Acupuncture for Neck & Shoulder Pain in Portland, Maine
Whether you're dealing with chronic tension, a rotator cuff injury, or stiffness that won't go away, Chinese medicine offers an effective approach to resolving neck and shoulder pain and restoring mobility.
How We Approach Neck & Shoulder Pain
The neck and shoulders are one of the most common areas the body holds tension. Whether it is the physical demand of sitting at a desk for hours, the weight of a busy life, or the aftermath of an injury, this area absorbs more than its fair share. Over time, that tension becomes habitual. Muscles shorten, circulation slows, and what started as tightness becomes a pattern that is difficult to unwind on its own.
Modern posture compounds the problem. Forward head position, rounded shoulders, and hours spent looking at screens create chronic strain on the muscles, tendons, and joints of the neck and upper back.
A river has similar characteristics to the myofascial pathways. When rocks accumulate, they collect sticks and leaves. Over time, a dam forms, blocking flow downstream. Muscle knots work the same way. A knotted area of tissue impedes circulation both locally and through the surrounding pathway. Without healthy blood flow, muscle fibers harden, change texture, and become painful. The goal of treatment with acupuncture and dry needling is to go in, unwind and lengthen those knotted fibers, and return circulation through the area of injury. When blood flows freely, the tissue softens, the body begins to heal, and pain decreases.
Pre and post operative care is an important part of orthopedic recovery. We work with patients preparing for and recovering from surgery, supporting tissue healing, reducing inflammation, and restoring range of motion.
What to Expect
Most patients notice a shift in pain levels and mobility within the first few sessions. Each visit builds on the last, and how your body responds between treatments guides where we go next.
Who We Treat
We work with desk workers, athletes, rock climbers, cyclists, and anyone dealing with neck and shoulder pain, whether from a recent injury, years of tension, or preparation for or recovery from surgery. If you haven't found lasting relief through physical therapy, chiropractic care, or pain management, Chinese medicine may offer a different and effective path forward.
Ready to treat your neck and shoulder pain?
Schedule your first appointment or book a free phone consultation to discuss your treatment options.