Shoulder Impingement

Q I have had shoulder pain for over 5 years. Can I get better with Korean medicine treatment even in such a long-standing case?

A. There are many cases where the condition improves with Korean medicine treatment, even in chronic cases lasting more than 5 years. However, since adhesions may be thick and muscle weakness may be severe, a longer treatment period is required. It is important to accurately assess the current condition using ultrasound and set realistic goals.

Q My mother, in her 70s, has shoulder impingement syndrome. Can she receive traditional Korean medicine treatment despite her advanced age?

A. Elderly patients aged 70 and older can also receive Korean medicine treatment, which is safely administered starting with gentle therapies such as acupuncture and pharmacopuncture. However, as older patients often have rotator cuff degeneration and osteoporosis, we first conduct an ultrasound evaluation and identify any medications they are taking.

Q I have heard that shoulder impingement syndrome can lead to a rotator cuff tear. Does the treatment differ when both conditions are present?

A. When shoulder impingement syndrome is accompanied by a partial rotator cuff tear, we simultaneously address the cause of the impingement and regenerate the torn area. We release adhesions using needle acupuncture and induce collagen regeneration in the torn area using thread embedding and fire acupuncture; the intensity and duration of treatment are higher than for simple impingement syndrome.

Q Are there any exercises that help with shoulder impingement syndrome? Conversely, what exercises should be avoided?

A. Strengthening exercises for the lower trapezius and external rotators (infraspinatus and teres minor) are effective in improving symptoms by widening the subacromial space. On the other hand, overhead movements that raise the arms (presses, freestyle swimming) cause repeated impingement and should be avoided during treatment.

Q How should I sleep if I have shoulder impingement syndrome? It seems to get worse when I lie on the painful shoulder side.

A. If you lie down with the affected shoulder lower, symptoms worsen overnight due to continuous pressure. It is recommended to lie on your healthy side or, when lying on your back, place a thin pillow under the affected arm to maintain a neutral shoulder position.

Q Is the acupuncture procedure dangerous for the shoulder? I have heard that it can damage blood vessels or nerves.

A. Acupuncture is a safe procedure with a very low risk of damage to blood vessels or nerves when performed under ultrasound guidance. Since a skilled Korean medicine doctor separates adhesions while monitoring them in real-time via ultrasound, a level of safety distinct from simple blind procedures is ensured.

Q I am currently taking anti-inflammatory painkillers prescribed by an orthopedic clinic. Is it okay to receive herbal medicine or pharmacopuncture at the same time?

A. While particularly dangerous interactions are rare when combining anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) with herbal medicine or pharmacopuncture, you must inform us of any medications you are currently taking during your consultation. When prescribing herbal medicine, we adjust the dosage to ensure safety by considering overlapping ingredients and liver burden.

Q Is shoulder impingement syndrome curable, or does it require lifelong management?

A. If treated properly in the early stages, complete recovery is possible, and most patients can return to their daily lives within a few months. However, if accompanied by a rotator cuff tear or if left untreated for a long time, a longer treatment period is required, and exercise management to prevent recurrence may be necessary for life.

Q My doctor recommended surgery; can I avoid it through treatment at a Korean medicine clinic?

A. In cases where there is no complete rotator cuff tear or severe structural abnormalities, recovery without surgery is often possible through Korean medicine treatment. The general recommendation is to reconsider surgery only if there is no improvement after attempting non-surgical treatments, such as moxibustion and pharmacopuncture, for at least three months.

Q I am an office worker in my 40s, and I feel a sharp, stabbing sensation in the upper part of my shoulder whenever I lift my arm. Exactly why does shoulder impingement syndrome occur?

A. Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the space above the shoulder joint (subacromial space) narrows, causing the rotator cuff tendons to repeatedly get pinched and rub against the acromion bone. Pain worsens when lifting the arm, and if left untreated, it can lead to a rotator cuff tear.

Q I am in my 50s working in logistics in Dongincheon. My job involves frequently lifting heavy loads; could my shoulder impingement syndrome have developed because of my work?

A. Repetitive lifting of the arms or exerting force upward on the shoulder causes cumulative damage to the rotator cuff, making it a major cause of impingement syndrome. The risk is significantly higher, especially when repeatedly lifting heavy objects while the shoulder stabilizing muscles are weakened.

Q Are there specific foods that worsen inflammation in shoulder impingement syndrome? How should I adjust my daily eating habits?

A. Inflammation-inducing foods such as instant foods, fried foods, and sugary drinks can worsen inflammation around tendons. Consuming oily fish rich in omega-3, antioxidant vegetables, and sufficient protein helps with tendon recovery.

Q Can the habit of looking at a smartphone for a long time worsen shoulder impingement syndrome?

A. Looking at a smartphone with your head bowed for extended periods can exacerbate imbalances in the neck and shoulder muscles, narrowing the subacromial space and potentially worsening impingement symptoms. It is important to adjust the screen to eye level and perform shoulder stretches every 30 minutes.

Q How often should I visit a Korean medicine clinic for shoulder impingement syndrome? It is difficult to come every day due to work.

A. During the initial intensive treatment phase, visiting 2 to 3 times a week is most effective, and this is reduced to once a week once symptoms improve. For office workers, visiting twice a week—either during lunch or in the evening after work—is sufficient to see results.

Q How does the treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome proceed in stages? I would like to know what is done when I first visit.

A. During the initial consultation, the extent of rotator cuff damage is assessed via ultrasound. The treatment proceeds in the following order: Stage 1: Inflammation relief (acupuncture/pharmacopuncture) → Stage 2: Adhesion lysis (straight needle acupuncture) → Stage 3: Regeneration/strengthening (thread thread lifting/exercise). Treatment response is checked via ultrasound re-evaluation between each stage.

Q What role does herbal medicine play in the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome? Is external treatment alone insufficient?

A. Herbal medicine serves as an internal treatment that promotes the circulation of Qi and blood, reduces inflammation, and facilitates tissue regeneration. By simultaneously using external treatments (acupuncture, moxibustion, and pharmacopuncture) to directly release adhesions and reduce inflammation, and improving the body's overall environment with herbal medicine, the treatment effect is faster and the recurrence rate is reduced.

Q Is acupuncture treatment at a Korean medicine clinic actually effective for shoulder impingement syndrome? I was recommended injection treatment at an orthopedic clinic, and I am hesitant.

A. Acupuncture treatment, particularly needle acupuncture, is effective for shoulder impingement syndrome by directly separating adhesions around the rotator cuff and improving blood flow. While steroid injections are effective for short-term inflammation relief, they carry a risk of tendon weakening with repetition; therefore, it is advisable to compare the pros and cons of both treatments before making a choice.

Q How many treatment sessions does it take to feel the effects of shoulder impingement syndrome at a Korean medicine clinic?

A. Most patients begin to feel a reduction in the intensity and range of pain after 3 to 5 treatment sessions. However, this varies depending on the duration of symptoms and the extent of damage, so it is more accurate to establish a treatment plan after confirming the condition of the rotator cuff via ultrasound.