Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 7/10/2006

Question
Hello Dr.,
  i'm an avid whitewater kayak paddler at the expert level. i injured my shoulder playing ultimat frisbee ! i had an MRI which stated that i had 'irregular signal seen to the supraspinatus tendon'... the Orthapedic Dr. i saw said time was my friend and to just wait it out, and then he suggested accupuncture.
  My questions are , what is the fastest way to heal this injury without compromising my mobility ?  Also, how hard can i push myself in trying to heal it ? Is it easy to do more damage in the healing process or would the shoulder have to be subjected to a similar degree of trauma that injured it in the first place ?
thank you very much,
h. brown  

Answer
Hello Hutch,

   To speed healing of the rotator cuff you may want do a series of band exercises specifically for all the rotator cuff muscles... a trainer or physical therapist can show you these exercises.  If there is a actual small tear, Glucosamine and Chondritan Sulfate may speed healing of the cartilage.  You may want to see a doctor of Chiropractic who specializes in soft tissue/ sport injuries, to have specific soft tissue work on the area of injury.

   Once the shoulder is injured it is more suseptable to injury.  Take it easy while the shoulder heals!

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.

Have a great day