Expert: Heather Vandeburg L.Ac M.S.O.M. dipl.Ac - 10/27/2010

Question
Hi Heather-

I could really use your help with an issue my boyfriend is having.

He has been diagnosed with SUPRA-SPINATUS TENDINITIS. Actually, he has been told there is a tear in the tendon...
There is no bone inpingment or anything... It is not something that has occurred from injury, it's from over use.
His Western Dr has given him two options- surgery or live with the pain.
In the past, he has tried steroid injections and anti-inflammatory drugs (Aleve), nothing has worked. I understand why these options have not worked... these treatments with ice and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen decreases the blood flow even further thus hampering the body’s capability to heal the injured tissue. Although steroid injections may help some acute cases, often they provoke quite a strong reaction lasting one or two days.
I would like to give him some options other than surgery and get some quick clear information on how acupuncture treatments may offer excellent results.
I am a alternative medicine advocate and believe acupuncture may help him. If you are familiar with this sort of issue, could you please explain how acupuncture could help with his chronic SUPRA-SPINATUS TENDINITIS?

Thank you,
Stacey  

Answer
Hi Stacey,
Sorry for the delay.  This went into my SPAM mail.  Tendonitis is treated well with acupuncture and Chinese herbs.  There are lots of herbs that can heal and pain relieve.  Tendons take a long time to heal due to inadequate blood flow to them.  Acupuncture increases blood flow and circulation to the injured area as well as increasing the immune response to speed the healing process.  Also endorphins are released from the brain along with other pain relieving chemicals.  I would be sure to try acupuncture for 3-4 weeks  2-3 times a week before deciding to have surgery.  If your not able to have that amount of acupuncture then herbs maybe enough alone.  

Good luck,  I have successfully treat a lot of tendonitis.

Heather Vandeburg LAc MSOM diplAc