In Chinese Medicine, frozen shoulder is called "Fifties Shoulder" because it often affects people over that age, when their energy is declining through a weakening of yang Qi. According to Chinese Medicine theory water in the body can congeal into dampness which stagnates in the shoulder joint. Frozen shoulder usually starts with inflammation of the tendons in the joint, or inflammation of the joint itself. There is a complex network of muscles and bone at the shoulder, because of the wide range of movements which the arms constantly have to perform. Movement becomes extremely painful in a frozen shoulder, if not impossible, but it is important to try to keep the joint moving, otherwise the stiffness and pain will worsen and can result in permanent damage.

Acupuncture is the most effective treatment for frozen shoulder. Massage is also used, as is acupressure, and both can be effective. Herbs can be prescribed, the best being cinnamon twigs, which help the energy to move to the hands and shoulder joints. Turmeric is also good.