Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff refers to the four tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) that surround the shoulder, and among them, the supraspinatus tendon is the most prone to tearing. Degenerative tears are much more common than traumatic tears; starting in the age of 40, an avascular zone (critical zone) develops within the tendon where blood supply decreases, causing micro-damage to accumulate without being able to heal. If repetitive movements that raise the arms above the shoulders, such as washing dishes, hanging laundry, or mopping, are performed, the acromion (the roof of the shoulder blade) and the tendons rub against each other, gradually wearing down and potentially progressing from a partial tear to a full-thickness tear. Consequently, it often begins without any apparent accident, with patients complaining, "It started hurting when I lift my arm one day." From the perspective of a Korean medicine clinic, this type of degenerative tear is viewed as a condition where damage to the tendons and muscles is compounded by a deficiency of vital energy and blood. The nutrition and elasticity of the tendons are governed by the blood stored by the liver, while the robustness of the muscles supporting the tendons depends on the energy generated by the spleen and stomach. After middle age, when the blood of the liver and the energy of the spleen and stomach weaken, the tendons fail to receive proper nutrition and become dry and weak; furthermore, if blood becomes localized and stagnant due to repetitive use, recovery becomes even slower. At Dongjedang, we apply external treatments to the injured area in stages using acupuncture and moxibustion to release adhesions and strengthen ligaments and tendons. Simultaneously, we combine this with internal treatments centered on detoxification to flush out waste products and stagnant blood, helping vital energy and blood reach the tendons effectively. This approach is based on the belief that preventing recurrence requires not just addressing the torn area, but also changing the underlying bodily conditions that inevitably led to the weakening of the tendons.