CASE STUDY: Supraspinatus Tendon Tear
This is a case of TF, a 66 year old male, presented with (R) shoulder pain. Condition started last November 5, 2016 after he tried to open a big container from his back using (R) arm without proper trunk rotation.
Pt immediately went to his family doctor for diagnosis and management. Ultrasound done on November 8, 2016 revealed FULL- THICKNESS COMPLETE TEAR OF (R) SUPRASPINATUS TENDON WITH MUSCLE ATROPHY AND TENDON RETRACTION; (R) GLENOHUMERAL JOINT OSTEOARTHRITIS WITH ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT SPURRING; MINIMAL SUBDELTOID/SUBACROMIAL BURSITIS. His doctor did not consider neither cortisone shot nor surgical repair in his condition. He was told that recovery might be difficult since he has Diabetes and other medical problems. He was then referred for Laser Therapy also know as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM) for pain management instead.
Pt came to ALBERTA LASER REHABILITATION CENTRE (ALRC) on November 8, 2016 for assessment with chief complaint of constant, sharp pain on anterior (R) shoulder with pain scale of 2/10 at rest and 8-10/10 upon movement. Mobility of the shoulder was very limited thus, he used his (L) arm more in activities of daily living. He couldn’t even lift his (R) arm even up to certain degrees due to severe pain.
Pt started PBM at ALRC 3 times per week then, decreased frequency to 2 times per week. After 4 sessions, pt noted decreased pain in the area though range was still limited. Pain got less as the treatment went on, and pt also got more mobility of the shoulder. After 9 sessions, noted no more soreness on the area and the shoulder joint started to gain more mobility.
At the end of 13 sessions, pt reported full resolution of pain at rest and was able to move the shoulder at full range with assistance. At the moment, pt already completed 18 sessions and upon re-assessment, he has already full range of motion and now able to use (R) arm in activities of daily living. However, because of muscle weakness, he still avoids carrying heavy things using (R) arm.
Aside from laser treatment, the pt was also given proper rehab program depending on the stage of his condition to prevent stiffness of the shoulder joint and prevent muscle wasting. At this point, pt is doing some strengthening exercises in conjunction with laser treatment. It is in order to make the muscle strong and to be able to fully integrate the (R) arm in all his activities.
PBM/Laser Therapy played a major role in the rehab program, without the intervention of laser therapy, healing will be delayed which may lead to development of complications such as stiffness and eventually, joint contracture due to immobility. ALRC uses BioFlex Laser exclusively at their clinic.
This pt is very happy with his improvement without sacrificing his health if he chose the other treatment options that may give him side effects.
Why Suffer? Let NOT Your Pain Hold You Back!
How would I go about getting some Lazer therapy for both of my shoulders. As I have been playing ball for over 35 years. And am in need of some help I get needling done but it’s a temporary solution. Help
Hi Robin. With proper assessment and a well knowledgeable-expeirenced therapist you may get helped from our laser therapy treatments. Laser therapy doesn’t mask the pain but helps to heal the root cause of the problem instead in many cases. Please feel free to contact us during our clinic hours if you have more questions. (403) 452-0233.Thank you.
Sincerely.
ALRC Team
Hello – I am scheduled for surgery on June 30th on my right shoulder have just learned of this protocol. According to my MRI, it shows ” A high-grade partial-thickness bursal surface tear of the anterior supraspinatus tendon at its footplate of insertion on the greater tuberosity of the humerus.. The tear involves the anterior 7mm of the tendon insertion with no retraction of the torn tendon fibres. There are only a few intact articular-sided tendon fibres seen at the tear site,. A tiny full-thickness perforation of the tendon is suspected at the tear site given the presence of a small amount of gadolinium contrast in the subacromial/subdeltoid bursa. The mid and posterior thirds of the supraspinatus tendon are intact. There is thickening and increased intrasubstance signal intensity noted within the infraspinatus tendon consistent with at least mild to moderate tendinosis. The infraspinatus tendon is intact. There is mild thickening of the subcramonial/subdeltoid bursa consistent with mild bursitis. Mild to moderate glenohumeral joint degenerative changes with significant synovitis in the joint. Mild hypertrophic degenerative changes of the AC joint with significant edema-like signal intensity in the distal clavicle which can be associated with pain”.
Based on the above diagnosis, would I be a good candidate to try laser therapy on my shoulder?
Hi Lina. Thank you for your question. Laser therapy is definitely worth giving it a try to avoid surgery. We have had patients who have been waiting for a long time to have their surgery done but after their full-laser therapy regimen, they even avoided surgery. We would recommend for you to book an initial consultation with one of our certified laser therapists for us to further explain to you how you will benefit and the many expectations from this kind of treatment.
One good example about this treatment is, the President of the company that manufactures and the head of all the clinical research of their company is Dr. Khan. He hurt his shoulder and was a candidate of surgery too but he didn’t choose that route by tried laser therapy instead and the rest of the story is history 🙂
Please feel free to call us (403) 452-0233 during our clinic hours and will be happy to help you. Thank you Lina.
Sincerely,
ALRC TEam
Hi Johnny. Thank you for asking. Laser Therapy could definitely help relief your trigger finger even without the use of medication. Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment so you won’t need a doctor referral to get it.
Please feel free to call us (403) 452-0233 during our clinic hours and will be happy to help you. Thank you Johnny.
Are these sessions covered by Alberta Health Care if not would they be covered by your benefits?
Hi Joanne, if you have extended coverage benefits it will cover it. Please feel free to call our clinic (403) 452-0233 so we could give you more information if you have more questions or check out this link http://www.albertalaserrehab.ca/faqs/ for FAQ. Thank you.
Hi. I’ve completely lost the range of motion in my right wrist (very painful). I’ve had x rays last week. I am a 66 yr old diabetic male in reasonably good physical condition. Is there any chance you could look at my wrist? Thanks
Hi Randy, Sorry to hear about your condition, Please feel free to call us so we can assess your situation. (403) 452-0233. Thanks.