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I injured my shoulder about 18 months ago and after living with it for a few months had an MRI which showed a "partial undersurface tear, supraspinatus tendon, with underlying tendinosis, but without thickness tear or retraction." After consulting with an orthopedic surgeon and with a chiropractor who does "active release" therapy I decided not to have surgery. I had prolotherapy and embarked on an exercise program. I swim daily, do a lot of stretches and some the exercises from Buchberger.

It's been several months and I'm definitely stronger but my shoulder still hurts, particularly at night if I roll over on it. I exercise nearly every day, swim, and get massage therapy twice a month from a therapist who understand sports injuries.

I'm frustrated because I don't seem to be making a lot of progress. My question is, should I just continue what I'm doing and be more patient or are there other things I should try?

What do you think, thanks!

I saw this all the time in my clinic. Without being able to examine your shoulder, but from your symptoms; I would try something different for 4-6 weeks. I would lay off all shoulder exercises except rotator cuff and scapula stabilizer muscles. Nothing above shoulder level. So, no military presses, overhead lat pull downs, etc. Concentrate on 2-3 sets 10 reps 2-3 xs/wk: scapula adduction, scapula protraction, scapula retraction, external rotation, internal rotation, and lift off. If your pm/overhead pain resolves over that 4-6 weeks, you can add the overhead exercises; but not until. Your shoulder muscles are probably out of balance, with the motors(deltoid) stronger than the rotator cuff/scapula stabilizers, causing impingement at night and with overhead activity. If you go to my website, www.cuflinc.com there are free on line videos segments you can follow. They are listed under shoulder/upper back/chest. Individuals muscles are also listed. Good luck and let me know how you do,
If my recommendation increases your pain in any way, stop immediately and see your physician.

thank you so much, I'm following your advice and we'll see how it goes!

Let me Know.

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sounds good, but you must remember medications that offer short term relief don't correct the primary reason for the problem which is often a muscle imbalance and/or degenerative changes. they are most effective if combined with a sound exercise program

Prolotherapy worked great on a rotator cuff tear I had several years ago. However, it takes more than a year for the joint to feel "normal" again. Be patient.

Hi Dick,
Behind my computer on the wall (at six feet) I have affixed a heavy duty resistance tube for my( left arm) to pull.
So seated, while facing my computer I grabbed the handles of the tube with the ( left hand ) and pulled like crazy several times. This I am sure tore something because sleeping on my right side, partial stomach facing down, the ( left arm ) was in pain too much to use that favorite sleeping position.

You know those shirts with that small strap with a button found on the shoulders? Well the pain is like drooping down directly from the strap (the same length) of the strap.

It feels good to grab the handle of the resistance tube dangling 10" out from my right shoulder at arms length high as tho you are holding up your hand in classrooms, affixed to the ceiling. Then the weight of the arm pulls it down about six inches and just rests there averting the strip of pain. Thanks for reading this post as I am new to this group and have a bundle to offer in the coming weeks ahead.