Patient Profile:
- Age: 45
- Gender: Male
- Occupation: Construction worker
- Medical History: Rotator cuff tendinopathy for 6 months, causing persistent shoulder pain and weakness, particularly during overhead motions. The patient had been unresponsive to corticosteroid injections and physical therapy.
Treatment Process:
After a clinical examination and MRI, the patient was diagnosed with chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy. PRP therapy was recommended in concert with ESWT.
Blood was drawn and processed to concentrate the platelets. Calcium gluconate was administered to activate the platelets. They were then injected periarticularly into the shoulder joint area, and the affected tendons were bathed under ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia.
Six ESWT treatments were performed over the following 21 days, with 3-day intervals between sessions. The patient was advised to rest for two weeks post-treatment, with a gradual return to rehabilitation exercises.
Outcomes:
- Initial Recovery (2 weeks): The patient reported a noticeable decrease in pain and swelling. Range of motion had increased by 25%, with improved exercise levels.
- Follow-up (21 days): The patient resumed part-time work and physical therapy, showing improved shoulder strength and increased range of motion.
- Follow-up (65 days): The patient returned to full-time work activities, including lifting and overhead motions, with no lingering discomfort.
Conclusion:
PRP combined with ESWT therapy effectively reduced pain, improved function, and allowed the patient to return to normal, physically demanding work duties without discomfort.
