Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain in San Francisco
A shoulder that aches at night, catches when you reach overhead or simply won't move like it used to? We treat frozen shoulder, rotator cuff pain and overworked swimming, throwing and climbing shoulders with acupuncture, dry needling and hands-on work.
Sound familiar?
- A dull ache over the outside of the shoulder or upper arm
- Pain when you lift your arm overhead or reach behind your back
- Waking at night when you roll onto that side
What our patients say
5.0 on Google from 92 reviews
Andrew is terrific. I saw him post shoulder surgery and it was very beneficial in getting pain free and full range of motion.
Gosh, I'm so happy I found Andrew! Thanks to him, I avoided going down a surgery route for my injury! In June 2022, my left knee started acting up (my best guess is overcompensation for gluteal tendonitis I was treating) but I pushed through to backpack 264 miles on the John Muir Trail. When I finished my trek, my left knee was pretty unhappy and I couldn't even get in and out of my car without feeling like a jigsaw puzzle. I tirelessly saw dozens of providers over the next year - chiropractors, physical therapists, orthopedists, massage therapists, etc. All had their own theories - soleus muscle, calf strain, chronic exertional compartment syndrome, etc. The complexity in my case was that my pain was not in my knee itself - it was on the left side in between my knee cap and calf. Despite my knee MRI showing meniscus tears, inflammation, tendonosis, etc. the doctors insisted we treat the symptoms, not the MRIs. So, I got a calf MRI, hip MRI, and an EMG, all of which were negative. Then, one doctor recommended oral Prednisone, and he told me I should see results better than Advil for pain management. It did nothing. It wasn't until I was finally referred to one doctor who noticed something in my knee MRI and caught that there is excess fluid in my proximal tibiofibular joint (PBTJ), and that area tracks with where I feel my pain. To test his suspicion diagnostically, he recommended an ultrasound-guided cortisone injection in my PBTJ to see if that reduced my pain. The pain did decrease (which was good), but it wasn't gone. The doctors informed me issues concerning the PBTJ are rare, and that they needed to refer me to one of the only specialists in the country for this. That specialist happened to be in Minnesota, and when I checked his website, he was only seeing patients for surgery. I did not want surgery. I felt completely defeated, unsure where to go next. In May, I was recommended by someone who also had a challenging journey with injuries (and was able to return to running and hiking) to try acupuncture. I was surprised, since I had not considered Eastern Medicine before for a sports injury. The person specifically recommended I search for an acupuncturist who specializes in athletes, and that led me to find "Acupuncture for Athletics." :) My first appointment with Andrew was May 30, and he patiently listened to my whole ordeal and reviewed all of the documentation I brought (MRIs, doctor's notes, etc). He assured me he treats the root cause, which I appreciated because I did not want to do a band-aid fix only for this to return again, and that he has hope I can feel better. We started off with cupping along my left leg to encourage the inflammation to dissipate, and then we did needles in my leg. Oof, I remember one session when Andrew placed a needle near my PBTJ - I screamed SO loudly lol. But once all of the needles were in, it slowly felt like a meditative experience, and I was able to relax into it. Over my 7 sessions with Andrew, I began to notice the needles felt less painful. In the beginning, I remember feeling the pain just in walking over to Andrew's office. By the 6th session, I realized I wasn't thinking about my pain anymore. I did one more session to be sure, and I was in disbelief that I actually felt pain-free! We decided to go a month testing how the pain fared without regular sessions, and so far so good! The pain flares here and there, but in a MUCH less capacity than before. Throughout this whole process, Andrew was kind, patient, and determined. He was committed to solving the underlying issue, and he was flexible and accommodating to me - whether I wanted to address my left knee or start tackling similar pain that was creeping up on my right knee. Had it not been for Andrew, I would have likely chased surgery because I was running out of ideas. I appreciate you, Andrew! If you're nearing your wits' end with a chronic injury, please go see Andrew and give it a good ~5 sessions if you can. Wishing everyone out there good luck on their chronic pain journeys! You got this!
