Acupuncture for Shoulder and Neck Pain in Lewes

Neck and shoulder pain can affect how you sleep, work, and carry yourself through the day. It may come on suddenly after an injury or build up slowly from stress, posture, or emotional holding.

Acupuncture offers a gentle, non-invasive way to relieve tension, reduce inflammation, and support natural movement — without forcing or masking symptoms.

In Chinese medicine, pain is seen as a sign that something is blocked or under strain. The goal is to restore movement — in blood, energy, and breath — so the body can begin to recover on its own.

What Acupuncture Can Help With

  • Neck and shoulder stiffness or limited movement

  • Tension headaches that start at the base of the skull

  • Pain after injury, strain, or poor posture

  • Frozen shoulder or restricted range of motion

  • Stress-related tightness in the neck or traps

  • Nerve-related symptoms (tingling, numbness, radiating pain)

  • Chronic tension from emotional stress or long hours at a desk

Whether your pain is recent or long-standing, acupuncture can help release it gently and progressively.

Common Causes and Patterns

In clinic, I often see:

  • Pain from poor posture, screen use, or driving

  • Emotional stress causing tightness or jaw clenching

  • Repetitive strain from lifting or sleeping positions

  • Tension that leads to headaches or upper back discomfort

In Chinese medicine, this pain often relates to Liver Qi stagnation (holding), external wind-cold (tightness and stiffness), or blood deficiency (chronic tightness or weakness). Treatment is adapted to your specific pattern — we treat the body, not just the symptom.

When to Seek Help Early

Neck and shoulder pain can quickly become chronic if left untreated. Early acupuncture support helps reduce inflammation, release held tension, and prevent long-term restriction. The sooner you begin, the easier it is to restore movement and avoid developing compensatory habits elsewhere in the body.

What to Expect in Treatment

At your first appointment, we’ll explore:

  • The history and nature of the pain

  • Any triggers like stress, posture, or movement

  • Sleep, digestion, emotional tension, and general wellbeing

Treatment may include:

  • Acupuncture to release tension and improve circulation

  • Points to regulate the nervous system and reduce reactivity

  • Cupping or heat therapy (moxa) if appropriate

  • Guidance on posture, stretching, or rest

Many people feel lighter or looser even after the first session. Chronic conditions often respond best to a short course of regular treatments.

Supporting Recovery — Not Forcing It

Acupuncture doesn’t override your system — it supports it. By calming the nervous system, improving blood flow, and guiding the body back to its own rhythm, pain can often resolve more fully and with fewer side effects than medication.

Ready to Relieve Neck and Shoulder Pain?

If pain in your shoulders or neck is getting in the way of sleep, work, or comfort, acupuncture may offer real support.
Book a free 20-minute consultation to talk through your symptoms and explore if treatment feels right.