How to treat rotator cuff injury without surgery
Jun 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Shuai
Introduction
Rotator cuff injury refers to damage to the rotator cuff structure, which is composed of muscles and tendons around the shoulder, leading to symptoms such as shoulder joint pain and restricted movement. In general, rotator cuff injuries can be treated without surgery through conservative approaches including rest, acupuncture, cupping, massage (tuina), and medication. It is important to note that during treatment, adequate rest and protection of the injured area should be maintained.
Rotator cuff injury refers to damage to the rotator cuff structure, which is composed of shoulder muscles and tendons, leading to symptoms such as shoulder joint pain and restricted movement. In general, rotator cuff injuries can be treated without surgery through conservative approaches including rest, acupuncture, cupping, massage therapy (tuina), and medication. Specific treatments are as follows:
1. General Treatment
The main approach is for patients to rest and avoid activities that may worsen the injury. The affected shoulder can be immobilized using an abduction brace or external plaster fixation to maintain the shoulder joint in an abducted position.
2. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical therapy that involves stimulating specific acupoints to regulate the flow and balance of qi and blood in the body. In treating rotator cuff injuries, acupuncture performed under medical guidance can help relieve pain, reduce muscle tension and inflammatory responses in the shoulder, and promote tissue repair and natural healing. Multiple acupuncture sessions may be required to achieve optimal results.
3. Cupping
Cupping is a traditional therapy that involves placing cups on the skin surface to create negative pressure, thereby stimulating acupoints and soft tissues, improving blood circulation, relaxing muscles, and alleviating pain. When performed under a doctor's supervision for rotator cuff injuries, cupping can help reduce shoulder pain, enhance local blood flow, and ease muscle tension.
4. Massage Therapy (Tuina)
Tuina is a traditional Chinese therapeutic massage that stimulates muscles and acupoints to improve blood circulation, relax muscles, regulate energy flow, and relieve pain. Under medical guidance, tuina for rotator cuff injuries can help alleviate shoulder muscle tightness and pain, and support recovery and rehabilitation of the shoulder joint.
5. Medication
Patients experiencing severe pain may, under medical supervision, apply topical plasters or take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain, such as indomethacin medicated plasters, ibuprofen tablets, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules.
It is important to note that during treatment, patients should ensure adequate rest and protect the injured area, strictly follow medical advice, and seek timely medical attention if discomfort occurs.
