TCM and Physiotherapy for Shoulder Pain

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Holistic Care for Frozen Shoulder, Rotator Cuff Injury, Tendinitis & More

At Regis Wellness, we combine Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Physiotherapy to provide complete, minimally invasive care for shoulder pain, stiffness, and injuries. Our team takes an integrated approach to relieve pain, restore mobility, and strengthen your shoulder so you can move confidently again, whether you’re an athlete, desk worker, or simply want lasting relief.

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Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can develop from tension, overuse, or underlying inflammation. Common conditions include:

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

A condition characterised by inflammation and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule. The capsule becomes tight and stiff, leading to pain, stiffness, and a gradual loss of range of motion.

Rotator Cuff Injury

Tears or strains in the rotator cuff commonly contribute to shoulder pain and restricted range of motion. These injuries often result from lifting heavy objects (e.g., bench press or sports), poor posture, overuse, or repetitive motions.

Muscle Tightness

A sensation of tension or stiffness in the muscles around the shoulder due to poor posture, muscle imbalances, overuse, stress, or trauma, causing discomfort, aching, or soreness.

Shoulder Tendinitis

Inflammation of the shoulder tendons, often from overuse, repetitive motions, or injury, leading to pain and discomfort.

Shoulder Impingement

Occurs when rotator cuff tendons are pinched or compressed during shoulder movements, causing pain (especially when raising the arm). It commonly arises during exercises or sports activities.

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint condition affecting the shoulder, leading to pain, stiffness, and diminished range of motion.

At Regis Wellness, we focus on addressing both the source of pain and the underlying imbalance through a seamless blend of modern and traditional techniques.

How Our Integrative Approach Works

We believe lasting shoulder recovery requires both structural correction and energetic balance. Our TCM physicians and physiotherapists often collaborate to relieve pain, restore movement, and prevent recurrence.

TCM for Shoulder Pain

Experience the ancient art of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a holistic and natural approach to relieving shoulder pain and improving long-term joint health.

Our experienced TCM Physicians combine time-honoured techniques such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping therapy, moxibustion, and Gua Sha to restore your body’s natural balance and promote self-healing. This integrative approach provides a minimally invasive and non-surgical solution for both acute and chronic shoulder conditions.

TCM treatments - acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion for shoulder pain such as frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injury, tendinitis, and more

How TCM Helps Shoulder Pain

In TCM theory, shoulder pain is often linked to stagnation of Qi and blood in the meridians surrounding the shoulder joint, commonly caused by poor posture, overuse, “wind-cold-damp” invasion, or chronic internal imbalances. By improving circulation, dispelling stagnation, and rebalancing Yin and Yang, TCM treatments not only relieve pain but also strengthen tendons, improve mobility, and reduce recurrence.

Frozen Shoulder - Acupuncture loosens tight joint capsules, improves circulation, and reduces stiffness. Cupping and Moxibustion warm the meridians, relax frozen muscles, and restore range of motion.
Rotator Cuff Injury - Acupuncture reduces inflammation and promotes tendon repair. Herbal medicine supports collagen synthesis and strengthens soft tissue healing.
Shoulder Tendinitis / Bursitis - Gua Sha and Cupping stimulate blood flow and drain stagnant fluids, easing swelling and reducing pain naturally.
Shoulder Impingement - Acupuncture relieve trapped Qi, relax surrounding muscles, and create space for smoother joint movement.
Postural Shoulder Pain - Cupping and Gua Sha release chronic muscle tightness from prolonged desk work, easing neck-shoulder tension.
Arthritic Shoulder Pain - Moxibustion provides soothing warmth to relieve stiffness and “cold-type” joint discomfort, while herbs reduce chronic inflammation.

TCM Treatments for Shoulder Pain

Acupuncture: Fine needles are inserted into specific meridian points around the neck, shoulder, and upper back to reduce inflammation, relax tight muscles, and stimulate natural endorphin release for pain relief.
Cupping Therapy: Gentle suction cups increase local blood flow and loosen fascia, easing stiffness and restoring range of motion. Ideal for “frozen shoulder” or chronic tension.
Gua Sha (Scraping Therapy): Gentle scraping with a smooth-edged tool stimulates microcirculation and helps release muscle tension, break down adhesions, and relieve stiffness. Particularly beneficial for shoulder and upper back tightness caused by overuse, poor posture, or Qi stagnation.
Moxibustion: Warming therapy using moxa (mugwort) near acupuncture points to dispel cold, enhance Qi circulation, and soothe deep muscular painm particularly effective for weather-sensitive or “cold-type” shoulder pain.
Herbal Medicine: Customised herbal prescriptions nourish blood, reduce inflammation, and support tissue recovery from within.

Benefits of TCM for Shoulder Pain

Reduces inflammation and swelling naturally
Improves shoulder mobility and flexibility
Releases muscle tension and fascia tightness
Promotes faster recovery from overuse or injury
Addresses underlying imbalances to prevent recurrence
Improves overall energy flow and wellbeing

Physiotherapy for Shoulder Pain

Our physiotherapy provides customised exercise and rehabilitation programmes to relieve shoulder pain, restore strength, and improve joint mobility.

