This Regenerative Rotator Cuff Procedure Will Have You Healthy for Spring Golf
In the United States, the overall estimated reach of golf is a whopping 108 Million people. That means one out of three Americans (ages 6 and older) played golf (on-course or off-course), watched the sport, or read about it in 2019 [1]. With a staggering statistic like that, there’s no doubt that many Americans all over the country are eagerly anticipating the start of golf season this spring.
How the Rotator Cuff Affects the Golf Swing
The golf swing is a complex movement of coordinated muscle activity largely involving the Rotator Cuff (right) [2], a group of four distinct muscles and their tendons: the Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, and Subscapularis [3]. These muscles provide strength and stability during motion in the shoulder complex. But when overused, torn, or inflamed, they greatly interfere with not only your golf swing, but everyday activities like reaching behind or above, gripping items, or rotating your shoulder in any way.
Say Goodbye to the Risks and Pain of Rotator Cuff Surgery:
Shoulder injuries are extremely common, with approximately 200,000 Americans requiring shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and an additional 400,000 for related tendonitis or partial tears each year [4]. However, there are many risks associated with shoulder surgery in addition to a lengthy recovery window. Most post-surgery instructions require a patient to keep their arm from moving (most likely wrapped in a sling) and to avoid using the arm for the first 4 to 6 weeks, with a full recovery expected to take several months [5]. Risks associated with shoulder surgery include damage to adjacent nerves and blood vessels, infection, and stiffness lasting 6 to 12 months after surgery with positive outcomes. Re-tear rates also tend to be much higher with surgical patients compared to those who underwent non-surgical treatment [6].
Rotator Cuff Surgery Vs. A Regenerative Procedure
Thanks to regenerative medicine, there are better options available to those who can’t afford to be out of the game for several months and need their shoulders healthy for golf season. At Regenexx Pittsburgh, we utilize non-surgical blood platelet procedures (PRP) & your own bone marrow concentrate containing stem cells to get you back to things you love faster.
Injection Treatments that contain live healing growth components from your own body and increase your body’s natural ability to repair itself. Rotator cuff procedures are done as an out-patient procedure, and cause minimal discomfort. Immediately following the procedure, patients may feel a little bit of pressure and stiffness in their shoulder. But over the next few days, inflammation in the shoulder should decrease and the healing effect of the bone marrow concentrate and/or platelets will take effect, allowing patients to resume daily activities comfortably. Overall, regenerative rotator cuff procedures are quicker, safer, and often more effective compared to shoulder surgery.
To know exactly what to expect during a rotator cuff procedure with Regenexx, you can watch a live patient procedure performed by a colleague physician from our office, Dr Sally.
A rotator cuff procedure with platelet rich plasma, or with your own bone marrow concentrate in March/April, will likely still have a patient playing golf in the spring (several weeks later).
Don’t let an aching shoulder keep you from enjoying golf season this spring! Tap the “ARE YOU A CANDIDATE” image below to talk to an expert today and find out if a regenerative procedure is right for you.
We know it can be overwhelming to choose a solution for your pain, so if you’re a little earlier in your research process, perhaps you may benefit from attending a live webinar or seminar with one of our three Board Certified physicians.
References
[1] https://www.ngf.org/golf-industry-research/
[2] Rotator Cuff Image: https://cck-law.com/blog/rotator-cuff-tear-va-disability-rating/
[3] https://www.physio-pedia.com/Rotator_Cuff
[5] https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/rotator-cuff-tears-surgical-treatment-options/
