rotator cuff pain

    Acupuncture for rotator cuff pain in nyc

    New York's Leading Rotator Cuff Acupuncturist

    Did you know that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for rotator cuff pain? Acupuncture has the ability to help relieve symptoms and treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including shoulder pain and torn rotator cuffs. At Gotham Integrative Acupuncture + Wellness, we create personalized acupuncture treatment plans for any patients looking for a nonsurgical solution to their rotator cuff pain.

    What Is a Rotator Cuff Injury?

    The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons help to lift the arm and stabilize the joint. A rotator cuff injury can occur when these muscles and tendons become torn or inflamed. Rotator cuff injuries are common in athletes, especially those who participate in overhead sports, such as baseball, tennis, and weightlifting; as well as people whose jobs require repetitive movements of the shoulder and heavy lifting. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, approximately 2 million people in the United States visit their doctor each year for a rotator cuff injury.

    How Do I Know If the Problem Is With My Rotator Cuff? 

    Pain in the shoulder can be caused by a number of conditions, but if you have rotator cuff pain, you will likely notice at least some of the following symptoms:

    Pain that gets worse when you move your arm away from the body

    Weakness in your shoulder or arm

    Difficulty sleeping on the affected side

    A crackling sensation in the shoulder

    When To Try Acupuncture for Rotator Cuff Pain 

    Rotator cuff pain can be unbearable, and prevent you from carrying out daily tasks as well as activities you enjoy. While complete tears may require surgery, many cases can be effectively treated with acupuncture by optimizing the shoulder holistically. Tears are often partial and can be due to an injury or degradation of the tendon from overuse or aging. Whether there is a tear present or not, acupuncture is an excellent first line therapy before progressing to an invasive option like surgery. If you’re looking for a nonsurgical solution to your rotator cuff pain, acupuncture may be the answer. The following are some common reasons that patients seek acupuncture for relief from rotator cuff pain:

    You’ve been living with rotator cuff pain for more than a few weeks.

    The pain is preventing you from doing activities you love.

    Your shoulder pain is impacting your quality of life.

    You’ve tried other nonsurgical treatments without success.

    The Benefits of Treating Rotator Cuff Pain With Acupuncture

    Acupuncture is a non-invasive treatment that comes from Chinese Medicine and has been used for millennia to treat a variety of conditions. Here are some of the ways that acupuncture works to treat rotator cuff pain:

    Reduce inflammation. While some inflammation is a normal response to injury, chronic inflammation can contribute to the dysfunction of the shoulder and stall healing. Acupuncture (particularly electro-acupuncture) promotes the body to release natural anti-inflammatory agents to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

    Release endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which can help to block pain signals. Acupuncture triggers the body to release endorphins and other natural pain killers for systemic and local pain relief. 

    Stimulate blood flow. When the rotator cuff is damaged, blood flow to the area can become restricted or stagnant. This can cause restriction in the shoulder, limit healing, and contribute to pain. Acupuncture improves blood flow to the rotator cuff to clear out stagnant blood and bring fresh nutrient-rich blood to the shoulder to help heal damaged tissues.

    Relax muscles. Injury to the shoulder can cause you to use your arm differently so that you can get through your day without causing severe pain. These sub-optimal movement patterns can lead to muscle tension and trigger points which further contribute to pain and injury. Acupuncture helps to relax these muscles and release trigger points to restore range of motion and strength.

    Increase range of motion. Acupuncture can help to increase range of motion by relaxing muscles, releasing trigger points, healing damaged tissues, and restoring function and strength to affected muscles.

    Accelerate healing time. Acupuncture alone or in addition to other treatments such as physical therapy and/or surgery can accelerate healing of a rotator cuff injury.

    Rotator Cuff Relief at Gotham Integrative Acupuncture + Wellness

    Acupuncture for rotator cuff pain is a safe and effective treatment option for many people. By targeting the underlying cause of your pain, acupuncture can provide long-lasting relief. If you’re looking for an alternative to surgery and/or other medical interventions, book your appointment with Gotham Integrative Acupuncture + Wellness to learn more about how acupuncture can help you find relief. We offer free consultations so that you can learn more about how acupuncture can help you treat painful injuries, like rotator cuff problems.

    For more information about acupuncture for rotator cuff pain, call us at (646) 255-1332 or book  online now.

    WHY CHOOSE US?

    Cutting-Edge Acupuncture

    Licensed Acupuncturist

    Powerful Holistic Treatments

    Personalized Treatment Plans

    What our satisfied Patients have to say

    "I've been going to see Dr. Kristin for quite some time now due to back/neck issues I've been dealing with for years, and I must say - it really does work wonders! From my first consultation to every appointment in between, Dr. Kristin has been kind and always attentive to what aches and pains I have. She makes sure to target the areas that are hurting you, and constantly checks in on you / with you to make sure you are comfortable. I mean really, what more could you ask for?!"

    - Nicole D.

    "I've been going to Gotham Holistic and seeing Kristin Cheng, LAc for 3 years now, I highly recommend going to see her. She was highly attentive to me, my needs, and my comfort level. Quickly, I was put at ease by her attentive nature and able to be present when I did my first acupuncture consultation to the present day. I go here because Kristin Cheng is immensely skilled and so down to earth that I can digest her deep knowledge to make better health choices in my life."

    - Jovon O.

    "Kristin at Gotham Holistic is a wonderful professional who is focused on helping you manage pain and getting your body to work best for you.  She is personally invested in your health and well-being and committed to working with you to get your body to where you'd like it to be.  She is full of knowledge and looks to empower you to help your body heal. As a lifelong athlete I am so grateful I have found Kristin to help me work through injuries and keep my body in top shape to continue to train at a high level."

    - Lisa L.