Chinese Herbal Medicine and Frozen Shoulder in Midlife
By Heiko Lade
Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner
Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand
I have previously written about frozen shoulder and acupuncture, which you can read here.
This article looks specifically at Chinese herbal medicine and how it is traditionally used to support people with frozen shoulder, with a particular focus on women in the peri-menopausal and menopausal years.
Frozen Shoulder and Midlife
Frozen shoulder most commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60. Research suggests that women in this age group experience frozen shoulder more often than men, and for some, stiffness can linger long after the initial pain has settled.
During midlife, several changes may occur in the body that can influence joint health. These may include:
Hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause
Reduced joint lubrication and changes in connective tissue elasticity
Ongoing low-grade inflammation within the shoulder joint
A tendency toward reduced movement or activity during painful phases
Together, these factors may contribute to stiffness, discomfort, and slower recovery for some people.
A Chinese Medicine Perspective
In Chinese medicine, frozen shoulder is traditionally viewed as a condition involving restricted movement of blood and fluids in the shoulder joint, often combined with a gradual decline in nourishment of the tissues as we age.
Around menopause, Chinese medicine also recognises a pattern commonly described as reduced “yin” and blood not supported, which may be associated with sensations of heat, dryness, disturbed sleep, or irritability. From this perspective, treatment needs to be carefully balanced—supporting movement and circulation without generating excess heat or irritation.
Herbal Support: A Gentle, Balanced Approach
Chinese herbal medicine is traditionally prescribed as a customised formula, rather than a single herb. In midlife, especially when heat-type symptoms are present, stronger warming herbs used on their own may not be appropriate for everyone.
The guiding principles behind the formula described here are:
Encourage gentle circulation and tissue flexibility
Support nourishment of muscles, tendons, and joints
Avoid excessive warming or drying
Be suitable for longer-term use, rather than quick fixes
Support overall wellbeing, including sleep and stress regulation
When prescribed appropriately, this herbal formulas may be used alongside acupuncture, tui na, qi gong and specific shoulder mobilizing exercises.
The Formula
He Luo Rou Jian Fang (和络柔肩方)
“Harmonise the Collaterals & Soften the Shoulder Formula”
Western name:
Shoulder Mobility Assist
Designed to support shoulder mobility in midlife
From a traditional viewpoint, the formula is designed not only to support shoulder comfort and movement, but also to take into account commonly associated features such as night discomfort, restlessness, warmth sensations, or poor sleep.
Herbs Used (Traditional Functions)
The following herbs are included based on their traditional uses within Chinese medicine:
Sang Ji Sheng – Traditionally used to support joints and sinews without being overly warming
Sang Zhi – Often selected for shoulder and upper-limb stiffness; light and cooling in nature
Man Jing Zi – Traditionally used to help relieve discomfort in the upper body
Dang Gui – Used in modest amounts to gently support blood circulation
Dan Shen – Traditionally valued for supporting circulation and calming restlessness
Ji Xue Teng – Commonly used for longer-standing joint restriction
Ye Jiao Teng – Traditionally used to support sleep, relaxation, and discomfort at night
Jiang Huang (Turmeric) – Historically associated with shoulder and joint support
Qin Jiao – Traditionally used to help with stiffness and heat-type discomfort
Luo Shi Teng – Cooling and gentle, often chosen for night pain and stiffness
Fu Ling – Traditionally supports digestion and fluid balance, and may assist sleep
Shen Qu – Included to support digestion and herbal absorption
Gan Cao (small dose) – Commonly used to harmonise formulas and support digestion
Who Might This Be Suitable For?
This formula has been designed with peri-menopausal and menopausal women in mind, but it may also be suitable for men or people of other age groups, depending on individual presentation.
As with all Chinese herbal medicine, formulas are typically adjusted by a registered practitioner to suit the individual. Your practitioner may modify the ingredients or dosages based on your symptoms, constitution, and overall health.
A Final Note
Chinese herbal medicine is traditionally used as a supportive therapy and forms part of a broader treatment approach that may include acupuncture, gentle movement, and lifestyle guidance. Results vary from person to person, and herbal medicine should always be prescribed by a qualified and registered practitioner.
If you would like to know whether this approach may be appropriate for you, please discuss it with your registered TCM practitioner.
