In reply to UKC Articles:
Interesting to read this article and some of the replies. I have had quite a few shoulder injuries over the years, including a couple of rotator cuff tears and one very nasty one that left my shoulder out of action for years - to the point of having some very noticeable atrophy in the shoulder and running down into the outer part of my right bicep.
I have seen physios a number of times, but lets face it our health system is not the best for treating this kind of injury. However, I have found one literally magical cure for these injuries - Acupuncture combined with fairly aggressive massage.
After years of struggling with only around 40 percent use of my right arm/shoulder, following a very nasty bouldering injury, I finally paid for a course of acupuncture and massage. Literally, within 6 weeks (about 8-10 sessions) I had around 95 percent use back of my arm back and zero pain in my shoulder! It was like magic, utterly amazing!! I could not believe I had suffered for so long.
I have since torn the rotator cuff in my left shoulder and immediately got treatment. This time it was not quite as effective, but the injury settled very quickly. I then gave it a little time, went back about 6 months later for a few more treatments and again, cured!
I can not stress enough - If you are suffering the shear nightmare of these injuries then you must try it. It is well worth the cost and far less invasive than surgery!