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.
Detailed Answer
Surgery for shoulder impingement syndrome (arthroscopic acromioplasty) is necessary in less than 10–20% of all patients. The standard guideline is to first perform conservative treatment (physical therapy, injections, exercise therapy) for 6 weeks to 3 months prior to surgery, and to consider surgery only if it is ineffective. If there is no complete rotator cuff tear, severe calcification, or serious bone structural abnormalities on ultrasound, a conservative approach including Korean medicine treatment is sufficiently effective.
Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic
Moxibustion is similar to some of the principles of arthroscopic surgery in its effect of separating adhesion tissues and creating space. Fire acupuncture and thread lifting induce tendon collagen regeneration, aiding in non-surgical structural recovery. From a Korean medicine perspective, promoting the circulation of Qi and blood and reinforcing the functions of the spleen, liver, and kidneys creates an environment conducive to self-healing; therefore, sufficient attempts at Korean medical treatment prior to surgery are recommended. However, if a re-evaluation via ultrasound confirms a progressive rupture, consultation with a surgical specialist is required.
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