I had a golfers elbow and my coach referred me to Andrew. He has been an amazing acupuncturist and worked on my right elbow, shoulder and arm for a couple of weeks. I have felt so much better just after the first session and going back really helps the blood flow so much better and my right arm, elbow and shoulder feels less tense and more relaxed. Definitely recommend this place, especially for athletes!
There’s no one I trust more than Andrew to support my kids in their healing process if they’ve had a sports-related injury. As elite athletes, it’s so important that their knees, ankles and shoulders are well taken care of, and Andrew is our go-to for treatment of pain or injury and also guidance for best practices outside the treatment room to further help healing along. My daughter recently rolled her ankle and was ready for a painfully prolonged healing process when we took her into to see Andrew for a couple treatments before a tournament weekend. With his help, her recovery was amazing, allowing her to feel confident on her ankle. Thanks to Andrew, she was healthy enough to play without pain or exacerbating the injury. We are very grateful to have Andrew on speed dial when these types of injuries occur!
Andrew treated me over a period of about two years for hip and shoulder problems, and he was tremendously helpful. I was impressed with his knowledge and skill, not to mention wonderful “bedside manner” and especially his enthusiasm for staying current in his field.
Andrew is a fantastic alternative and addition to physical therapy. He quickly understands your condition and treats it effectively.
As a professional dancer, I rely heavily on Andrew throughout the performance season to literally fix me in order to get me back onstage. I have chronic problems with my knee and my shoulder, and the combination of acupuncture with electric stimulation and heat has been tremendously helpful. Andrew only needs five minutes to find exactly where he needs to work, and the results are fantastic. His acupuncture work is also gentle, and doesn’t leave me sore the next day — in fact, it’s one of the only therapies I feel comfortable receiving right before a show. Andrew does great deep tissue work as well, and he is very responsive and attentive as a therapist. I’d highly recommend him to dancers, athletes and non-dancers alike.
Andrew’s massage and acupuncture techniques have seen me successfully through back-to-back marathons seven weeks apart, plus two active pregnancies and a record-breaking racing season in between. He is a veritable genius in his field — a true healer.
Andrew Castellanos has helped my Achilles tendinosis and tendinitis with acupuncture, not only getting the swelling down, but also massaging the area after. His therapeutic work has enabled me to continue dancing at a high level without having to take a break, so I’m able to dance with injury due to the therapeutic work that Andrew does.
In our career it is very important to stay physically healthy, because our dance career is very short. We rehearse, work out every single day, and very often, because of the physical pressure from practicing so hard, we get injuries and surgery. My story is about my back, foot and wrist. I joined San Francisco Ballet a year ago. The first day of work, during ballet class, I hurt my back. I have had problems before with my wrist, and sadly, later on with the tough season, my foot got hurt. Luckily, I was recommended to Andrew Castellanos. I started with a few visits a month, and quickly saw results, so I made sure I finished my treatments. Thanks to Andrew, I was able to finish my successful season here. Now I have to spread the word…
I was introduced to Andrew by a friend who dubbed him as nothing short of magical. After experiencing his expertise firsthand, I couldn't agree more. Andrew's mastery of the human body and its intricacies truly feels like a kind of magic. I've been to other specialists for my chronic upper back and neck pain, but Andrew is different. He focuses on treating the actual problem, not just masking the symptoms. For the first time, I walked out of an acupuncture session and went back to exercising without feeling any pain. It was a game-changer. I feel as if I've been given a brand new back. Honestly, I never thought a life without back pain was possible until now. While I was also working with Andew some other health issues came up that couldn’t be diagnosed by western medicine. His thoughtful and holistic approach immediately made me feel understood and valued. Throughout our sessions, he would patiently explain the various points he was working on or the sensations I was experiencing, shedding light on what was going on internally within my body. Thanks to him, I now have a deeper appreciation for how imbalances in one area can send ripples throughout the entire system. He was able to find the root cause, guiding me slowly but surely on the path to recovery. I feel blessed to have met Andrew, he really has changed my life and I’m grateful for that.
