Shoulder sprain and strain with Bisoma acupuncture

Chief complaint: Acute right shoulder sprain/strain

Complaints: Severe right shoulder pain and limited range of
motion after throwing softball underhanded 200 times as a pitcher in a
practice. The initial injury occurred one-week prior pitching 600 times. He had
not warmed up and built strength incrementally. The pain was constant and was
severely affecting sleep.   

Acupuncture: Right-side yang horary points in the Metal-Order
of LI1, UB66, GB41. SI5, and ST36.

Treatment process: The patient had 6 acupuncture treatments
in a span of 8 days. The first treatment had immediately reduced the pain and
he was able to sleep much better that evening. Each succeeding treatment was
additionally helpful in reducing intensity, frequency, and duration. By the 6^th
visit, he had a full range of motion and only had a minor discomfort in the anterior
deltoid.  

Discussion: Although sprain/strain can elicit a high amount
of pain and limit one’s daily activities, it is easy to treat with acupuncture.
In addition, it was personally satisfying to help an individual who was serving
the community by volunteering as a softball coach.