Rotator Cuff Injury

“Thank you for helping me with my rotator cuff injury! My shoulder is getting so much better now! Good enough for me to do the butterfly stroke!”

TCM treats rotator cuff injury with a combination of acupuncture, tui na mobilization, and herbs. Electrical stimulation and the use of Dit Da Jow (跌打酒) Chinese herbal liniment are also helpful.

A rotator cuff injury involves damage to the group of four muscles and their tendons that wrap around the shoulder joint to keep it stable and allow you to lift and rotate your arm. These muscles are often referred to by the acronym SITS: Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, and Subscapularis.

Types of Injuries

Rotator cuff problems generally fall into a spectrum of severity:

  • Tendinitis: This is inflammation or irritation of the tendons, often caused by repetitive motions or "wear and tear".

  • Tears: A tear occurs when a tendon is partially or completely pulled away from the bone. These can be partial-thickness (fraying) or full-thickness (a complete hole through the tendon).

How Injuries Occur

  1. Acute Trauma: These are sudden injuries caused by events like falling on an outstretched arm, a direct blow to the shoulder, or lifting something too heavy with a jerking motion.

  2. Degenerative Changes: These are more common and develop slowly over time. They are often caused by aging or repetitive overhead activities, which is why athletes (like baseball pitchers or tennis players) and people in trades (like painters or carpenters) are at higher risk.