Disease and Condition Overview
Periarthritis of the shoulder is characterized by soreness and pain in the shoulder and limited movement in the shoulder joints. In Chinese medicine, the affected location is the shoulder. Normal qi deficiency, defensive and nutritive qi deficiency, decline of bones and tendons, recurring attacks of wind cold, or exhaustion, sprain, or prolonged bad postures can all lead to qi and blood stagnation in the tendons and channels surrounding the shoulders. After a period of time blockage and stagnation of local qi and blood give rise to damp heat which causes inflammation of the joints and the inability to move the arms.

Pair-point Treatment Combinations

(1) Yanglingquan (GB34), Xuanzhong (GB39) (Fig 138)
Yanglingquan (GB34) is the he-sea point of the gallbladder channel and the meeting point of the tendons. It soothes tendons and activates luo-connecting channels to stop pain. Xuanzhong (GB39) is the meeting point of the marrow. It unobstructs channels and collaterals to facilitate joints. This pair point combination works in synergy to soothe tendons, activate luo-connecting channels, stop pain, benefit marrow and strengthen bones. This treatment is appropriate for all types of periarthritis.

Needling techniques:
1. Yanglingquan (GB34) perpendicular insertion to a depth of 2 cun.
2. Xuanzhong (GB39) perpendicular insertion to a depth of 1 cun.
3. Needle manipulation at the same time when patient slowly moves the shoulder.

(2) Yanglingquan (GB34), Taichong (LV3) (Fig 31)
Yanglingquan (GB34) soothes tendons and activates luo-connecting channels to stops pain. Taichong (LV3) is the yuan-source point of liver channel. It facilitates qi, invigorates blood, disperse stagnation and stops pain. This pair point combination, one exterior and one interior, one yin and one yang, soothes tendons, activates luo-connecting channels, harmonizes and regulates qi, invigorates blood, disperse stagnation and stops pain. This treatment is appropriate for periarthritis and all types of shoulder pain.

Needling techniques:
1. Yanglingquan (GB34) perpendicular insertion to a depth of 2 cun.
2. Taichong (LV3) perpendicular insertion to a depth of 1 cun.
3. Needle manipulation at the same time when patient slowly moves the shoulder.

Commentaries
Acupuncture treatment of periarthritis has excellent results. Before employing treatment however, it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis and exclude shoulder joint tuberculosis, tumor, bone fracture, dislocation, etc., and differentiate between cervical spondylosis and pain associated with other internal diseases.
Generally, the shorter course of disease, the more effective the treatment. If adhesion between tissues has occurred, or muscle atrophy, other treatment methods should be combined. Active or aided exercises are essential in conjunction with acupuncture treatment of periarthritis of the shoulder to ensure a faster recovery.