Q My shoulder has been hurting so much since last night that I can't even lift my arm. How soon should I visit the clinic?
A The acute phase of calcific tendinitis is characterized by severe pain, so it is recommended to visit the clinic as soon as possible (on the same day or the next day). Receiving early treatment during the acute pain phase can significantly shorten the duration of the pain. Please request an emergency appointment if you are unable to lift your arm at all or if nighttime pain prevents you from sleeping.
Detailed Answer
During the acute phase of calcific tendinitis, pressure within the tendon rises rapidly as the calcium is absorbed, causing severe pain to persist for several days. At this stage, moving the shoulder itself is difficult, and sleep disturbances may occur due to nighttime pain. Receiving acupuncture or pharmacopuncture treatment early can rapidly alleviate pain and minimize tendon damage. If you are unable to lift your arm at all or experience severe pain during sleep, we recommend a same-day visit or an early appointment.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine, acute pain is a state where Qi and blood become extremely stagnant and fixed within the Qi-blood pathways. By opening these pathways early with acupuncture and pharmacopuncture, accumulated waste products and stagnant blood disperse, rapidly reducing pain. If pain is left untreated, the body's proper Qi is depleted, and waste products spread to surrounding tissues, prolonging the recovery process. At Dongjedang, we prioritize immediate pain relief on the day of the acute visit through acupuncture and pharmacopuncture, followed by a plan for thick needle and non-thick needle treatments.
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I was recommended surgery by an orthopedic surgeon; can I receive treatment at a Korean medicine clinic without surgery?
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Will calcium deposits reappear even after treatment? I am curious about the possibility of recurrence.
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I have calcific tendinitis in my shoulder, and it feels like my shoulder is stiffening. Does frozen shoulder occur at the same time?
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Can I exercise while being treated for calcific tendinitis? What exercises are good and bad?
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Is a cold compress better for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, or a hot compress?
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