Non-surgical shoulder treatment has fitness enthusiast back in action

When fitness enthusiast Constance Wiley injured her left shoulder during a workout, she was thrilled to learn of a non-surgical method that uses the power of the body to heal itself. Following successful treatment by Joseph Medellin, M.D., at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, Constance is rebuilding her physical strength and is even able to lift weights again.

Constance had been working on a pull-up bar when she felt a “pop” in her shoulder. Over the next few days, she experienced increasing shoulder pain that made it difficult to fully move her left arm.

Chiropractic treatment and supplements helped to manage the pain. “But still my shoulder hurt every day,” Constance said. Her primary care provider, Jaclyn Sylvain, D.O., suspected a torn labrum – a ring of cartilage in the shoulder socket that helps keep the upper arm bone (humerus) in place during shoulder movement. An MRI scan confirmed the labral tear.

Constance sought help from Dr. Medellin, who specializes in sports medicine. “I appreciated that he took the time to listen and understand my frustration, she said. “Dr. Medellin was kind, professional and confident that he would have me lifting again.”

Dr. Medellin gave Constance three treatment options: cortisone injection, shoulder surgery or a newer, minimally invasive treatment that is not yet covered by insurance plans. This third option, called platelet-rich plasma or PRP, uses the patient’s own blood to regenerate the damaged tissue, speed healing and reduce pain. It involves separating platelets and plasma from the blood to form a concentrated solution that is injected into the injured area.

Constance and her husband, Travis, were hesitant to choose PRP because of the out-of-pocket expense. But, after reading additional information on PRP, they decided it was her best option. “I’d had cortisone before and didn’t find it effective. There was a six-week wait for surgery, which would require physical rehab and a longer recovery time,” Constance said. “I wanted to be over this as soon as possible.”

Determined not to enter the new year in pain, Constance had the PRP procedure two days before Christmas. She and Travis are happy with their choice of treatment, which was successful in relieving Constance’s pain and restoring her range of motion. At her post-procedure checkup, Dr. Medellin said the shoulder is healing well.

“There are so many good things about PRP,” Constance said. “It’s a more natural way of healing, using our bodies to do what they are created to do. The constant pain is gone, and I'm thankful I can exercise and sleep comfortably on my left side again. I would recommend PRP to anyone with a shoulder injury.”