Shoulder and Collarbone Disorders
Post Shoulder Surgery
...The thing with shoulders is - no two are ever alike, not even on the same body. Four years ago, I had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff tendon, sub-acromial decompression and labral debridment of the bicep tendons in my left shoulder. That was the worst injury and pain I had ever had (and, unfortunately, I've had way too many injuries to compare to in the last fifty-three years!) I had a lot of pain after surgery and the recovery was very difficult and took a long time to finish healing and gaining ROM (range of motion) and strength. Fortunately, the surgery was ultimately very successful and I now have full ROM and strength. Unfortunately, I didn't have the benefit of knowing about Mission Hills P.T. and the I.M.T. methods at the time (which would have helped me heal sooner, with less pain).
So, when I had to have surgery on my right shoulder the day after Christmas '06, I was anticipating a similarly bad experience. My right shoulder injuries included a badly damaged bicep tendon which had to be cut and reattached to a different location and a torn subscapularis muscle which had to be sewn back together. As bad as this sounds, the surgery was actually less traumatic than that done on my left shoulder. I am now at about eleven weeks since this major repair and I have been progressing amazingly well in my P.T. at Mission Hills P.T. (considering that I only started about eight weeks ago). I feel like I'm probably at about 80% of where I intend to be when finished - at 100%!
As of around week six, my R.O.M. and strength improvements had progressed so well that I have had to remind myself not to over-work my repaired shoulder before I'm fully healed. The relief I have from the pain I had before surgery and P.T. is deceiving and I have to remind myself that I still have some weeks of P.T. and healing before I'm done. I don't even know how to compare the two experiences. I'm an optimistic person and was hoping this time would be better but, I could never have expected it to be this much better. Once again Danielle, Kanoe, Cathy, Ralph and all of the staff at Mission Hills P.T. are providing such excellent care and treatment that I know I can look forward to a full, successful recovery and can return to my regular activities with improved quality of life.
Thank you, again Mission Hills P.T. for all your help.
Shoulder & Lymphedema Problems
When I first came to Mission Hills Physical Therapy, I didn't have a clue as to what to expect. Perhaps they would massage my back and shoulder?! I wasn't able to lift my left arm up and over my head; from the side or from the front.
Which to my surprise the wonderful therapists there (Danielle, Kanoe, Cathie and Sally), worked on my lymphatic system. They gave me homework to do. I thought they were crazy! But I did the homework anyway, thinking it might help and I was desperate for some kind of relief. This was back in February.
Now it's August and I have complete range of motion in my left shoulder. Simply put: AMAZING! I am glad I went there!
I would recommend MHPT to anyone who is in pain and needs relief.
Thank you so very much. I hope I never see you again, except to buy some more flaxseed.
Love,
Janis Creed
Dated: 08/21/07
Post Shoulder Surgery
Following surgery on my left shoulder for a rotator cuff injury and bicep tendon dislocation, I was referred by my surgeon, Dr. Ben Dubois to Mission Hills Physical Therapy for treatment.
Being a male senior citizen who has had surgery for other injuries in the past and having been told by friends about the excruciating pain I would experience in Physical Therapy, though not afraid, I was very uneasy.
The first day of my therapy, I was greeted by the friendliest group of people. I observed other patients in the waiting room as they entered and left. All seemed to be in great spirits. The receptionist and others in the office would freet everyone in a friendly and courteous manner. Julia and Marty who would phone and remind me of my next day appointments were always cheerful.
My regular therapists Danielle and Kanoe, were wonderful. These ladies treated me with care and a demeanor that deserves noting. They always let me know in advance what to expect in a session. They humored me, laughed at my jokes, and listened to my stories as they took care of my shoulder. They each shared some of their own life experiences with me, but they were all business when treating me and telling me what to do. And, I followed their instructions, although at times they may have thought me to be a slow learner.
I would remiss not to mention therapists Ralph, Cathie and Sally, who attended to my needs when called upon and were always kind in their manner.
When seeing Dr. Dubois in the months following the surgery, he commented on my excellent progress which I attribute to his excellent work and that of my physical therapists.
I was familiar with IMT by accompanying a friend for treatments for a year or more. When I went with her to a week in Connecticut. I decided to ask about a limp I had since breaking my leg several years ago. To my surprise they told me my biggest problem was infection in the heart that was affecting my lungs and my breathing. I immediately took 20 hours of treatment on my heart, and my limp and returned home for Ralph to compete the treatment. I now am able to walk correctly and am back to walking the hills around my home 4-5 times a week. No more do I get out of breath or exhausted. (I am 73 years old) Thanks IMT! I think you've added years to my life!
Shoulder Pain
Chronic Shoulder Pain
I saw a doctor again this past January and this time received a prescription for physical therapy. My range of motion was very limited and it was painful to raise my arm much above my waist. An MRI showed a torn rotator cuff. I was very discouraged and resigned to never regaining the use of my left arm.
I started physical therapy treatments at Mission Physical Therapy. Now, after 6 months of Integrative Manual Therapy and daily exercises, I have regained the use of my left arm. My range of motion has greatly improved, my pain is almost gone and I am never awakened by pain. I would not hesitate to recommend Mission Hills Physical Therapy.
Clavicle (collarbone) Fracture
Rotator Cuff
I first came to Mission Hills Physical Therapy two weeks after rotator cuff surgery by Dr. Wile. At that time, I had very limited use of my left shoulder as well as frequent pain.
After 3+ months of therapy and coaching, the pain is virtually gone and my strength and range of motion have improved greatly.
My thanks to Sally, for her patience and professionalism in dealing with me.