You Need To Consider Doing This If Your Shoulder Pain Is Not Improving With Acupuncture

Shoulder pain can be a constant, nagging discomfort that disrupts your life in more ways than you can imagine. Whether it’s a dull ache, sharp pain, or stiffness that makes it hard to move your arm, shoulder pain can make daily tasks, like lifting, reaching, or even getting dressed, feel like monumental challenges. The pain can keep you awake at night, limit your physical activities, and affect your mood, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless as you search for lasting relief.

As shoulder pain persists, it can take a significant emotional toll, reducing your ability to engage in the activities you love and leaving you exhausted from trying to cope with the discomfort.

Acupuncture: A Popular Approach to Treating Shoulder Pain

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used for centuries to treat various types of musculoskeletal pain, including shoulder pain. This therapy involves inserting thin needles at specific points along the body to stimulate the flow of energy (qi), promote healing, and reduce inflammation. Many individuals with shoulder pain have found relief through acupuncture, as it helps to ease muscle tension, improve circulation, and restore balance within the body.

However, while acupuncture can be incredibly effective for some, it may not always provide the long-lasting results you need, especially if the root cause of your shoulder pain has not been properly diagnosed. Without understanding the source of the pain, acupuncture may offer only temporary relief instead of addressing the underlying issue.

Why Getting a Clear Diagnosis Is Crucial

Shoulder pain can arise from various causes, and a precise diagnosis is necessary to determine the most effective treatment. Here are five common causes of shoulder pain:

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries – Tears, strains, or inflammation in the rotator cuff tendons can lead to pain and limit the range of motion.
2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – Stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint restrict movement, making it difficult to perform even simple tasks.
3. Shoulder Impingement – When the tendons of the rotator cuff are compressed or irritated, it can cause pain, particularly when raising the arm.
4. Arthritis – Osteoarthritis or other forms of arthritis in the shoulder joint can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.
5. Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa, the fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder joint, can lead to swelling and pain.

In addition to these common causes, there are two less common but potentially serious causes of shoulder pain:

1. Fractures – A break or fracture in the bones around the shoulder joint can cause significant pain and limit mobility.
2. Infections or Tumors – Rare infections or tumors in or around the shoulder joint can cause swelling, pain, and require immediate medical attention.

The Need for Imaging to Get a Precise Diagnosis

It’s important to understand that shoulder pain cannot always be fully diagnosed through physical symptoms alone. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans are essential for identifying the root cause of the pain, whether it’s a bone issue, a tendon injury, or inflammation. These tools allow healthcare providers to accurately diagnose the problem and recommend the most effective treatment.

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

At The Pain Relief Clinic, we understand how shoulder pain can affect your life, making every movement feel like a struggle. With over a decade of experience, we provide a non-invasive, comprehensive approach to diagnosing the root cause of your pain. If you’ve been dealing with shoulder pain and haven’t found lasting relief, we can arrange for affordable scans, typically within one working day. Medisave can often be used to cover the cost of these scans, making it a more affordable option.

We also assist with insurance claims, including accident insurance, travel insurance, and company insurance, so you can access the care you need without the financial strain.

Once we have a clear diagnosis, we can offer targeted treatments to address the root cause of your shoulder pain and restore mobility, allowing you to return to your everyday activities without discomfort.

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