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ASCC, Acupuncture Science & Chiropractic Clinic, a division of Hua Health

Shoulder and joint pain

Does the clinic treat shoulder, hip, and knee pain?

Yes, the clinic treats shoulder and other joint pain, not only the spine. Care usually combines soft tissue work, acupuncture, and red light therapy around the sore joint.

Shoulder pain often comes from tight muscles in the upper back and around the shoulder blade, or from strain on the tendons of the rotator cuff. Hip and knee pain can come from the joint itself or from the muscles that support it.

Dr. Hua checks how the joint moves and which motions cause pain. If he suspects a tear or another injury that needs imaging or an orthopedic doctor, he will say so.

Evidence

What the research says about shoulder and joint pain

Sources reviewed October 2026. This is general information, not medical advice.

For shoulder, hip, and knee pain, reviews find some support for manual therapy combined with exercise. Acupuncture has been studied for chronic joint pain, including knee arthritis.

  1. 01

    Manual therapy for rotator cuff problems

    A 2015 review in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy found manual therapy reduced pain from rotator cuff tendinopathy, especially when added to exercise. [1]

  2. 02

    Shoulder conditions

    A 2011 review found fair evidence for manipulative and mobilization therapy, combined with exercise, for several common shoulder problems. [2]

  3. 03

    Acupuncture for chronic pain, including arthritis

    A 2018 analysis pooling data from about 20,000 patients found acupuncture worked better than sham acupuncture and usual care for chronic pain, including osteoarthritis. The benefit lasted over time. [3]

Limits of the evidence

The studies are small and results vary. Treatment aims at comfort and movement and does not reverse arthritis. Suspected tears or fractures need imaging and a medical doctor.

Sources

  1. 1.Desjardins-Charbonneau A, et al. The efficacy of manual therapy for rotator cuff tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 2015;45(5):330-350.
  2. 2.Brantingham JW, et al. Manipulative therapy for shoulder pain and disorders: expansion of a systematic review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2011;34(5):314-346.
  3. 3.Vickers AJ, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. The Journal of Pain. 2018;19(5):455-474.

Questions patients ask

Can you treat a frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is usually managed over months with gentle movement. Acupuncture and soft tissue work are sometimes used alongside care from a medical doctor or physical therapist. Ask at your visit.
Do you treat arthritis?
We see many patients with arthritis in the back, neck, and joints. Treatment is aimed at comfort and movement. It does not reverse arthritis.
Call to Schedule(630) 357-7320