I could not recommend Andrew enough! He has so much knowledge on the human body and can figure out quickly what areas need work. I went in with major back pain that kept me from lifting weights or running, and after a few sessions I am pain free.
Does this sound like you?
Shoulder pain comes in a few common patterns. Some are mostly pain, some are mostly stiffness, and some only show up when you train.
If a few of these ring true, an assessment will show us what's involved and why.
- A dull ache over the outside of the shoulder or upper arm
- Pain when you lift your arm overhead or reach behind your back
- Waking at night when you roll onto that side
- A shoulder that has slowly stiffened until reaching a high shelf is hard
- A pinch or catch partway through raising your arm
- Pain or lost power when you throw, swim, serve or pull on a hold
Why shoulders get sore
The shoulder trades stability for range. It's a shallow ball and socket held in place by four small rotator cuff muscles and a flexible capsule, which is why you can swim butterfly or throw a ball across a field, and also why it's easy to overload.
Most of the shoulder pain we see falls into two groups. The first is the rotator cuff: tendons that become irritated from repeated overhead work, or that get pinched under the bony roof of the shoulder when you lift your arm (impingement). The second is frozen shoulder, where the capsule itself becomes inflamed, then thick and tight.
A stiff upper back or a tight neck also changes how the shoulder blade moves, leaving the cuff to do work it wasn't built for. So we look at the whole chain, not just the sore spot.
Common causes
- Repeated overhead work: swimming, throwing, serving, climbing, painting
- A sudden jump in training volume or load
- Long hours at a desk with the shoulders rolled forward
- A fall or a jarring pull on the arm
- A period of keeping the arm still, such as after surgery or a fracture
- Diabetes and thyroid conditions, which raise the risk of frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder or rotator cuff?
They can feel similar at first, but they behave differently and need different care. Telling them apart is the first job at your assessment.
| Compared on | Frozen shoulder | Rotator cuff and impingement |
|---|---|---|
| What's going on | The joint capsule becomes inflamed, then thickens and tightens | Cuff tendons are irritated by overuse, or pinched when the arm goes overhead |
| Main complaint | Stiffness in every direction, even when someone else tries to move your arm | Pain in a certain arc of movement, with range mostly intact |
| How it starts | Often with no clear cause, getting slowly worse over weeks | Usually after a change in training, work or posture |
| Who we often see it in | Adults aged 40 to 60, more often women, and people with diabetes | Swimmers, throwers, climbers, tennis players and desk workers |
| Where we focus | Easing pain so you can keep moving, and gently regaining range | Calming the tendon and freeing the muscles around the shoulder blade |
The three stages of frozen shoulder
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, frozen shoulder moves through a painful freezing stage (roughly 6 weeks to 9 months), a stiff frozen stage (about 4 to 6 months), and a thawing stage in which motion returns over 6 months to 2 years. Treatment can't skip the stages, but it can make each one easier and help you keep more movement.
Swimmers, throwers and climbers
Overhead athletes ask more of the shoulder than anyone. The AAOS names swimming, baseball, tennis and volleyball among the sports most linked to rotator cuff tendinitis, and each loads the shoulder in its own way.
Swimmers
Thousands of strokes a week wear on the front and top of the shoulder. We work the cuff, chest and shoulder blade muscles, and talk through volume while it settles.
Throwers
Pitching, serving and spiking rotate the shoulder fast, then brake the arm, which leaves the back of the shoulder tight and sore. Andrew has treated pitchers at MLB spring training.
Climbers
Steep routes, hangs and lock-offs load the shoulder at the end of its range. We treat the shoulder and the whole pulling chain together, from the lats to the grip.
People we see most
Related problems we treat
- Neck pain and tight upper traps
- Elbow and grip pain
- Recovery care for training athletes
- Pain and stiffness after shoulder surgery
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
How we treat shoulder pain
The aim is less pain, more range and a shoulder that tolerates load again. Most visits combine a few of these, chosen for your shoulder and your sport.
