The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder that keep the head of the upper arm bone firmly within the shoulder socket. An injury to this area can cause pain in the shoulder which typically worsens at night. Tears to the muscle(s) can also occur and in severe cases may require surgery. Often, rotator cuff injuries are caused by repeatedly performing overhead motions and are common in occupations such as painters, carpenters and other manual labourers.
In this article, we determine whether or not Acupuncture is a suitable treatment for such injuries.
So, can Acupuncture help a rotator cuff tear? Acupuncture can help but not heal a rotator cuff tear. It is also unlikely to work alone – it is best used in conjunction with other therapies. Acupuncture is often used as the first line of treatment to help reduce pain and increase range of motion ahead of physiotherapy and exercise therapies.
Read on to learn more about Acupuncture for rotator cuff injuries, how it works and the other therapies that complement Acupuncture.
Does Acupuncture for Rotator Cuff Injuries Work?
Individuals experiencing rotator cuff injuries are rarely recommended isolated treatments. Instead, many healthcare professionals will recommend a treatment plan that incorporates a range of therapies including physiotherapy, exercise therapy, manual therapy, massage therapy, medication and Acupuncture.
Often, Acupuncture is used in the early stages of treatment as a way of improving function and reducing pain ahead of physiotherapy and exercise. This is a particularly good option for those that do not (or cannot) respond well to exercise. Acupuncture may also be introduced throughout the treatment journey if progress plateaus.
Research shows that Acupuncture can promote the release of β-Endorphins and increase the concentration of Serotonin in the brain. This helps to reduce sensitivity to pain and improve joint mobility.
The bottom line is that Acupuncture is no replacement for rehabilitation, exercise and physiotherapy, but compliments such therapies incredibly well by reducing pain and increasing range of motion. It may also accelerate healing time.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
There is no limit on how many Acupuncture sessions are required for rotator cuff injuries, however, if individuals are progressing towards their goals, it would be unusual to have more than 4 treatments. This would typically occur over 2-4 weeks.
When to Try Acupuncture for Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries can be unbearably painful and can prevent individuals from carrying out both daily activities and leisure/sport activities. Some tears may require surgery to correct, however, for less severe tears and injuries, Acupuncture is a great first line of therapy. Common reasons that individuals seek out Acupuncture for rotator cuffs include:
- Living with significant pain for more than a few weeks
- Pain and limited movement impacts quality of life
- Other non-surgical therapies have not been a success
- To help relax muscles and relieve aches
- As a complementary therapy to help accelerate healing time
