Managing Pain & Injury with TCM

Managing Pain & Injury with TCM

Pain can be classified into acute or chronic condition depending on the duration of the ailment. The two most common types of sensation associated with pain include soreness and numbness.

Chinese Medicine surrounds its theory of pain on obstructed channels or ‘internal organ’ system deficiencies that interfere with meridian channels and nerve impulse signalling. Obstruction usually occurs as blood stasis and phlegm. These pathological matters often form from the internalisation of external factors such as trauma, wind, heat, cold and dry elements, and the strength of our constitution. The intricate balance between the pathological elements and our immune system can be achieved with TCM treatments, not only relieving the current condition but also strengthening soft tissue, preventing frequent occurrence of injuries and pain.


The main efficacy experienced by the patient can be immediate pain relief and eradication of system deficiencies and blockage in the long run. Common treatment methods include acupuncture, cupping and/or natural herbal medication.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised the efficacy of acupuncture for more than 70 types of conditions. They include conditions relating to pain, such as neck and back pain, tennis elbow, knee pain, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica and temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction.

The wondrous effects of acupuncture in pain and injury management are to ease pain via the downplay of nociceptors, reduce inflammation and heal and manage chronic conditions. Scientific acupuncture is the use of acupuncture along both meridian channels and muscle groups based on the anatomy of the body to further its efficacy.

Other scientific researches on acupuncture identify heightened electrical fields around acupoints, which translates to increased immune system responses, expediting the healing mechanisms of the body.

Most importantly, a TCM physician focuses on an all natural and well-targeted approach to nurse any injury.

Stretching exercises, as well as maintaining a recommended diet by the physician is essential to pain and injury management.

Article by Physician Victoria Tan

Note: Information provided is not a substitute for a physician or any form of medical care. Individual symptoms differ due to different body constitutions and diagnosis. One should consult a licensed TCM practitioner for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

29 thoughts on “Managing Pain & Injury with TCM”

  1. Avatar photo

    Hi,
    I have grade 3 chondromalacia patella on both knees for about a year. have been seeing the physio and doing rehab recently but there is still pain ongoing. as i am a national athlete, rest is not optimal for me, wondering if tcm will help with managing the pain to improve my performance.

  2. Avatar photo

    Hi, I had left ankle ligament surgeries in 2015 and mid 2020. Had tendon inflammation after the first surgery, right at the back of the exterior ankle bone.

    I’m feeling the same pain at the back of my ankle bone this time after my second surgery. This happen when I’m 4-5months into doing physiotherapy.

    I’m suspecting it’s the perineal tendon that causes the discomfort.

    May I check if TCM can help with such problem and what type of treatment to apply? Is this something you have help resolved for other patients of similar problem?

    Thanks

    1. Avatar photo

      Hi Rey,

      TCM treatments such as acupuncture can definitely help to manage your symptoms. Our physicians can share more after an initial consultation with you. Would you like to book an appointment with us?

  3. Avatar photo

    I had a fall recently and now my right shoulder (upper arm area) is still in pain especially when I lift n turn my elbow at a certain angle. I have done my xray at TAN TOCK SENG HOSPITAL – there’s no bone fracture and is due to see the orthopedic specialist on 29 June. Meanwhile I’m advised that I can go for physio treatment if I encounter further pain. May I know is your TCM clinic registered? Bcos I’m claiming under my Personal Accident Insurance and they need medical receipt/memo from registered TCM.

    1. Avatar photo

      Hi Judy,

      All our physicians are registered with TCMPB. The attending physician will be able to issue a memo for your claim. Would you like to book an appointment with us?

    1. Avatar photo

      Hi Edmund,

      Acupuncture can certainly help to relieve the pain. Would you like to schedule a consultation with our pain management physician?

    1. Avatar photo

      Hi Siti,

      Acupuncture can be done and enhanced with cupping. The effectiveness of the treatment is dependent on how long you have had the condition. Hope this helps explain!

