Shoulder pain is a common complaitn, which is usually linked with issues of the rotator cuff, a tear, tendonitis, arthritis or shoulder dislocation. Acupuncture is a modality that can help the body heal itself naturally. Acupuncture promotes blood flow, stimulates the body’s built in healing mechanism and releases natural painkillers.
The blood is a significant source of life. It contains oxygen, nutrients, hormones, analgesics and anti-inflammatories. Acupuncture has been able to increase blood flow, which if triggered in certain areas of injury, will help to re-nourish and heal the muscles. Acupuncture also creates “micro traumas” that stimulate the body’s ability to heal injuries through the immune, nervous and endocrine system activation.
The insertion of needles also send a signal through the nervous system to the brain, where natural pain killers such as endorphins, norepinephrine and enkephalin are released. Acupuncture can help relax the mind and the body, which will speed up the recovery time in a safe and relaxing approach.
Shoulder pain is a common complaint, and one that is particularly difficult to ignore; because the body requires the use of the arms for many activities, shoulder pain can severely disable an otherwise active lifestyle.
Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain include issues with the rotator cuff, including a tear or tendonitis (also known as bursitis); arthritis; shoulder dislocation, in which the top of the arm bone becomes disconnected from the scapula; and many others.
Patients with shoulder pain are advised to seek out healthy methods of reducing pain and inflammation. Moderate rest, ice application, and physical therapy are helpful tools in this process. Acupuncture is another method of reducing shoulder pain.
Many patients rely on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. However, long-term use of these drugs can cause serious kidney damage as well as gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcers. In fact, NSAIDs are known as one of the leading causes of death in the United States. It stands to reason, then, that the importance of finding ways of reducing inflammation without the use of medication is imperative to good health.
