Rotator Cuff Injury: Surgery vs. Prolotherapy
Rotator Cuff Injury: Surgery vs. Prolotherapy
 Rotator cuff injuries are common causes of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff refers to a group of tendons that holds the shoulder joint in place. The shoulder joint is a very flexible joint allowing the arm to move in many directions, just think of all the motions your shoulder moves through as you reach, grab, pull, lift, etc. The rotator cuff provides stability and allows the arm to lift and reach overhead. Painful rotator cuff tears are traditionally treated with physical therapy, cortisone shots or surgery. Prolotherapy is an excellent option for rotator cuff injuries and we believe it is superior to all traditional options. A recent Cochrane review of interventions for shoulder disorders set out to determine the effectiveness and safety of surgery for rotator cuff injuries1.
The researchers examined 14 studies involving shoulder surgery for rotator cuff disease. The results were not in favor of surgery and found that it may not lead to any difference in pain compared to exercise or physical therapy programs. Safety concerns were raised as surgery side effects included pain, infection, trouble moving the shoulder, muscle wasting, and follow-up surgeries. In fact, the side effects from arthroscopic surgery were no different from those who had open surgery, a much more invasive surgery.
Prolotherapy for Rotator Cuff Tears
Prolotherapy is an excellent option for rotator cuff injuries because it involves the regeneration of cartilage. In other words it seeks to repair the rotator cuff tear. Surgery does just the opposite. Surgery involves removing part of bone, removing swollen bursa, or removing tissue. Unfortunately when parts of these supporting structures are removed the shoulder is susceptible to further degeneration. Prolotherapy is a simple injection therapy with a short recovery time and allows use of the shoulder during recovery. Typically patients receive one treatment a month for three to six months. If you are faced with a surgery recommendation for your rotator cuff tear, we urge you to look into Prolotherapy and visit us for a consultation. Our Prolotherapist Dr. Ross Hauser has years of experience in healing all types of sports injuries and chronic pain conditions with Prolotherapy. Contact us today!
1. Coghlan JA, Buchbinder R, Green S, Johnston RV, Bell SN. Surgery for rotator cuff disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD005619. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005619.pub2
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