McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
Rotator Cuff Surgery Alternatives in Fort Myers
You can't reach the top shelf. You can't sleep on that side. The MRI said "rotator cuff tear," and the surgeon started talking about a repair, weeks in a sling and months of rehab.
If you are looking for rotator cuff surgery alternatives in Fort Myers, here is the good news. Most people with a rotator cuff problem get better without an operation. Dr. Lee Angle knows this one from the inside: he tried SoftWave on his own shoulder before he offered it to anyone.
- 5.0 from 198 Google reviews
- Dr. Lee Angle, D.C.
- McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
What is the rotator cuff?
It is a group of four muscles and their tendons that wrap around the top of your arm bone. They keep the ball of your shoulder in its socket and help you lift and turn your arm.
Problems range from a sore, swollen tendon (tendonitis) to a partial tear to a full tear through the tendon. Many tears come from years of wear, not one big injury. They are common after 60, and some people with tears have no pain at all.
Can you avoid rotator cuff surgery?
Often, yes. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) says nonsurgical treatment relieves pain and improves how the shoulder works in about 80 to 85% of patients. You can read the AAOS page on rotator cuff tears.
Nonsurgical care usually means physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that are left, rest from the moves that hurt, and sometimes a shot. It takes patience. A common physical therapy plan runs 12 weeks or more.
AAOS also warns that some tears grow over 5 to 10 years without surgery. Waiting is a choice to make with your orthopedic doctor, not instead of one.
Where does SoftWave fit?
SoftWave sends sound waves into the sore tendon and the tissue around it. SoftWave devices have FDA 510(k) clearance for some uses, such as improving blood supply and activating connective tissue. Tendons get little blood, which is part of why they heal so slowly.
SoftWave does not sew a torn tendon back together. It may help the pain and the irritated tissue so you can do the strengthening work that actually rebuilds the shoulder.
Our position: for a worn, sore rotator cuff that still lets you lift your arm, SoftWave alongside physical therapy is worth trying before a repair. For a sudden, fresh tear with a weak arm, see a surgeon first.
Why did Dr. Angle try it on his own shoulder?
Dr. Angle hurt his right shoulder in years of power lifting. He tried SoftWave on it before he offered it to patients. In his words: "This really is a tremendous option to see if you can avoid surgery or just the day-to-day pain or limitation in your activities."
Dr. Lee's shoulder story · 56 sec
One shoulder is not a study. It is why he decided SoftWave was worth offering.
Start with a $49 mapping session
- We find the spots that hurt
- A straight yes or no on SoftWave
- No pressure to buy a plan
- If it's not for you, you are out $49, not thousands
- 5.0 from 198 Google reviews
- Dr. Lee Angle, D.C.
- McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
When should you see a surgeon instead?
- A fall or a hard yank, followed by sudden weakness: you can't lift your arm out to the side
- A large, full tear in an active person, especially under about 60
- Weakness that stays after months of good physical therapy
- A shoulder that slips out of place
If the mapping points to one of these, we will tell you and send you back to your doctor.
What does a SoftWave shoulder visit feel like, and what does it cost?
- Mapping. Matthew Mahoney moves the wand around the shoulder to find the spots that react.
- Treatment. Gel on the skin and firm tapping for about 10 to 15 minutes. No needles.
- Home. No sling, no downtime. Aftercare: Nothing special. You can drive home or go back to work right after.
The first step is a $49 mapping. Most people need 6 to 8 sessions, once a week. Plan price: $100 per session, or 6 sessions for $540 (that is $90 a session).
More on shoulders: shoulder pain treatment in Fort Myers. For other operations, see alternatives to surgery.
Who will I see?
Dr. Lee Angle, D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic), runs Upper Cervical Health Centers on McGregor Blvd. He has a 5.0 rating from 198 Google reviews. Matthew Mahoney runs the SoftWave sessions.
Common questions
Can a torn rotator cuff heal without surgery?
A torn tendon does not grow back together on its own. But many people get their strength and comfort back without surgery. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says nonsurgical care relieves pain and improves the shoulder in about 80 to 85% of patients.
When do I need rotator cuff surgery?
Often after a sudden tear from a fall or a hard pull, especially in younger, active people, or when the arm stays weak after months of good care. A surgeon can tell you if your tear fits.
Can SoftWave help a torn rotator cuff?
SoftWave may help the sore, inflamed tendon and the tissue around it. It does not sew a torn tendon back together. Your mapping session helps us tell you if it is worth trying.
Is waiting risky?
It can be for some tears. AAOS notes that tears can grow over 5 to 10 years without surgery. That is why we keep your orthopedic doctor in the loop.
Did Dr. Angle use SoftWave on his shoulder?
Yes. He hurt his right shoulder power lifting and tried SoftWave on it before offering it to patients.
Want to keep your shoulder out of a sling?
Find out if SoftWave is worth trying first. Book your $49 mapping session, or call 239.243.8810. We are at 12651 McGregor Blvd Ste 102, Fort Myers, FL 33919. Get directions.
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