How Acupuncture Helps with Shoulder Injury
Physical therapy has emerged as a safe, viable option for sufferers of shoulder problems like adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), bursitis, and conditions arising from the rotator cuff. Acknowledging that current labelling for these conditions was of little benefit to patients and only increased confusion regarding treatment methods such as exercise, chiropractic adjustments and even acupuncture.
Additionally, academic debates have helped lay the groundwork for this shift in focus. While these discussions have touched on many pertinent topics, physical therapists, sports therapists, sports medicine specialists, osteopaths, and chiropractors will ultimately drive change for the better.
Shoulder Injuries and Exercise
The connection of exercise to shoulder pain rehabilitation is an area experts generally agree on. Of course, the types of activities that fall under the category of exercise are diverse. Thus, it is not enough to say ‘let’s exercise the shoulder’.
However, we can be sure that no matter what we call the issue or consider its cause, we will probably recommend exercise as the first step toward shoulder pain rehabilitation. But what do we do when exercise does not work? Or when it causes too much pain for the patient? In these cases, we turn to alternative methods like acupuncture.
Shoulder Injuries and Acupuncture
Dry needling as a stand-alone treatment is not recommended even in seminal traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) text or Western medical philosophy. While it may help patients feel better, dry needling does not replicate the physiological benefits one gets from exercising the shoulder (for the medium to long term). No approach to shoulder rehabilitation should be one dimensional. Thus, multiple practices must be combined to achieve better results concerning shoulder pain.
The Benefit of Acupuncture
However, there are certain benefits to undergoing acupuncture (also known as dry needling) treatment. All patients enjoy exercise, and many clients cannot fully improve their physical health or rehabilitate their joints. In these cases, dry needling on the shoulder can help the muscle relax and prepare it for exercise.
When to Administer Dry Needling
If pain relief happens immediately after the first session or even during the first session of other treatment types, then mission accomplished! The provider may never have to introduce acupuncture again.
However, if Western medical practices have proven ineffective, that is the best time to try an Eastern alternative. As of yet, no one knows why people respond differently to acupuncture, but it can be used as a tool at multiple points within the rehabilitation cycle. We are not locked into doing a certain number of sessions. If progress stumbles over a prolonged period, we can introduce acupuncture again.
Acupuncture can be safely introduced alongside other modalities such as exercise and manual therapy within the same session. The non-affected limb is usually needled, leaving the impacted limb free to rehab.
Regularity of Acupuncture
While there are no limits to how often acupuncture is applied to a patient, it is unusual to go beyond four needling sessions if your client has not experienced any benefit. If the client does experience faster relief compared to most, then they may no longer need more than four sessions.
For even better results, providers may recommend combining dry needling with stretches, physical therapy, and exercise after each session to speed up recovery. In those matters, patients must always refer to their provider’s prognosis.
Get Acupuncture in Dunfermline Today
In conclusion, although acupuncture and dry needling are not adequate replacements for high-quality rehabilitation that includes nutrition, exercise, and advice, needling can be a highly beneficial treatment path in cases where nutrition is hampered by pain and movement anxiety. Always consult with an expert on the matter to ensure you get the best treatment and results for your shoulder injury.
For an alternative method to your injuries, seek Ruth McWilliam for acupuncture in Dunfermline! As the only registered acupuncture practitioner in the Forth Valley area, I offer mobile treatment services, treating you from your own home to alleviate your body’s physical condition. Get in touch with me now!