Can periarthritis of the shoulder be treated with cupping therapy?

As people age—or sometimes due to sudden inattention—the shoulder may become injured, leading some individuals to develop periarthritis of the shoulder (also known as “frozen shoulder”). This condition is extremely painful, causing significant shoulder pain and restricted movement. Therefore, proactive prevention and management of periarthritis of the shoulder are essential in daily life, including proper shoulder protection and seeking medical treatment when necessary. So, can cupping therapy be used to treat periarthritis of the shoulder?

Can Cupping Therapy Treat Periarthritis of the Shoulder?

Cupping therapy can indeed be used to treat periarthritis of the shoulder. It helps relax tendons and muscles, invigorate blood circulation, dispel cold, and relieve pain. Moreover, cupping accelerates local blood flow around the shoulder, improves muscular tension in the surrounding area, and alleviates both pain and functional limitations caused by periarthritis. Periarthritis of the shoulder is a sterile inflammatory condition affecting the soft tissues surrounding the glenohumeral joint, primarily manifesting as shoulder pain and impaired mobility. While cupping can effectively relieve associated discomfort, additional interventions may be required depending on symptom severity—such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, physical therapies (e.g., acupuncture and massage), and targeted shoulder joint functional exercises to promote recovery.

In daily life, patients with periarthritis of the shoulder should include calcium-rich foods in their diet—such as milk, yogurt, pork rib soup, or chicken soup. They may also benefit from foods that tonify Qi and nourish blood, or warm the meridians and dispel cold—such as beef, lamb, walnuts, and Chinese chives. Additionally, foods that relax muscles and tendons, regulate the flow of Qi and blood, and unblock meridians—including papaya, Chinese angelica (Dang Gui), hawthorn, sesame seeds, and shrimp—can be helpful. Patients should avoid raw, cold, or refrigerated foods; refrain from cooking with woks over high heat; and limit intake of excessively greasy or hard-to-digest foods. Alcohol, coffee, and carbonated beverages should also be avoided whenever possible.

Once symptoms of periarthritis of the shoulder appear, prompt medical consultation is crucial to prevent disease progression. We hope this information proves helpful to you.