Shoulder Injury

[StoneColdGold]

Re: Questions on A.R.T.

First I wanted to thank Stonecoldgold for giving me some advice. But I had some questions about it. After going to the doctor today I was told that I need an MRI on Monday and atleast 3 months of physical therapy . He also said I could not do incline, flat bench, or military press. In otherwards no upward pushing motion for my shoulder for atleast two months. Your telling me that an othorpedic specialist tells me that but some guy who does A.R.T could have me fixed up in 2 weeks.

That's EXACTLY what I'm telling you. The orthopedic specialist for the Colorado Rockies is the doctor who examined me in Oct. 2000 right after I dislocated my shoulder. He explained the injury to me and told me how it wouldn't heal on its own because that area gets no blood flow. He said I needed to have an MRI done and then arthroscopic surgery. The arthroscopic surgery could have very easily become full-blown surgery (i.e. being cut open) due to my size.

Anyway, at this point, my arm was pretty much useless. I really couldn't do any upper body lifting at all. Instead of the surgery I gave Dr. Leahy a shot. Admittedly I was skeptical, as it sounded too good to be true. He worked on my shoulder for about 5 minutes, then took me to a bench press. I was able to lift with virtually no pain.

I saw him a total of three times for the shoulder and I was as good as new. Keep in mind that was a dislocated shoulder. Your problem doesn't sound even that severe.

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I would like to know if your sure about this or if it's a long shot that will just cost me more $$$. [/B][/QUOTE]

I am absolutely 100% sure about this treatment. It certainly isn't guaranteed, as I have no idea what your problem actually is. But it is by no means a long shot. In fact, your long term chances of being healthy is BETTER with ART... the percentage of reinjury post shoulder surgery is astounding. As for the money... Dr. Leahy charges $75 per session, and he is the best there is. My other ART practicioner whom I see (his office is closer) only charges $35 per session. Most insurances will cover part of the cost as well.

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I also wanted to know if this makes the problem feel like it went away or actually go away. Thank you [/B][/QUOTE]

It will actually make the problem go away.

 

[OVRTrainer]

I got so fuckin' excited about trying this out I got myself an appointment for Tuesday with a doc in NYC. I actually spoke with him as I caught him after his secretary had already left, and he spoke very highly of Dr. Leahy. Our conversation was very encouraging and I feel a little better about seeing him, since I got his number from the phone service rather than being "recommended" by a patient or doctor. Anyway, I checked and my insurance should cover most if not all of it. I'll keep you guys posted if you want...thanks again.

 

[Mehta]

A.R.T.

I just went for my first A.R.T. session this morning. It was a good pain that felt like it was actually repairing my shoulder. My shoulder still feels tender as usual but much more loose. I was wondering if Stonecoldgold knew if this was normal. Should I feel better already or should my shoulder still be sore? I have an appointment on Monday to receive my second treatment.

I live in Long Island New York, so if anyone wants the name of the Dr I went to, just ask.

 

[StoneColdGold]

Mehta-- don't worry it is normal to still be sore or feel pain. It's kind of hard to describe, but you will notice the improvement both immediately and gradually. Immediately in the sense you described, of feeling a good hurt and a loosening of the affected area. You should also notice immediate improvement in your workouts, in terms of being able to do things you couldn't before. However there is also a gradual element. Like I said, it took several treatments and a good three weeks of working through pain before I stopped "thinking" about the injury.

Just be patient and keep working through the pain in the weightroom. You should start noticing that as you progress through your workout, a particular exercise doesn't bother you as much, or the shoulder isn't as painful at the end as it used to be, etc.

Btw... How much are you paying per visit?


OVRTrainer-- You sound like me when I first found this treatment! Best of luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[Mehta]

Mehta-- don't worry it is normal to still be sore or feel pain. It's kind of hard to describe, but you will notice the improvement both immediately and gradually. Immediately in the sense you described, of feeling a good hurt and a loosening of the affected area. You should also notice immediate improvement in your workouts, in terms of being able to do things you couldn't before. However there is also a gradual element. Like I said, it took several treatments and a good three weeks of working through pain before I stopped "thinking" about the injury.

Just be patient and keep working through the pain in the weightroom. You should start noticing that as you progress through your workout, a particular exercise doesn't bother you as much, or the shoulder isn't as painful at the end as it used to be, etc.

Btw... How much are you paying per visit?

I am paying 60 per visit but I think insurance is going to cover the whole thing.( I hope)
Im just worried because my shoulder feels more soar and aggravated now than it did before I got the treatment. I hoping after my second session on monday I will feel a lot better. I just dont see how its possible. I just dont understand how it could just heal all of a sudden. Well either way thanks for all your input and if theirs anything else I should know or anything that would help put my mind to ease, please do not hesitate to post
Thanks again

 

[daveyboy]

Hey Stonecold - what is the difference between an ART practitioner & a chiropractor? My shoulders are in bad shape too & I was seriously considering seeing a chiropractor until I read your posts. I've never been to a chiropractor but my brother-in-law swears by them. Just wondering if the A.R.T. therapy would be a better alternative.

Thanks...DB

 

[StoneColdGold]

Davey and Mehta--- you guys should read the t-mag interview with Dr. Leahy. It explains a lot. But I will attempt.

First of all the difference between a traditional chiropractic treatment and an ART treatment is that the former centers around skeletal manipulation, whereas the latter deals entirely with working on soft tissue. Having said that, it just so happens that almost all ART practicioners are chiropractors FIRST. They then learn ART from Dr. Leahy, see how effective it is, and begin offering that service in addition to their normal chiropractic services. However, the effectiveness and popularity of ART among a chiropractors normal clientele almost inevitably leads to their practicing ART exclusively.

Now, the injury does not just heal "all of the sudden." This treatment is not voodoo or magic. It makes perfect physiological sense. Take a shoulder dislocation for example. When you have that injury, you damage a lot of soft tissue within the shoulder. when that tissue heals, there is a build up of scar tissue. Obviously, scar tissue does not have the flexibility and smoothness of normal muscle tissue. Therefore, it prevents the shoulder joint from sitting normally. The tightness of the scar tissue pulls the joint out of proper alignment. This is what causes feelings of impingment. By breaking up that scar tissue, the joint is able to work its way back into proper alignment.

You guys have NOTHING to lose by being patient and giving this treatment some time to work. Especially since your insurance is covering it. I am a dirt poor graduate student with no job, but I pay $75 out of my own pocket (no insurance) to see Dr. Leahy. I've seen him probably 12-15 times (you can do the math) for an assortment of injuries (torn tricep, torn hamstring, dislocated shoulder, bad knee which my trainers wanted to scope, pec strains, low back tightness, shin splints, on and on). Dr. Leahy has single-handedly allowed me to continue pursuing my dream of playing professional football.

 

[daveyboy]

Thanks StoneCold!

Thanks man! I'm gonna check into this some more this week & see what's available around here in Cincy. Sounds good though. Seems to be worth it whether your insurance will cover it or not. Hey...you know...as long as it works, that's the main thing.

note: This is exactly why this board..imo..is the best. Great help always.

DB

 

[StoneColdGold]

daveyboy.... glad i could be of assistance!

 

[daveyboy]

I checked it out today & found out that the closest A.R.T. practitioner is 100 miles away from here. 104 to be exact. Oh well, it was worth a try.