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Rotator cuff injuries can be debilitating, causing pain and limiting the range of motion in the shoulder. While traditional treatments like physical therapy and medication are commonly used, orthopedic acupuncture has emerged as a promising therapy for managing and treating rotator cuff injuries.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and enabling a wide range of motion. Injuries to the rotator cuff often result from overuse, trauma, or age-related degeneration. Common symptoms include pain, weakness, and restricted movement, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life.
Orthopedic acupuncture treatments have helped my patients with rotator cuff injuries. Often the scapula (which is the wing bone) has to have a free glide and stability in many directions. With a rotator cuff injury, the scapula often builds adhesions around it, adhering and impairing free movement and causing pain into the shoulder and sometimes down the arm or rib-cage. Here’s where acupuncture works so well. By freeing up those overworked muscles and doing electric stimulation on the muscles that are inhibited, or weak, we get the entire rotator cuff functioning much better. PT can often help with exercises, but I warn my patients that if they don’t have all muscles working together, then it can just exacerbate the muscles that are already over-working to compensate.
1. Pain Relief:
Acupuncture is known for its analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. By targeting specific points associated with pain modulation, acupuncture can help alleviate the discomfort associated with rotator cuff injuries.
2. Improved Blood Flow:
Acupuncture promotes blood circulation, which is crucial for the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to injured tissues. Enhanced blood flow can expedite the healing process in the damaged rotator cuff.
3. Reduction of Inflammation:
Inflammation is a common factor in rotator cuff injuries. Acupuncture has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to decrease swelling and promote a more favorable environment for healing.
4. Muscle Relaxation:
Acupuncture can induce muscle relaxation, reducing tension and spasms in the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint. This can contribute to improved range of motion and decreased stiffness.
Several studies have explored the efficacy of acupuncture in treating shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries. Some studies suggest that acupuncture can be a valuable adjunctive therapy in the comprehensive management of these injuries. Patients often report improvements in pain levels, function, and overall well-being after undergoing just a few acupuncture treatments.
When it comes to rotator cuff injuries, don’t wait until it gets worse. By addressing the injury from the beginning, you help prevent that shoulder from locking up and causing long-term issues.