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Rotator cuff tendonitis

(2 discussions)

I have rotator cuff endonitis in both shoulders. No tears per MRI and X-rays show healthy shoulders. Physical therapy made it worse as did a 5000 mile car trip that the physical therapists said to go on and enjoy.
I came back with almost a frozen shoulder.
Since then I have been going to a chiropractor for the Graston technique which breaksdown scar tissue and brings in new flow.
There has been some improvement but still a lot of pain and loss of mobility.
I am also doing exercises for the shoulders. Do you have any recommendations?
I am 62. Can I get my full mobility back?

Best Answers

May PT

May PT

Elizabeth, I have heard many good things about the Graston technique, so I think you are on the right tract. PTs don't tend to use that device too much, but I don't think it is because they have anything against it, but rather that it is very hands-on, and thus, time consuming. This means that the PT has to spend total time with a single patient, instead of being able to use other modalities to treat several patients at once. Also, it takes a lot of time and money to certify a medical person to be able to use the Graston technique, thus it is quite an investment for a PT clinic, which already has lot of other good modalities at it's disposal. PTs cannot let their assistants and techs use the Graston technique, so that is another drawback for them. Some chiropractors take the certification course because they cannot use electrical modalities in various states, due to state practice acts. Anyway, you can find information about the Graston technique by doing a search on "Google". I am no expert, but have heard good things from other Certified Athletic Trainers who are using it in Professional or Collegate settings. The main thing for you is that you are being cared for by an Orthopedist, and that the DC is keeping the doctor updated on your progress. If you are consistantly making progress with your range-of-motion, then I would think you are doing the right thing. If not, then perhaps it is time to seek a second opinion from another Orthopedist. Please let us know how you make out, and good luck.


2 comments

    May PT

    9 10

    Elizabeth, I have heard many good things about the Graston technique, so I think you are on the right tract. PTs don’t tend to use that device too much, but I don’t think it is because they have anything against it, but rather that it is very hands-on, and thus, time consuming. This means that the PT has to spend total time with a single patient, instead of being able to use other modalities to treat several patients at once. Also, it takes a lot of time and money to certify a medical person to be able to use the Graston technique, thus it is quite an investment for a PT clinic, which already has lot of other good modalities at it’s disposal. PTs cannot let their assistants and techs use the Graston technique, so that is another drawback for them. Some chiropractors take the certification course because they cannot use electrical modalities in various states, due to state practice acts. Anyway, you can find information about the Graston technique by doing a search on “Google”. I am no expert, but have heard good things from other Certified Athletic Trainers who are using it in Professional or Collegate settings. The main thing for you is that you are being cared for by an Orthopedist, and that the DC is keeping the doctor updated on your progress. If you are consistantly making progress with your range-of-motion, then I would think you are doing the right thing. If not, then perhaps it is time to seek a second opinion from another Orthopedist. Please let us know how you make out, and good luck.

      Avatar

      9 10

      Thank you!

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