Acupuncture for Neck and Shoulder Pain Northern Suburbs
Treatment for Neck and Shoulder Pain Melbourne
Clients will commonly come to us seeking acupuncture for their neck and shoulder pain and tightness at our Melbourne clinic. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for neck and shoulder pain. Acupuncture can not only help relax the muscles and switch off pain but it can also help reduce any underlying inflammation.
Commonly people will blur the area between the anatomical shoulder - the shoulder joint, and what is more commonly thought of as the shoulder. The anatomical shoulder joint refers to the are of the shoulder that includes the joint itself (glenohumeral joint), the shoulder blade (scapula) and its associated rotator cuff muscles, and the area where the collar bone joins the shoulder blade at the edge of the shoulder (Acromioclavicular Joint). The common chronic type of shoulder pain we see is that which includes the areas of the upper back, upper traps and between the shoulder blades. We treat both types regularly and skillfully.
How We Treat Neck and Shoulder Pain With Acupuncture
We are trained and experienced in treating neck and shoulder stiffness and pain. Often we will see these symptoms in many of our clients, even if they have come in for something else. Before beginning acupuncture treatment, we have a chat about the symptoms and any things that may be contributing to them. We then have a discussion about other aspects of your health in order to get a good whole person view of you and your particular circumstances. After your pulse we may make some relaxation or exercise recommendations to help with your self care. We will then typically get you up on the treatment table and use acupuncture cupping and maybe even a bit of massage. The needles are usually retained for 15-30 mins depending on your symptoms and we may treat both front and back. For many of our clients we may even use some guided meditation. Typically our clients find their acupuncture session a relaxing experience that they look forward to week to week.
Causes of Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain
Common causes of chronic neck and shoulder pain are -
- Stress
- Posture i.e excessive phone, computer use
- Structural issues such as scoliosis
- Neck and Shoulder Muscle Sprain
In more serious cases there may be issues of the cervical spine and the anatomical shoulder itself such as -
- Shoulder Bursitis and Impingement
- AC Joint Strain and overuse
- Rotator cuff tears
- Cervical nerve impingement
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
For many of these issues acupuncture can help. Acupuncture is a useful tool for the management of chronic and acute pain and associated symptoms.
Additional Things to Consider for Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain Treatment and Management
In many cases being open to some sort of lifestyle and activity changes can help with your symptoms. We will often suggest our clients undertake adding in some regular, sustainable exercise. We may suggest connecting with a local gym and PT who can help design programs to help you with your goals.
Our Melbourne Acupuncture Clinic
We service patients from Coburg and surrounding Inner City such as Brunswick, Pascoe Vale, Preston, Fawkner, Thornbury, Reservoir. We also see clients for Chinese medicine and Acupuncture from surrounding northern suburbs such as Epping, Thomastown, Lalor, Glenroy and Broadmeadows.