Shoulder pain, elbow pain, high blood pressure – Resolved in 4 weeks 

This case study outlines the treatment of a 53 year old male patient for shoulder pain, elbow pain, and high blood pressure.  The patient had been taking blood pressure medication as directed by their physician but wanted to seek out alternate treatments as blood pressure did not seem to respond well to medication.

Visit 1: January 25, 2026

Presentation: Patient (53 year old male) who developed left shoulder pain radiating down to the elbow. The pain started after patient carried heavy loads during a move last August. The pain is currently medial to the left scapula, and is also present in the elbow. Patient is bothered by the pain in his sleep.

Other: Patient uses a CPAP machine for sleep apnea. Patient also has high blood pressure and type II diabetes.

Tongue: Red, coating white/thin, vertical crack down middle

Pulse: Slippery

Dx: Yin deficiency and heat

Acupuncture points: Ashi points in the left side scapula and elbow. Right side SI8, right side KD3, right side SJ5

Prescription: Two bags of herbs to take over 4 days.

Mu dan pi 10g	Mai dong 15g	Tian dong 15g	Sheng di huang 15g	Shu di huang 15g
Wu wei zi 10g	Tian hua fen 10g	Zi cao 6g	Shi cang pu 10g	Cang zhu 10g
Niu xi 10g	Qin jiao 10g	Sang zhi 10g

Visit 2: February 1, 2026

Presentation: Left shoulder pain is much better. However, now patient has developed pain on the right side elbow, which is especially obvious in the morning.

Tongue: Pink, slightly scalloped

Pulse: Slippery

Dx: Yin deficiency and heat

Prescription: Two bags of herbs to take over 4 days.

Mu dan pi 10g	Mai dong 15g	Tian dong 15g	Sheng di huang 15g	Shu di huang 15g
Wu wei zi 10g	Tian hua fen 10g	Zi cao 6g	Shi cang pu 10g	Cang zhu 10g
Niu xi 10g	Qin jiao 10g	Sang zhi 10g	Di long 10g	Huang qi 6g

Visit 3: February 6, 2026

Presentation: Little bit of elbow pain left, but not much. No more shoulder pain. Patient is also concerned about high blood pressure. Systolic pressure is between 140-145. Diastolic pressure is between 85-95. Patient has been taking blood pressure medication as directed by family doctor, but medication has not seemed to lower blood pressure.

Tongue: Pink, slightly scalloped.

Pulse: Slippery.

Dx: Liver heat, yin deficiency

Acupuncture points: Right side LI10, LI11, SI8, KD3, SJ5

Prescription: Four bags of herbs to take over 8 days.

Gou ji 10g	Mai dong 15g	Ju hua 10g	Sheng di huang 15g	Shu di huang 15g
Wu wei zi 10g	Tian hua fen 10g	Zi cao 6g	Shi cang pu 10g	Cang zhu 10g
Niu xi 10g	Qin jiao 10g	Sang zhi 10g	Di long 10g	Huang qi 6g

Visit 4: February 20, 2026

Presentation: Both shoulder pain and elbow pain are gone. Blood pressure has also dropped to within normal ranges. Systolic pressure is between 113-118 and diastolic pressure is between 70-78.  Patient was told to continue taking medication as directed by physician and to discuss any desired changes with family doctor.

Tongue: Pink, coating thin/white

Pulse: Slippery, chi deep

Dx: Dampness, liver heat, yin deficiency

Prescription: Four bags of herbs to take over 8 days.

Gou ji 10g	Mai dong 15g	Ju hua 10g	Sheng di huang 15g	Shu di huang 15g
Wu wei zi 10g	Tian hua fen 10g	Zi cao 6g	Shi cang pu 10g	Cang zhu 10g
Niu xi 10g	Qin jiao 10g	Sang zhi 10g	Di long 10g	Huang qi 6g

Patient returned later for treatment of blood sugar concerns, and confirmed that blood pressure has been within normal ranges over the next two months.

Note: All case studies have been posted with patient consent and retain complete details from patient treatment records as per the CTCMPAO’s policy on advertising.  Case studies are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and the herbs and acupuncture points listed here are not intended to be used by non-licensed individuals and can be dangerous if not prescribed appropriately.  Symptom presentation will vary between individuals so please seek out professional advice or book online if you are concerned about yourself or a friend/family member.