Acupuncture vs. Physiotherapy

[farquhar]

I had extensive experience with both acupuncture and physio. In all likelihood you have suffered some micro tears in one or more the rotator cuff muscles, and or have some inflammation. In my opinion I would not waste money on either physio or acupuncture at this point. Take 200mg Ibuprofen 4x/daily and rest the shoulder for at least a week . Ice it 2-3 times a day for 10-15 min. After that, start with some low resistance exercises.. There are lots of exercises you can do at home with a resistance band you can by on Amazon or elsewhere.

if it persists, you could ask for an MRI although by the time you get in it’ll be better! If persistent pain after rest and limited resistance exercise, ask for a referral to a sports medicine clinic.

Thanks for your advice and that YouTube video. I did the exercises and my rotator cuff feels much better. All I needed to do was strengthen the muscle a bit.

I ended up calling a Wellness Clinic near where I live; I had thought of doing acupuncture twice a month to supplement what I was doing at the Gym.

The Owners idea for acute pain was to start at 3 sessions of acupuncture/week @ $110/session. Or $330/week. And then move to a maintenance program.

The area where I live is fairly high income; and I'm certain the Owner figures we all have money coming out our ears. I wasn't convinced the offer was a good deal. I could hire a Personal Trainer at my Gym for 3 hours/week for less than that.

 

[Haggy64]

Thanks for your advice and that YouTube video. I did the exercises and my rotator cuff feels much better. All I needed to do was strengthen the muscle a bit.

I ended up calling a Wellness Clinic near where I live; I had thought of doing acupuncture twice a month to supplement what I was doing at the Gym.

The Owners idea for acute pain was to start at 3 sessions of acupuncture/week @ $110/session. Or $330/week. And then move to a maintenance program.

The area where I live is fairly high income; and I'm certain the Owner figures we all have money coming out our ears. I wasn't convinced the offer was a good deal. I could hire a Personal Trainer at my Gym for 3 hours/week for less than that.

Glad that helped! That’ll be $330 haha!

 

[Carvher]

Have same problem. Got xray. 2 partial tears in rotator cuff. Did Physio. She taught me exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles. It works. Thing is you have to do the exercises forever which is not a big deal.
I just bought a shoulder heater\massager from Amazon. Get it tomorrow. I'll let you know how well it works.

 

[SchlongConery]

I have a pain in my left rotator cuff when I move my arm in certain ways. I developed it several weeks ago while weightlifting; and while it doesn't cause constant irritation, it will flare up again every time I lift weights (specifically Bench Press, Shoulder Press, Overhead Press, Rows, Lat Pulldowns).

I've done an X-ray and an Ultrasound; Family Doctor says they are both negative.

I suppose this is good news, as it means nothing too serious.

So now I'm looking at either Acupuncture or Physiotherapy. I wouldn't be covered for Physio under OHIP, and I have no Private Insurance.

I can get Acupuncture for $110/60 minute session; Physiotherapy, I'm not sure of the cost.

I'm leaning towards the Acupuncture option, but wonder what everyone else thinks?

I'm in West GTA.

Your body is telling you that you overdid it and the pain is a signal to rest.
Your body can, and does, heal itself. But like a cut, it simply takes time.
Ibuprofen is the most gentle NSAID and will help reduce inflammation. Aleve/naproxen is stronger, but it inhibits the production of the protective gel of your stomach and you can end up with ulcers if you take it for more than a few weeks.

I would simply suggest you do range of movement exercises without resistance for a month or so just to let your body heal itself. Acupuncture is horseshit. Sticking a needle in a wounded muscle or tendon cannot heal it.

Physiotherapy is good because the therapist can identify your injury and Taylor treatments specifically to heal that injury.

But in the meantime, just take it easy.

They say hard work and exercise never hurt anyone… But I’m not taking any chances!