Shoulder Pain

According to the National Institute of Health, an estimated 1 in 4 adults in the U.S.—that’s over 54 million people—experience pain that lasts for more than a day. Of those, approximately one-third have chronic pain, defined as pain that persists for 3 months or more. shoulder pain is a common type of chronic pain. If you’re dealing with chronic shoulder pain, you may be looking for relief through medication, physical therapy, or other treatments. But have you considered acupuncture? 

Here are three benefits of acupuncture for shoulder pain:

Reduced Inflammation

Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and promote healing by stimulating the release of substances like cortisol and endorphins. These substances help to regulate the body’s immune response, reducing inflammation and pain. A study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats with arthritis. The researchers concluded that acupuncture may be a helpful supplemental treatment for inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

Improved Blood Flow

Acupuncture also helps to improve blood flow. Improved blood flow means more nutrients and oxygen are being delivered to the shoulder muscles and tendons, which can help promote healing. In a study published in the journal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, researchers found that acupuncture improved blood flow and reduced inflammation in rats with tendonitis. The researchers concluded that acupuncture may be a helpful treatment for tendinopathies—a type of tendonitis—like rotator cuff tendinopathy or tennis elbow.

Release of Endorphins

Endorphins are hormones that act as natural painkillers. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain, providing pain relief. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which can Help reduce pain naturally. A study published in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that electroacupuncture—a type of acupuncture involving electrical stimulation—was effective in reducing various types of chronic pain, including shoulder pain. The researchers concluded that electroacupuncture may be a helpful treatment for chronic pain relief.

If you’re living with shoulder pain, you know how debilitating it can be. You may be taking medication or receiving physical therapy, but you’re still looking for relief. Have you considered acupuncture? It’s a safe, drug-free way to manage pain naturally. Licensed acupuncturist Ricky has helped countless patients find relief from their pain through his treatments at Metta Acupuncture in Orange County and San Diego. Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and release endorphins, all of which can lead to decreased shoulder pain. If you’re interested in trying acupuncture for your shoulder pain, make an appointment with Ricky at Metta Acupuncture today!