Acupuncture for rotator cuff pain
The rotator cuff stabilizes every shoulder movement, so when it's strained or torn, almost everything hurts. We help it calm and rebuild.
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that keep the shoulder stable and moving smoothly. Overuse, a fall, or age-related wear can strain, inflame or tear it.
Whether it's tendinitis, impingement or a partial tear, acupuncture eases the pain and inflammation while supporting the tissue's recovery, and we coordinate rehab to rebuild strength.
Symptoms we treat
If any of these sound like your experience, acupuncture is worth a conversation. This isn't a diagnosis, your first visit is.
Why acupuncture works here
Three layers at once, local, segmental, and central, chosen for what your body is asking for.
From first visit to plan
Every patient gets the same unhurried four-beat rhythm, the first visit includes a complimentary consultation.
The clinical picture
A rotator cuff tear is a condition where one or more of the tendons in the rotator cuff, a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, are torn. The rotator cuff allows for a wide range of arm movements and is crucial for shoulder stability.
Types of Rotator Cuff Tears
- Partial Tear: The tendon is damaged but not completely severed.
- Complete Tear (Full-Thickness Tear): The tendon is fully detached from the bone, often leaving a hole or gap.
Symptoms
- Pain, especially when lifting the arm or performing overhead activities.
- Weakness in the shoulder.
- Limited range of motion.
- A clicking or popping sensation when moving the shoulder.
- Night pain, particularly when lying on the affected shoulder.
Causes
- Acute Injury: A sudden trauma, such as a fall or lifting a heavy object.
- Degenerative Wear: Gradual wear and tear over time, common in older adults or individuals performing repetitive overhead motions (e.g. athletes, painters).
Diagnosis
- Physical examination to assess pain, strength, and range of motion.
- Imaging tests:
- X-rays: To rule out other conditions like bone spurs or fractures.
- MRI/Ultrasound: To confirm the tear's size, location, and severity.
Treatment Options
- Non-Surgical:
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the condition.
- Ice/Heat Therapy: To reduce pain and inflammation.
- Medications: NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen) to relieve pain.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen shoulder muscles and improve range of motion.
- Steroid Injections: Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain, typically used if conservative treatments are ineffective.
- Surgical:
- Recommended for large tears, persistent symptoms, or cases where function is severely impaired:
- Arthroscopic Repair: Minimally invasive surgery using small incisions and instruments to reattach the tendon.
- Open Surgery: Larger incisions may be needed for more complex repairs.
- Tendon Transfer: In cases where the tear is irreparable, a nearby tendon may be used to restore function.
- Shoulder Replacement: For severe cases with joint damage (e.g. rotator cuff arthropathy).
- Rehabilitation:
- Post-surgical physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and function.
- Gradual progression from passive to active exercises.
Prevention
- Avoid repetitive overhead activities.
- Maintain shoulder strength and flexibility through regular exercise.
- Use proper techniques for sports or heavy lifting.
Early treatment improves outcomes, particularly for acute tears, while degenerative tears may require longer rehabilitation.