I had shoulder surgery for a torn labrum (SLAP tear) approximately 5 mos ago. Though the recovery was painful, my range of motion is nearly back to normal. Problem is that I still have pain which I am told is a result of rotator cuff tendonitis. This has impaired my ability to return to swimming. Unfortunately PT, and anti-inflammatories don’t do anything. I would just as soon shoot myself before I would have arthroscopy again and therefore wish to pursue an “alternative” approach. Along those lines if anyone knows of a good Acupuncturist in the greater Portland area I would be indebted.
Portland is an area where there are a lot of alternative therapy practitionors so it shouldn’t be a problem. I can’t recommend anyone in particular but in my area I’ve found the best acupuncturist is a guy from China who had many years experience before immigrating here. I’ve taken a few weekend acupuncture seminars but that’s not the same as somebody trained in a part of the world where the therapy is more common place. If you’re fortunate enough to find somebody like that it would likely work best for you.
sometimes time is the key with RC tendonopathy. Assuming it isn’t torn, rest works pretty well even if it screws up training. PT can certainly help, but I see some patients who get worse, because they just continually aggravate the inflamed tendon. Anecdotes mean squat, but FWIW, mine took 10 months to heal to a point where I could even get on my aerobars…and then it was fine…no surgery, PT exercises just made it worse…complete rest finally did the trick.
Jack (or others),
I’m getting ready to go under the knife in 2 weeks for a slap tear in my shoulder. Any thoughts, recommendations, etc. Other than your RC issues, any other problems? Were you able to do any training while you were out? Thanks!
John