Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 8/6/2008

Question
Dr. Dolan,

I fell on outstretched arms Jan 08.  Had Supraspinatus RC repair on May 23.  My Surgeon still has me in immobilizer sling while in public or at work, except for lower arm.  Assuming this is due to massive tear.  (He did two rows of anchors).  I've been in PT since Feb & developed FS while in therapy pre-surgery.  Surgeon did MUA & RC repair at the same time.  Did not have PT until 4 days after surgery and 2Xweek since.  Been in a JAS (Joint Active Splint) for 3 weeks to stretch tendons/muscles, has helped some.  Other than that, PT has advanced me, through passive movements only, to a good ROM, (don't know degrees).  

Last week I went to my Chiro since I'd read about Trigger Point Therapy and Miofascial release, which he has started doing.  I believe I have more pain-free movement because of his work on the muscles.

Here's my question:  I see my surgeon next week for 12 week check.  At this point he should release me from sling, (which my PT has protested wearing of for weeks), possibly start muscle strengthening, but at 6 weeks post-op my surgeon said he may have to re-MUA at 12 weeks and I'm nervous about this.  I've protected this repair for so long and read horror stories about re-injury that MUA sounds like it could re-tear?  Isn't it better to have arthroscopic release after RC repair?

Also, my PT says the muscles have nothing to do w/ FS, but the trigger point therapy, though painful, I think feels beneficial, why the narrow view by PT's?

Thanks in advance.

Answer
frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis, rotator cuff tendinitis, rotator cuff surgery,

Hello Penny,

Sorry to hear of your problems.

You have treating doctors and therapists.  My first recommendation is to talk to them.  Write down your questions, ask them, communicate with them.  Realize that each health discipline has it's own perspective.  Bringing a Doctor of Chiropractic into the equation, along with the MD and PT, in my opinion, is a good idea.

Shoulder surgery can take a full year to recuperate/ rehab from.  I have had many patients in my Staten Island Chiropractic office who literally went to the PT for their shoulder DAILY for a month after surgery, every other day for months, 2X weekly for a prolonged period, and even 1x weekly for up to a year total- these 'in-office' treatments were/ are in addition to their home exercise sessions.  Rehab/ recuperation is NOT quick and easy.

I am surprised that your PT says muscles have nothing to do with frozen shoulder.  They certainly do.  I am surprised you have been in a sling for 12 weeks,,, seems pretty extended time to me.  I think the PT is wrong on that statement, and with the sling,,,, the MD must have his reasons--- but  ask why so long?

The Chiropractic treatment, you report, has started to bring progress to you.  Brings progress?- then continue the Chiropractic care with your Doctor of Chiropractic.

I would not terminate care with the MD or PT.  Each discipline actually works on a different aspect of the problem.  If any of these professionals speak derogatorily of the other,,, seek a more intelligent professional.

It takes time.  It takes work.  There are many aspects to the problem. I am, of course, partial towards the chiropractic treatment, I am glad you state you have progressed under chiropractic care.
Perhaps your Doctor of Chiropractic could also help you with some nutritional supplement recommendations.

I wish you good luck, and good health naturally!
Your Staten Island Chiropractor signing off,

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com       (email newsletter)
http://www.DocDolan.net
http://www.GoodHealthNaturally.info