Every plan is tailored to your condition and daily activity needs, whether you are recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic stiffness, or managing shoulder fatigue from desk work. We combine evidence-based methods such as ultrasound therapy, deep tissue massage, and sports massage to accelerate recovery and prevent recurrence.

How Physiotherapy Helps Shoulder Pain

Frozen Shoulder - Manual joint mobilisation and gentle stretching restore movement and flexibility. Heat therapy and soft tissue release reduce pain and stiffness.
Rotator Cuff Injury - Strengthening and stability exercises rebuild shoulder mechanics, while ultrasound therapy accelerates tendon healing.
Shoulder Tendinitis / Bursitis - Ultrasound therapy and massage reduce inflammation, progressive loading restores tendon strength without aggravation.
Shoulder Impingement - Postural correction and scapular control training help realign the shoulder joint and relieve compression.
Postural Shoulder Pain - Ergonomic retraining, deep tissue release, and scapular stabilisation exercises reduce tension from prolonged desk work.
Arthritic Shoulder Pain - Gentle range of motion exercises maintain flexibility and joint lubrication while reducing stiffness.

Physiotherapy Treatments for Shoulder Pain

Ultrasound Therapy: Uses soundwave vibrations to penetrate deep into soft tissues, reducing inflammation, easing stiffness, and promoting faster tissue repair around the shoulder joint. Especially effective for tendon injuries or bursitis.
Deep Tissue Massage: Targets tight muscles and adhesions around the shoulder blade and rotator cuff. This relieves chronic tension, improves circulation, and restores flexibility, helping reduce pain caused by overuse or poor posture.
Sports Massage: Focused on releasing muscular tightness and improving blood flow, sports massage is ideal for athletes or active individuals. It helps prevent shoulder strain from repetitive movements such as swimming, tennis, or lifting weights.
Manual Therapy & Joint Mobilisation: Gentle, controlled movements improve joint alignment, reduce stiffness, and restore natural shoulder mechanics, making daily tasks and sports movements pain-free.
Rehabilitation Exercises: Guided exercises strengthen stabilising muscles like the rotator cuff and scapular muscles, improving shoulder control, posture, and long-term resilience against re-injury.

Our physiotherapists not only relieve pain but also teach proper movement techniques, posture correction, and home exercises to help you maintain results and prevent recurring shoulder issues.

Sports Physio for Shoulder Pain

Our sports physiotherapy programmes are designed for active individuals experiencing shoulder pain or restriction during tennis, swimming, golf, weightlifting, and various other sports. Each sport stresses the shoulder differently, so our physiotherapists analyse your movement patterns to identify the root cause of discomfort.

Through a combination of manual therapy, mobility drills, and strength training, our goal is to:

Relieve pain and stiffness during sports activities
Enhance shoulder stability and coordination
Improve range of motion for smoother overhead movement
Prevent overuse and repetitive strain injuries
Boost overall athletic performance safely

Whether you are recovering from rotator cuff strain, frozen shoulder, or postural tension, our physiotherapy team provides a structured, evidence-based recovery pathway to help you move freely, regain strength, and stay active without pain.

What Sets Regis Wellness Apart?

Patient-Centric Care

At Regis Wellness, you're not just a patient; you're a valued individual. Our team takes the time to listen, understand your concerns, and work collaboratively with you to achieve optimal health outcomes.

Holistic and Integrative Approach

We believe in the power of integrative medicine, combining traditional and alternative therapies for a comprehensive and holistic approach to Shoulder pain management.

Professional and Expert Team

Regis Wellness medical practitioners have years of experience in pain management. Our commitment is to guide you on the path to relief and recovery with personalised attention and medical expertise.

Our Team

Amanda Chua

Lead TCM Physician

15 years of experience in pain and injury management

Chin Yi Khern

Physiotherapist

4 years of experience in pain and injury management, rehabilitation

"Physician Amanda’s cupping therapy for my shoulder pain was incredibly effective. The treatment provided much-needed relief and significantly improved my range of motion. The serene atmosphere at Regis Wellness made each visit a soothing experience."

Anna
"I experienced significant improvement in my shoulder pain thanks to Amanda’s acupuncture sessions. Her approach was gentle yet impactful, and the calming environment of Regis Wellness added to the overall positive experience."

Mia Tay
"Yi Khern’s physiotherapy for my shoulder pain was exceptional. His targeted exercises and untralsound therapy provided noticeable relief and helped me regain strength. The professional and inviting environment at Regis Wellness made each session enjoyable."

Emma
"I went to Regis Wellness for physio after a shoulder injury, and Yi Khern’s expertise was evident from the start. The personalised treatment plan helped me recover faster than expected, and the clinic’s clean, modern space was very comforting."

Liam
"Yi Khern’s approach to physiotherapy for my shoulder pain was thorough and effective. His knowledge and tailored treatment plan made a big difference in my recovery. I also appreciated the welcoming atmosphere at Regis Wellness."

Sophia Richards

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Take the first step toward a pain-free life by scheduling a consultation with our expert team at Regis Wellness. Let us guide you on the path to relief and recovery.

Don't Let Shoulder Pain Hold You Back – Trust Regis Wellness for Comprehensive Care!

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Regis Wellness Katong

437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650

Near Marine Parade MRT