- Sports acupuncturePoints around the shoulder, neck and arm to ease pain and help the area relax so it moves more freely.
- Dry needlingInto trigger points in the cuff, upper trap, lats and pecs that keep the shoulder guarded.
- CuppingAcross the shoulder blade and upper back to loosen tissue that's stuck down.
- Cold laserLow-level laser over irritated tendons, used alongside needling.
- Sports massageSoft tissue work and gentle mobilization to coax back range, especially in a stiff shoulder.
Who performs dry needling in California?
In California, dry needling is performed by licensed acupuncturists. Physical therapists in California are not currently authorized to perform dry needling. Each of our three practitioners holds a California acupuncture license.
What the research says
One of the largest trials is a 2010 German study of 424 people with chronic shoulder pain. Each had 15 sessions of real acupuncture, sham acupuncture or standard orthopedic care. Three months after treatment ended, 65% of the real acupuncture group had at least halved their pain, compared with 24% after sham and 37% after standard care.
For frozen shoulder, a 2020 review of 13 trials with 966 patients found acupuncture eased pain and improved function and forward lifting of the arm in the short and medium term.
For impingement, a 2011 trial of 117 patients compared ten acupuncture sessions plus home exercises with a steroid injection. Acupuncture with exercises improved pain and function about as much as the injection did.
Alongside acupuncture, we use dry needling, cupping and cold laser for muscle tension and guarding. New to needles? Here's what an acupuncture session involves.
The short version
- A large trial supports it for chronic shoulder pain
- Studies suggest it may help frozen shoulder pain and function
- Works best alongside the right exercises
- Results vary, and it isn't a fix for a full tendon tear
Your first visit and your plan
Allow about an hour for the first visit. How many sessions you'll need varies, and we'll give you an honest estimate after your assessment.
Assess
We ask how it started, then check your range, strength and how your shoulder blade moves, plus your neck and upper back.
Treat
You'll lie on your side or face down, with the shoulder supported. Wear a tank top or loose T-shirt so we can reach the shoulder and shoulder blade easily.
Afterwards
Many people notice the arm lifts a little higher straight away. A dull ache or mild soreness for a day is normal, especially after dry needling.
Build it back
We give you a few simple movements to keep the gains, then space visits out as the shoulder settles and you return to full training or work.
When to see a doctor first
Most shoulder pain is a soft tissue problem we can help with. Some shoulders need imaging or an orthopedic opinion first, especially after an injury.
Shoulder or arm pain that comes with chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating or nausea can be a sign of a heart attack. Call 911 straight away.
If any of the signs listed here apply, please see your doctor before booking with us. We're glad to work alongside your physician or surgeon once you're cleared.
See a physician if you have
- Sudden weakness, or you can't lift your arm after a fall or a pop
- A shoulder that looks out of place or deformed
- A red, hot, swollen joint or a fever
- Numbness or weakness spreading down the arm
- Constant night pain with unexplained weight loss
Who'll treat you
Three California-licensed acupuncturists trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, who treat shoulders every week. Andrew Castellanos has more than 25 years with athletes, from USF Athletics to the San Francisco Ballet, and treats shoulders before and after surgery. Your assessment may include checking your pulse and tongue.
Andrew Castellanos
L.Ac, CST · Clinic owner
Rotator cuff pain, frozen shoulder and recovery after shoulder surgery.
- Worked with MLB teams at 2018 spring training
- Helps athletes recover after surgery
- Cupping, laser and neuromuscular re-education
Ali Hakimi
L.Ac
Acupuncture for shoulder pain, plus advice to keep you moving.
- Local acupuncture for injury recovery and pain
- Cupping and moxibustion alongside needling
- Dedicated to movement as medicine
Suzanne Lange
DACM, L.Ac, CMT
Orthopedic acupuncture and myofascial work for stiff, sore shoulders.
- Advanced study in orthopedics and sports medicine
- Clinical internship in the Ikeda Masakazu system
- Certified massage therapist
Pricing and booking
Shoulder treatment happens in a standard session, using whatever mix of our treatments suits your shoulder. There's no special package to buy.
