Finding an Ortho for Shoulder problem

[Alcoholiday]

it's good to see you're finally getting this stuff taken care of, and you can get back to living healthy.

[Jeff Rage]

Even though the ortho said I could lift, previded I don't do anything to aggravate my shoudler, I'm a bit scared to do anything at this point. I haven't been to the gym since I went to see him.

MRI is on Friday Morning.

[Jeff Rage]

Had my MRI this morning. This was not a fun experience. They said it should only take 45 min to an hour, but I ended up staying there for 3 hours.

They forgot to schedule the proceedure to get the contrast stuff into my joint. Last time I had an MRI, they did this via IV, so assumed that's what they were gonna do. I know know that getting into the bloodstream is way different than getting in into a joint.

Anyways, my follow up visit with the ortho is next Thursday.

[Jeff Rage]

OK, just got home from the Ortho. It turns out I do NOT have a tear in my labrum. He diagnosed me with "Impingement syndrome and calcific tendonitis."

He gave me a cortisone shot, and he wants me to continue with Ibuprofen. He also wants me to take physical therapy 2 times a week. He wants to see me in a month so see if this helps or not. If not, he said he can remove the calcium buildup and smooth out the burr that is causing the irritation.

He said I can do lower body stuff in the gym, and also SLDL/DL/Lunges if they didn't irritate my shoulder. Front Squats are out.

[UConnJulie]

That's good news Jeff!!!
You should recover fairly easily ... be sure to find a good PT who will evaluate the mechanics of your entire shoulder complex ... specifically how your scapula relates to your ribcage and how your scapula relates to your humerus during movements. Impingement is often not about strength but timing and needing to restore normal movement patterns.
Best of luck!!

[Jeff Rage]

OK, I ogt a copy of the MRI report.


Findings: Biceps tendon is in its groove. It does not show any injury. There is no evidence of a labral injury. There is a calcific bursitis with a 7X5 mm denisty adjacent to the humeral tuberosity. There is some minimal cystic change in the humeral head laterally. There is no evidence of rotator cuff tear. Marrow signal is normal.

Impression: Glenoid labrum is intact. There is calcification in the subdeltoid bursa.

[Alcoholiday]

good news man!

[bryanc]

Originally Posted by Jeff Rage

OK, just got home from the Ortho. It turns out I do NOT have a tear in my labrum. He diagnosed me with "Impingement syndrome and calcific tendonitis."

He gave me a cortisone shot, and he wants me to continue with Ibuprofen. He also wants me to take physical therapy 2 times a week. He wants to see me in a month so see if this helps or not. If not, he said he can remove the calcium buildup and smooth out the burr that is causing the irritation.

He said I can do lower body stuff in the gym, and also SLDL/DL/Lunges if they didn't irritate my shoulder. Front Squats are out.

Looks like the MRI confirms this. Go with what your Ortho says.

[Jeff Rage]

I'm still trying to find a Physical Therapist. I was otld that I should look for someone who is really good with shoudlers.

Stephen Holt was suggested to me, but I think he would only do Personal Training (ie not covered by insurance.)

I have a few people trying to help me find me one. If anyone here knows of one in Baltimore area, let me know!

[UConnJulie]

You can go to the APTA website and click "Find a PT" ... then input your zip code and select "sports physical therapy" under specialty ... try this link ... I put in a Baltimore zip and 20 miles ...

[Jeff Rage]

OK, I found a PT that specializes in shoudlers. And, he's located less than 4 min from my house. Gonna set up an appointment at lunch.

[Keith Scott]

Jeff

I have been trying to PM you but your BOX is full. Anyway, I will have some highly recommended names for you by tomorrow if you are still interested.

And clean out your box

[Jeff Rage]

Sorry Keith, didn't realize it was full - I cleared it out now.

[Jeff Rage]

Went to Physical therapy tonight. He did a number of tests to determine strength, ROM, what hurts, etc. I was strong in all of the tests, and almost pain free during them.

He then did ultrasound in the area of my biceps tendon/front delt.

We went over what he wanted me to do, which was mainly direct rotator cuff work. We also went over lifts I could do and not do. Basically, we didn't go over anything I didn't already know.

At the end he said it was up to me whether or not I wanted to do this on my own or come in to do it there.

It is worth it to go in, just for the ultrasound (which he would do first)? Would I be better off on my own. AND, should I look for a better physical therapist?

[UConnJulie]

Just PM'd you ...

[bryanc]

I'll just say that there is no convincing evidence (and by evidence, I mean published studies) to show that ultrasound has any benefit or role in the treatment of tendon injuries. If that's all you're getting from the PT, then depending on how much it's costing you, you could go or not go. The same goes for any form of electrical stim.

[Jeff Rage]

Someone just sent me this:

Ultrasound Therapy for Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder


It's a $20 copay/visit, which could add up.

[steelerfan]

Originally Posted by bryanc

I'll just say that there is no convincing evidence (and by evidence, I mean published studies) to show that ultrasound has any benefit or role in the treatment of tendon injuries. If that's all you're getting from the PT, then depending on how much it's costing you, you could go or not go. The same goes for any form of electrical stim.

Don't mean to hijack but I went for my first PT treatment yesterday and he checked and measured ROM. He then put heat on while on a stim then he did ultrasound with some stim also. He then showed me some stretches for upper traps (ear to shoulder), Levator scapula (chin to armpit), scapular retraction exercise, then some dorrway stretches for pecs.. He said nothing about exercise except he didn't want me to do anything for a couple weeks until it calms down..