Prior to consultation w/ the ortho, I saw a rehab doctor who initially suggested 6 therapy sessions. Each session I was subjected initially to an ultrasound therapy around the affected area where a gel (Vi-Gel - Indomethacin) is applied. That's for about 15 mins. Next electrodes are placed on the area & electric current flows to it. The therapist would cover it w/ a hot compress. That's another 15 miins. For the next 25 mins, I'll do stretching exercises & some very light weight lifting targetted on my shoulders. After the 6 sessions, there's still some pain when I try to stretch as if reaching something from my back, so the rehab doctor ordered another 6 sessions. After these, the pain has been minimized substantially. I was then advised to apply hot compress & do the stretching & weights routine 2x a day if possible, and apply Vi-Gel as needed.

Unfortunately, about a month after the therapy sessions, the pain started to come back & this time I think there's an increase in intensity. I admit though that I can only do the routines once a day in the morning & at times I skip it since I felt no pain.

I'm seeking a 2nd (or maybe 3rd opinion) & I will suggest what you said. I'll update my post after my consultations.

Thanks for the response.


Quote Originally Posted by nmarman View Post
question:

Did you have ultrasound therapy to increase healing around the tendons?

The easy answer is surgery is a big indication here. However i would seek a ultrasound examination first to confirm some of the findings.

Saying that, you could try shock wave therapy to accelerate the tendon repair while immobilise for 1 month. I have had great success with this protocol but you do have a lot going on - prognosis would be better if we had either ultrasound to confirm soft tissues involved or even X ray to see positioning and instability measurements. Traditional techniques wont work - sorry.

also even if the shock wave reduces pain you will still be unstable and will have to limit movement and activities. meaning that almost any activity you would have to invest in good strap.

degeneration has also started and is likely to progress which may cause more pain in some time to come.

does that help?