We don't bill insurance, but we give you a superbill to submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement, and we accept HSA and FSA cards and all credit cards. The clinic is on Webster Street, an easy trip for anyone looking for acupuncture near the Marina.
Appointments
- 60-min initial acupuncture & assessment
- $225
- 45-min acupuncture follow-up
- $195
- 60-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $225
- 75-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $265
- 90-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $300
Shoulder pain FAQ
Does acupuncture help shoulder pain?
For many people, yes. A large German trial found real acupuncture helped chronic shoulder pain more than sham acupuncture or standard orthopedic care, with the benefit lasting at least three months after treatment ended. Results vary from person to person, and it works best alongside the right exercises. We'll estimate how many sessions you may need after your assessment.
Can acupuncture help frozen shoulder?
It can help with the pain and with keeping and regaining movement. A 2020 review of 13 trials found acupuncture improved pain, function and forward lifting of the arm. Frozen shoulder still runs through its stages over months, so we focus on making each stage easier and protecting as much range as possible.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. A recently irritated rotator cuff often settles faster than a shoulder that has been sore for a year, and frozen shoulder needs a longer plan because the condition itself lasts months. We'll estimate after your first assessment.
Can you treat a rotator cuff tear?
We can help with the pain and muscle guarding around a small or partial tear, and many tears are managed without surgery. A large or sudden tear, especially after a fall, needs a physician's assessment and often imaging first, and we'll refer you if we suspect one.
Will it hurt, and could it make my shoulder worse?
The needles are very thin, and most people find acupuncture relaxing. Dry needling can cause a brief deep ache or muscle twitch, and you may feel sore for a day or two. Serious problems are rare when needling is done by a licensed practitioner using sterile, single-use needles.
Can I keep swimming, throwing or climbing?
Often, with changes. We may suggest cutting volume or pausing the moves that provoke pain while the shoulder settles, then help you build back up so it doesn't flare again.
Can you help after shoulder surgery?
Yes. Andrew treats post-surgical pain, swelling and stiffness alongside your surgeon and physical therapist. Check with your surgeon first and bring any guidance on movements to avoid.
Do I need a referral or an MRI?
No referral is needed, and most people don't need an MRI to start. If our assessment suggests a significant tear, a dislocation or pain coming from somewhere else, we'll refer you to a physician for further tests.
Is there an acupuncturist for shoulder pain in Cow Hollow?
Yes. Andrew Castellanos treats frozen shoulder, rotator cuff pain and overworked swimming, throwing and climbing shoulders at 2920 Webster Street, between Union and Filbert. He has treated pitchers at MLB spring training, and after shoulder surgery he works alongside your surgeon and physical therapist.
Can I book around my training schedule?
We're open from 7:30am to 9pm, seven days a week. An early or late slot works well if you swim or climb, and weekends suit weekend players. Book online to see open times.
References
- Molsberger AF, et al. German Randomized Acupuncture Trial for chronic shoulder pain (GRASP): a pragmatic, controlled, patient-blinded, multi-centre trial in an outpatient care environment. Pain. 2010.
- Ben-Arie E, et al. The Effectiveness of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2020.
- Johansson K, et al. Subacromial corticosteroid injection or acupuncture with home exercises when treating patients with subacromial impingement in primary care: a randomized clinical trial. Family Practice. 2011.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Frozen Shoulder. OrthoInfo.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Shoulder Impingement/Rotator Cuff Tendinitis. OrthoInfo.
Ready to lift your arm without thinking about it?
Book an assessment at our Cow Hollow clinic, or call us to talk it through first.
Visit us in Cow Hollow
2920 Webster Street, between Union and Filbert. A short walk from the Marina, Pacific Heights and the Presidio.
Address
Acupuncture for Athletics2920 Webster Street
San Francisco, CA 94123 Gate code: in your booking confirmation email
Hours
- Every day
- 7:30am – 9:00pm