Can an “old” treatment find new life for rotator cuff repair treatment? #AAOS #Health #Seattle

A study that was presented at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has demonstrated that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may reduce the pain scores and opioid use after rotator cuff repairs.  In this study, 37 patients were randomized to use either an active or a sham TENS unit during the first week after a rotator cuff repair.  
Electrical stimulation for pain control was first used in ancient Rome.  The first modern, patient wearable TENS unit was patented in the United States in 1974.  It was initially used for chronic pain patients but its use has expanded to other areas.

TENS unit

Following  arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, the use of a TENS unit during the first postoperative week was associated with significantly lower pain scores and opioid pain medication use when compared to patients who received the sham TENS unit.

I have used the this treatment  as part of my shoulder pain protocol after rotator cuff repair surgery with good results.  I continue to research ways to decrease postoperative pain and improve the overall outcomes of my patients after shoulder surgery.  The study is encouraging and may provide an inexpensive and safe way of improving pain control after surgery.
 

New tech may improve overall health #Seattle #Health #Fitness

A volunteer demonstrates Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Credit: CU Boulder

As many of the know, I focus most my research time on shoulder and elbow conditions, space medicine, and reducing musculoskeletal pain, however, occasionally I will come across an article about general health that I find fascinating.  I read an article today about a 5 minute breathing treatment that was shown in a recent study to lower blood pressure, improve vascular health, boosts fitness and sharpen memory.  The treatment is called Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training.  Here is a link to the article if you would like more information.  This is a technology that I will research more as it may be a good treatment to recommend to my patients, especially those with high blood pressure or interested in increasing there fitness.