What are trigger points in the shoulder?
Trigger points are sensitive areas within muscles that may be associated with local discomfort or referred sensations. Their location varies, so an individual assessment is important before deciding on an appropriate treatment approach.
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Where can I find shoulder pain acupuncture in London?
Acubody provides shoulder pain acupuncture in London with Duncan McGechie. Acupuncture, bodywork and rehabilitation approaches may be considered according to the individual's presentation and treatment needs.
