Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement syndrome causes shoulder pain when there is impingement of tendons in the shoulder.  Repetitive motion when the arms are lifted overhead cause shoulder impingement. Examples of these activities include painting, lifting, swimming, tennis, and other arm-overhead sports. 

With impingement syndrome, pain is persistent and affects everyday activities like getting dressed.  Over time, impingement syndrome can lead to inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons (tendonitis) and bursa (bursitis). If not treated, the rotator cuff tendons can tear.

Acupuncture can help shoulder impingement by reducing the rigidity and tension of the shoulder muscles around the affected tendons.  Acupuncture creates more blood flow to the impinged tendons and the patient will experience less pain and a return of normal range of motion.  This condition responds very well to electric-stimulation acupuncture treatments.