Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint, affecting up to one third of the population in their lifetime. Symptoms may include pain, loss of function and a decrease in strength. Symptoms can be debilitating and greatly affect quality of life 1.
Acupuncture is a health modality that has been practiced for thousands of years. Providing an holistic approach to health-care, acupuncture can integrate well with many other treatments. Whilst the research on its effects for shoulder pain is ongoing, several studies indicate its benefits when used in combination with other therapies.
A systematic review (SR) conducted in 2017, suggests Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for shoulder pain, when used with other management strategies such as physiotherapy or exercise, as part of a multi-modal approach 2.
In a SR in 2015, specifically relating to ‘shoulder impingement syndrome’, it was demonstrated that combined treatment lead to more favorable outcomes than single intervention therapies. In early cases, exercise combined with other therapies such as acupuncture, and kinesio taping was recommended 3. As part of this review, a study on acupuncture in association with physiotherapy showed an improvement in shoulder function and reduction in pain. There was an overall decrease in analgesic use by the participants 4 .
The shoulder can be easily injured. A shallow ball and socket joint, the muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff are largely responsible for anchoring the shoulder in place. The rotator cuff enables overhead movements and the rotation of the arm towards and away from the body.
Shoulder injury can result from overuse, weak muscles and degenerative changes. Therefore, sport or work related activities, wear and tear – or a combination of these, may lead to shoulder pain 5.
Some musculoskeletal causes of shoulder pain include – tendonitis, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, bursitis and shoulder impingement syndrome 6.
If you are suffering from shoulder pain, a course of acupuncture may be a useful addition to your care. During a consultation, a patient’s presenting symptoms, lifestyle and general health will be carefully assessed when putting together a treatment plan.
Please contact me via the clinics or contact form if you wish to discuss treatment and how it may be of benefit to you.
Elisabeth