Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder becomes painful and stiff and slowly loses its range of movement. It tends to improve by itself, but this can take a long time.
The stages
It usually moves through three stages, and each can last for months:
- Freezing: pain increases and the shoulder starts to stiffen
- Frozen: pain may ease but the shoulder is very stiff
- Thawing: movement slowly returns
Who gets it
It is most common between about 40 and 60 years of age, and more common in women and in people with diabetes. It can follow an injury or surgery, or a period when the arm was not used.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine
At The Tole, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are offered alongside physiotherapy and medical care. They aim to ease pain and stiffness and support circulation around the shoulder.
Some trials suggest acupuncture may reduce pain in frozen shoulder, but results vary. We do not promise a particular outcome or a faster recovery.
Acupuncture and herbal treatment at The Tole
At The Tole, treatment combines neuro acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, in the way developed by our founder, Dato’ Leong Hong Tole. Master Tole is the founder of TheTole neuro acupuncture and TheTole neuro brain powder, and the treatment is based on his own technique and on the family’s ancestral formulas. His team reviews your history and any medical reports, then recommends acupuncture, herbal preparations, or both. Herbs are prepared for the individual, using natural herbs.
Treatment at The Tole is used together with your medical treatment, to support your recovery. We never ask anyone to stop the care their doctor has advised.
You can walk in during opening hours without an appointment. If you live far away, email your medical reports and we will advise you on herbs and, where suitable, an intensive course of acupuncture. Herbs can be couriered to any country, usually in 3 to 5 working days. See herbs by post.
Please consult before you buy. Before you purchase any TheTole herbs, including TheTole neuro brain powder, we recommend consulting Dato’ Tole or his team first, so that you receive the correct prescription for your condition.
What to expect at your first visit
- Walk in or message us. No appointment is needed during opening hours. You can also send a WhatsApp message first.
- Tell us your story. The Master’s team asks about your symptoms and history, and looks at any reports you bring.
- Agree a plan. They recommend neuro acupuncture, herbal medicine, or both, and explain what to expect.
- Follow up. If you take herbs, we ask you to update us on your progress by email.
Why people choose The Tole
- Founded by Dato’ Master Leong Hong Tole, creator of TheTole neuro acupuncture and TheTole neuro brain powder
- A family practice, now in its fourth generation, in Kuala Lumpur since 1992
- Officially opened by the Health Minister on 31 January 1993
- Herbal formulas prepared for each patient, using natural herbs
- Walk-ins welcome, and herbs couriered to any country
Common questions
How long does a frozen shoulder last?
Often from one to three years in total, though many people improve sooner. Your doctor can advise on what to expect in your case.
Can acupuncture help?
Some people feel less pain. Research is mixed and we offer it as a complement to physiotherapy, without promising an outcome.
Should I exercise the shoulder?
Gentle, regular exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist usually help. Pushing hard into pain can make it worse.
See a doctor first if
- Shoulder pain with chest pain, sweating or breathlessness. Call emergency services (999 in Malaysia)
- Pain after a fall or injury
- Fever, or a hot, red, swollen joint
- If you have diabetes and your shoulder keeps stiffening, please tell your doctor
Ready to talk to us?
Message us on WhatsApp, or walk in during opening hours. No appointment is needed.
Traditional Chinese medicine is offered as a complement to, not a replacement for, medical care. Used together with your doctor’s treatment, it aims to support your recovery. Responses vary from person to person, and no particular result can be promised. Please keep your doctor informed about any herbs or treatments you use.