Rotator cuff injuries

Acupuncture for rotator cuff tendinitis

Acupuncture helps heal rotator cuff injuries by increasing circulation to the area and decreasing inflammation in the tendons. It also works to reduce pain by regulating neural pain pathways and stimulating the release of the body’s natural opioid painkillers. Research has also shown that acupuncture can stimulate muscle tissue growth, aiding in the injury’s healing.

Throughout my over 20 years in practice, I have helped many people with rotator cuff injuries. My approach considers both trigger points in the surrounding muscles and the patient’s overall constitutional health, addressing imbalances within the muscles, connective tissues, and acupuncture channels of the rotator cuff.

If chronic injury has made the joint difficult to heal, I’ll also address any underlying weakness in the body’s energy alongside the local treatment, rather than focusing on trigger points alone.

Electroacupuncture is particularly effective for rotator cuff injuries to speed healing and reduce inflammation. Tui na is also an effective method for addressing connective tissue injuries.

What is the rotator cuff tendonitis?

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that connect the shoulder to the humerus of the arm: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles stabilize the arm while it moves.

Rotator cuff tendinitis occurs when there is inflammation or a tear in these tendons, often from repetitive movements like throwing a ball, or from an acute injury such as a fall or lifting something too heavy. Left untreated, the resulting pain, weakness, and reduced motion can lead to muscle loss and long-term weakness in the arm.

Research on Acupuncture for Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Medicine examined five randomized controlled trials on manual acupuncture for shoulder impingement syndrome, a condition closely tied to rotator cuff tendinitis since it involves compression and irritation of the rotator cuff tendons. Across nearly 300 patients, the review found that acupuncture significantly reduced pain and improved shoulder function and disability, with the strongest, most consistent results seen in treatment courses of four weeks or less.¹

A separate randomized controlled trial focused specifically on chronic rotator cuff disease found thread-embedding acupuncture to be both effective and cost-effective for reducing pain and improving function.²

Get Relief from Rotator Cuff Pain

Rotator cuff injuries can linger for months when left untreated, gradually limiting your range of motion and making everyday movements painful. Acupuncture offers a natural, research-backed way to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and support the tendon’s healing process.

To schedule your appointment, please call us at 212-319-5757 or schedule your appointment online.

1. An SJ, Shin WC, Joo S, Cho JH, Chung WS, Song MY, Kim H. Effects of acupuncture on shoulder impingement syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024;103(37):e39696.
2. Park YC, Chae S, Kim Y, Lee Y, Kim MS, Seo BK, Baek YH. Effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of thread-embedding acupuncture treatment for chronic rotator cuff disease: A randomized, patient-assessor-blinded, controlled, clinical trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2026 Jan 2;105(1):e46638.