Acupuncture may help reduce pain and improve shoulder movement in people with frozen shoulder, but the evidence is moderate rather than definitive. Frozen shoulder, also called Adhesive Capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder becomes painful and progressively stiff. It often improves over time, but recovery can take months to years. What research suggests Studies and systematic reviews have found that acupuncture can: Reduce shoulder pain in the short term Improve range of motion Enhance the effects of physical therapy when used together