Subacromial Decompression Surgery (SAD) is commonly performed for the treatment of subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS)-also known as shoulder impingement or rotator cuff disease. The biomechanical basis for this surgery is that pain is caused by bursa irritation and excessive bone formation in the area under the upper part of the shoulder blade, causing impingement/pressure on the rotator cuff tendons. If this is the case, then surgery to correct this, should result in greater pain relief and improved function than treatments that do not correct the biomechanical "problem." An article published in the latest British Journal of Sports Medicine reviewed multiple research studies which looked at the outcomes related to SAD, a fake (placebo) SAD, and an exercise program. The conclusions from this review were as follows:
For those of you who have been following my Blog regularly, this should not come as a surprise to you. Many commonly performed surgical procedures are being shown to be no better than a placebo surgery or conservative treatment with physical therapy.
The main message remains that surgery should be the last resort for most musculoskeletal pain conditions. This new paper adds to the growing evidence that for people with shoulder pain, conservative care can decrease your pain and improve your function without the time away from your meaningful activities (work and play), undergoing expensive procedures, and risking an adverse/serious side effect. If you are struggling with shoulder pain, feel free to give me a call to see what your options are. Thanks for reading, Bob
9 Comments
Mark Randolph
1/19/2019 01:01:35 pm
I have an achy deep pain in my left shoulder somewhat similar to sciatica pain and it goes down to my bicep at times. Feels sort of like a buzzing or numbness in my bicep.
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Bob Brady
12/3/2019 04:23:55 pm
Hi Mark,
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12/31/2019 10:24:10 am
It's great that conservative care can help decrease your shoulder pain. My sister has been dealing with some shoulder pain for a while. I'll share this information with her so that she can look into her options for professionals who can help her with this.
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Bob Brady
1/15/2020 12:42:45 pm
That is great Tyson. Yes, share is with your sister and if she has any questions have her contact me by phone or email and I would be happy to answer her questions.
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1/25/2020 06:53:06 am
Thanks, Bob...
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Bob Brady
12/11/2020 02:34:39 pm
I totally agree Ivy :)
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8/24/2020 03:41:37 am
Thank you for this post and individuals should avoid joint surgeries as much as possible.
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5/26/2022 10:26:41 am
My shoulder has been hurting, and I'm not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that I would want to get a sports medicine specialist to help me out with this. That seems like a good way to ensure that I can get rid of pain.
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1/22/2023 05:59:12 am
You made a good point when you discussed that surgery may lead to greater pain relief. My friend keeps having shoulder pain. I should advise him to seek shoulder pain treatment from an experienced doctor.
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