You Need To Consider Doing This If Your Rotator Cuff Injury Is Not Improving With Acupuncture

Rotator cuff injuries can leave you feeling sidelined, as every movement of your arm and shoulder becomes increasingly painful and limited. Whether it’s a small tear, tendonitis, or muscle strain, the pain and stiffness in the shoulder can interfere with your ability to perform even the simplest of tasks, such as lifting objects, reaching overhead, or even brushing your hair. For those who rely on their shoulders for physical work or exercise, the frustration and limitations caused by rotator cuff injury can feel overwhelming.

As the pain persists, it can take an emotional toll, draining your energy and leaving you wondering when or if you’ll ever feel normal again.

Acupuncture: A Popular Approach to Treating Rotator Cuff Injury

Acupuncture, a pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used for centuries to treat various musculoskeletal injuries, including rotator cuff injury. By inserting fine needles into specific points along the body, acupuncture helps to stimulate the body’s energy flow (qi), reduce inflammation, and promote the healing of damaged tissues. For many, acupuncture provides relief from rotator cuff injury, alleviating pain, improving circulation, and helping the shoulder recover more efficiently.

However, while acupuncture can be highly effective for many, it may not offer the long-term relief you need if the root cause of your rotator cuff injury has not been properly diagnosed. Without a clear understanding of the injury, treatments may only address the symptoms temporarily, without healing the underlying damage.

Why Getting a Clear Diagnosis Is Crucial

Rotator cuff injury can result from several factors. Here are five common causes:

1. Tendonitis – Inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons can cause pain and limit the range of motion in the shoulder.
2. Tendon Tears – Partial or full tears in the rotator cuff tendons can lead to significant pain, weakness, and loss of function.
3. Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac) in the shoulder joint can contribute to pain and limited movement.
4. Impingement Syndrome – When the tendons of the rotator cuff become pinched by the shoulder bones, it can cause pain, especially when raising the arm.
5. Aging and Degeneration – As we age, the tendons in the rotator cuff weaken, making them more susceptible to injury.

In addition to these common causes, there are two less common but potentially serious causes of rotator cuff injury:

1. Fractures – A fracture in the shoulder bone can affect the rotator cuff tendons and cause significant pain.
2. Instability – A shoulder joint that is unstable or frequently dislocated can lead to repeated injury of the rotator cuff.

The Need for Imaging to Get a Precise Diagnosis

It’s essential to understand that rotator cuff injury cannot always be fully diagnosed through physical symptoms or examination alone. To determine the extent of the injury and plan the most effective treatment, imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds are necessary. These methods provide a detailed view of the shoulder joint, tendons, and muscles, helping healthcare providers accurately diagnose the injury and recommend the right approach to recovery.

The Pain Relief Clinic: Your Partner in Finding a Clear Diagnosis

At The Pain Relief Clinic, we have over a decade of experience helping individuals with rotator cuff injury. We take a comprehensive, non-invasive approach to diagnosing the root cause of your pain and providing tailored treatments that promote healing. If you’ve been struggling with rotator cuff injury and haven’t found lasting relief, we can arrange for affordable scans, typically within one working day. Medisave can often be used to help cover the cost of these scans, making it more affordable for you.

We also assist with insurance claims, including accident insurance, travel insurance, and company insurance, ensuring you have access to the care you need without the added financial burden.

Once we have a precise diagnosis, we can provide targeted treatments to address the root cause of your rotator cuff injury and help you return to pain-free movement and activity.

Ready to take control of your rotator cuff injury? Send us a message today to arrange an appointment and begin your journey toward lasting relief from rotator cuff injury.