Different types of shoulder injuries will require different types of treatments. While it may be in your interest to try natural healing options for certain conditions, surgery may be the most appropriate option in other cases. The median recovery time from shoulder surgery (75-80% recovery of strength and function) is estimated to be 6-7 months. In some cases, it can take up to a year, and full recovery can take up to 2 years. This all depends on the initial health of the individual, the extent of the injury, the quality of and commitment to rehabilitation, the patient’s diet, and the rehabilitation modalities. The use of acupuncture and Chinese herbs can shorten recovery time in each phase of rehabilitation. It is possible to regain strength and function in your shoulder sooner, reduce pain from surgery trauma, decrease scar tissue, and minimize loss of range of motion, all through the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas.
Possible shoulder injuries or conditions include fractures, dislocation/subluxation, tears, impingement, tendonitis, bone spurs, and bursitis. Obviously, not all of these conditions will require surgery. For the sake of this article, the focus is on shoulder injuries and surgeries, such as arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, Bankart surgery, and prosthetic shoulder replacement. All these surgeries can be of great benefit to the patient, but they can also cause great trauma in the area that takes a long time to heal and a lot of dedication and time in physical rehabilitation on the part of the patient.
There are certain risks associated with shoulder surgery including vascular and neurological injury, synovial fluid leakage, increased stiffness, and tendon injury due to iatrogenic causes (medical error). In most cases there are no complications and the patient only has to deal with normal post-surgical shoulder problems. Shoulder surgery patients typically report pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased range of motion, keloid scarring, loss of strength, numbness, and tingling as post-surgical issues. Each of these problems can be minimized through the use of acupuncture treatments during the rehabilitation process. Treatments can be started the same day or the day after surgery, if possible. Different herbal formulas can be used to strengthen tendons and ligaments, reduce pain, and move blood (reduces swelling, aids lymphatic drainage, and provides a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area). Be sure to get your herbs from a licensed physician to ensure you get the right formula for you. Acupuncture can get you through all 4 stages of recovery faster and get you back to function up to 2 months faster than rehab without acupuncture.
Stage 1 of the recovery process is 5-6 weeks and involves the patient wearing a sling. In this phase, acupuncture may be performed on the areas surrounding the shoulder to increase blood flow to the area, minimize lymph buildup and inflammation, keep the immune system high (reducing the risk of infection), and lower lymph levels. of pain Acupuncture helps your body release endorphins, which are your body’s natural pain reliever. For those patients who don’t like taking pharmaceuticals, this is a great alternative and can reduce your need for prescription pain medications.
Stage 2 involves minimal movement and therapy to the shoulder. Using acupuncture directly around the injured shoulder at this stage can promote blood flow to the tendons. This helps minimize stiffness and reduced range of motion. Stimulation of surrounding muscles keeps loss of strength and muscle mass to a minimum. Gentle electroacupuncture is an excellent modality at this stage. The use of distal points on the hand ensures that nerve conduction is maintained and limits the possibility of prolonged numbness and tingling in the extremity.
Stage 3 encourages more physical therapy and has the patient use weights ranging from 6 to 10 pounds. Acupuncture is beneficial at this stage to continue nourishing damaged muscles and tendons. It is also excellent for preventing the buildup of keloid scar tissue and for breaking down any scar tissue that has already built up. This is important to maintain full range of motion, flexibility, and sensation.
Stage 4 is ongoing rehabilitation to bring the patient back to 100%. If the patient has complied and the acupuncturist has done his job correctly, this stage should be greatly shortened and the patient should be months ahead of the rehabilitation process.
While some orthopedic surgeries can be avoided with acupuncture and Chinese medicine, it can also be used as a complementary service in the rehabilitation process of surgeries. It can be used before the patient can move their arm and go to physical therapy. It can also be used in conjunction with physiotherapy. When performed correctly, by a licensed acupuncturist, your post-surgical recovery time from a shoulder injury will be kept to a minimum and pain free, with increased range of motion, increased strength, and less chance of permanent damage. Visit us online to learn more about post-surgical rehabilitation using acupuncture and Chinese medicine to heal faster.