Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome is a condition in which friction and compression occur as the space between the rotator cuff tendons and the acromion repeatedly narrows. The main causes are: ① stenosis of the subacromial space due to muscle imbalance around the shoulder, ② an anteriorly tilted acromion (abnormal acromion shape), and ③ repetitive overhead movements (lathe work, swimming, tennis, etc.). In the early stages, the condition is characterized by a painful arc, where pain occurs when lifting the arm 60 to 120 degrees; this can also lead to nocturnal pain and sleep disturbances. In Korean medicine, it is believed that impingement symptoms occur when the function of the organs governing muscles and tendons declines or when the circulation of Qi and blood in the shoulder area becomes blocked, resulting in reduced nutrient supply to muscle and tendon tissues. If wind, cold, or dampness invades the shoulder, or if clotted blood and stagnant Qi and blood accumulate due to overwork or poor posture, the tissues beneath the shoulder blade swell, further narrowing the space. At Dongjedang, our approach focuses on reducing recurrence by separating adhered tissues around the rotator cuff using needle acupuncture, reducing local inflammation with pharmacopuncture and bee venom acupuncture, and restoring the function of muscles and tendons as well as Qi and blood circulation in the shoulder using herbal medicine tailored to the patient's constitution.