That moment when you put on your coat and slide the painful arm into the sleeve first, so you don't have to twist. That is often the first sign. Even if you try to ignore it.
Is your shoulder already deciding how you sleep, how you get dressed and whether you still reach for that high shelf?
There is another approach to shoulder pain: IPRA123, in Amsterdam and Nijmegen.
I'm Zohar, an acupuncturist with 28 years of experience. I treat you one-on-one and give you the time you need. No empty promises - but a real chance of noticeable improvement, based on clinical experience.
- 5.0Google Amsterdam · 101 reviews
- 4.9Google Nijmegen · 88 reviews
- 4.7Treatwell · 1500+ reviews
Does this sound familiar?
- At night you can't lie on that side anymore. You wake up when you turn over.
- Lifting your arm above your head doesn't come naturally anymore, for example to do your hair or reach a high shelf.
- Reaching behind your back, like putting on your coat or getting something from your back pocket, hurts.
- You tried physio, exercises or rest - and nothing helped, or only for a very short time.
- And somewhere a question keeps coming back: will this ever feel normal again?
In my practice, I take the time to understand how your shoulder behaves in daily life, and to look with you at what's still possible.
How it works, and what to expect at your first appointment
IPRA123 for shoulder pain
For shoulder pain, I usually start with IPRA123. It works on the superficial fascia: the thin layer of connective tissue between skin and muscle. A different point of entry than working directly on the deeper muscles. I often also use kinesio tape, an elastic tape on the skin.
For people who have tried a lot already
Many people come to me after physiotherapy, exercises or classical Chinese acupuncture didn't give lasting change. IPRA123 approaches shoulder pain in a different way.
Classical acupuncture as a complement
I use classical acupuncture as a complement for tension, stress, sleep and other complaints. Often it's the combination that works best.
Your first appointment
We talk briefly about your complaint. I'll check how far your arm can go up, to the side and behind you. The first appointment includes the first treatment. You don't need to know anything about acupuncture beforehand. No rush, just one-on-one attention.
At the end you get a clear answer from me: whether I think I can help you, or not.
What you can expect (IPRA123)
Here's what the process often looks like in practice.
First treatment
Patients often describe that, already after the first treatment, moving feels easier and their range of motion is greater. This is not a promise.
Through treatment 3
By that point, we're looking for clear relief during the week. If there's no noticeable improvement, we stop the series. We don't ask you to complete six or nine treatments only to hear afterward that it didn't work.
Usually around six
In most cases, about six treatments are enough. Sometimes maintenance treatments are needed after that - everyone responds differently.
Patient experiences
“I had my accident in 2015. I was left with a frozen shoulder and chronic pain in my left shoulder.”
— Sarah (62)
Translated from Dutch.
“A week ago it was 8 or 9, sometimes 9, sometimes it got worse. And now it's 2 or 3.”
— Sarah (62)
Translated from Dutch.
Long-term shoulder pain
“I had shoulder pain for almost three or four years. I tried physiotherapy and more things, and it didn't work. Now I'm with Zohar, and it's almost gone. So I'm very happy, I'm very grateful also.”
— Lisa (52, name changed)
“I had a hurting shoulder. It was very painful and I couldn't move it for about six months. I had two treatments now and the shoulder is fine. It's completely gone. I don't feel anything anymore.”
— A patient
Some first names have been changed for privacy reasons. The experiences are real.
Severe shoulder pain after an accident
Personal experience. For you it may be different.
The frozen shoulder of 4 years is gone
Personal experience. For you it may be different.
Personal experience with shoulder pain treatment
Personal experience. For you it may be different.
Personal experience with shoulder pain treatment
Personal experience. For you it may be different.
Personal experience with shoulder pain treatment
Personal experience. For you it may be different.
What does it cost?
The current rates and treatment duration are listed in the online booking overview for the location you choose. You'll see exactly what an appointment costs before booking.
Supplementary insurance may (partially) reimburse the treatment, since treatments are given by a Zhong-registered therapist. How much you get back depends on your policy. Terms are adjusted every year, so check with your own insurer. An appointment cancelled less than 72 hours in advance may be charged.
Two locations: Amsterdam and Nijmegen
De Zijderoute Amsterdam
Schaepmanstraat 104
1051 JG AmsterdamDe Zijderoute Nijmegen
Gerard Noodtstraat 119
6511 ST Nijmegen
Frequently asked questions
- I've been carrying this for years. Is it even worth talking about?
- Yes. The fact that something has lasted a long time doesn't mean nothing can be done about it. In the intake, we look together at what's still possible.
- I'm afraid of needles.
- I understand. Most people who were afraid tell me afterward that the treatment felt much gentler than they expected. These needles are much thinner than what you're used to.
- Acupuncture or IPRA123?
- For shoulder pain, I usually start with IPRA123. I use classical acupuncture as a complement for tension and other complaints. Often the combination works best. In the intake, I choose what your body needs that day.
- My shoulder suddenly became very painful, or I fell. Can I come straight away?
- Please see your GP first, for example after a fall or accident, if you can hardly lift your arm, if you have a fever, or if your arm suddenly feels weak or numb. After that, we can look together at what I can do for you.
- I have a frozen shoulder. Is it still worth it?
- A frozen shoulder is often complex and usually needs more treatments. I usually start with a series of three treatments. If there is improvement, we continue. If there is no improvement, I suggest looking at other options.
Want to know what's possible for your shoulder?
Choose the location that suits you best, or send a question via WhatsApp first. The first appointment includes the first treatment. You'll get an honest answer - even if another path suits you better.
Prefer to call or email? 06-36303955 (+31 6 36303955) · stegzohar@gmail.com