  4. Avatar photo

    I have an endometrial polyp. It’s quite small. Can TCM help to remove it naturally so I can have a higher chance of conceiving?

    1. Avatar photo

      Hi Mia, treatment using a combination of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is able to remove/reduce endometrial polyps. A typical course of treatment takes 3-6 months. Hence it is recommended for benign polyps.

      Fertility will improve with reduction/removal of polyps.

  5. Avatar photo

    I met into accident last year 2018 may. MRI scan all shows okay. But i have a bad pain near my spine. Doctor mentioned is a whiplash due to the taxi jam break. Now it is almost 1 year i still have that pain.. can tcm help?

    1. Avatar photo

      Hello Ira,

      Yes, TCM is able to help with that!

      Do let us know if you would like to book an appointment and we would be happy to arrange it for you!
      Alternatively, you can book an appointment through our website here

  6. Avatar photo

    MRI scan shows I have a damage on my ankle cartilage. Is acupuncture able to help the cartilage regeneration?

    1. Avatar photo

      Hello Lim Cheng Yeow,

      Yes, Acupuncture can stimulate cartilage repair!
      Regular sessions will be needed to help rebuild blood vessels and surrounding soft tissue through the stimulation from acupuncture.

      Do let us know if you would like to book an appointment and we would be happy to arrange it for you!
      Alternatively, you can book an appointment through our website here

  7. Avatar photo

    I have lower back pain caused by old injury which happened about 20 years back.

    Been to many acupuncturist but don’t seem to cure completely.is it fully curable?

    The pain is bad at times and cause me to limp.

    1. Avatar photo

      Hello Carol,

      It would be best to go for an MRI scan first and seek advice from an Orthopaedic Specialist.

      Here’s wishing you a speedy recovery!

  8. Avatar photo

    Hi,
    My wife having irregular heartbeat and alway feel chest tightness. . Even though medicine can control her heart pulse but she still feel awful. Can tcm help?

    1. Avatar photo

      Hello Ken,

      Greetings from PULSE!

      Has your wife consulted a cardiologist to understand her condition? TCM may be able to assist on a complementary basis – we can only find out more after a proper consultation and diagnosis.

      If you’re bringing her for a TCM consultation, do bring along her cardio references!

      Here’s wishing your wife a speedy recovery!

      1. Avatar photo

        Hi there! You may wish to consult a cardiologist to better understand your condition. TCM can help to complement your treatment after your consultation and diagnosis. We wish you a speedy recovery!

  9. Avatar photo

    i am a guy!late 40+ i on long medication lupus on control steroids dose.

    i think the side effects from drug i facing ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS almost very night worst is i dont ger to sleep well.

    do accupuncture help a patients like me to stay normal life. cos it disturb my emotional, health and works too.

  10. Avatar photo

    Hi
    I kicked the bed frame last year and now my left leg second toe slowly moving away from its original position.

    I believe TCM tuina can help. Please advise.

    Thank you.

    1. Avatar photo

      Hello there!

      Yes, you’re right! TCM will be able to help.

      If you’re going to book an appointment, look for Physician Lyonel for your case!

  11. Avatar photo

    Hi sir..i had an Allodynia on my
    right thumb for a year now..
    a very light touch will cause pain
    Google to search for info n was
    surprise that this symtom have no cure but a drug name Neurontin to ease the pain..n had being taken
    this drug for a year now which cause dizziness n weakness to the limbs..
    Was wandering if TCM have a special
    medicine to cure this unbearable pain..no accupunture pls
    Tq sir

    1. Avatar photo

      Hello Zainol,

      Acupuncture may be a better choice to help with your condition. Just TCM herbal medication is worth a try, but the healing process may take much longer.

      It’s still advisable to consult a physician first, who can better diagnose your condition and introduce a treatment plan.

      Here’s wishing you a speedy recovery!

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