Ultrasound Instead of Drugs
If the tendon connecting your shoulder muscles
to the bone becomes inflamed or irritated, you're probably
suffering from tendinitis. Calcium deposited into the tendon
may increase the pain and restrict your shoulder movement
and flexibility.
The
potential side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)are
well-documented, making this study on a nondrug alternative
-- ultrasound -- that much more interesting. Fifty-four
patients (61 total shoulders) received either ultrasound
therapy or a "sham" treatment (in which the ultrasound
machine was not turned on) for six weeks.
After the treatment period, calcium deposits
had disappeared in six shoulders. The sham group showed
no resolution of calcium deposits, and 50% improvement in
only three shoulders. These differences were even greater
at a follow-up visit nine months later.
If you're experiencing shoulder pain or tenderness,
schedule a consultation and a thorough examination with
your chiropractor. If tendinitis is the culprit, ultrasound
might be the solution.
Reference:
Ebenbichler G, Erdogmus CB, Resch KL, et al. Ultrasound therapy
for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. The New England
Journal of Medicine, May 20,1999: Vol. 340, No. 20, pp1533-1538.
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