Diagnosis of Full-Thickness Supraspinatus Tear
I am a 26-year-old male, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall (188 cm) and weighing approximately 210 pounds. I reside in the Durham Region of Ontario and do not take any other medications; I also do not smoke. About four months ago, I experienced a fall where I landed directly on my left elbow while on the stairs. Despite this, I continued to stay active, but the following day, I woke up with severe pain in my left shoulder. An MRI revealed that I have a full-thickness tear in the insertional footplate of the supraspinatus muscle, although it is not retracted. Initially, I had hoped for merely a partial tear or something less severe, especially since I saw significant improvements during the first two months of physiotherapy. However, at this three-to-four-month point, my progress has completely stalled. Interestingly, I can perform activities that would typically align with symptoms of a full-thickness tear as seen online. My range of motion remains fairly good, and my pain levels have diminished considerably. The only time I experience intense pain, which can be quite debilitating, is during weighted horizontal raises (whether with bands or not) and when executing volleyball-like arm movements or other elbow motions related to the breaststroke. I consulted Dr. Meaghan Rollins at Durham Bone & Joint, who confirmed the presence of the full-thickness tear but maintained a neutral stance. She suggested that if I were considering an injection, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) would be her recommendation, while leaving the decision ultimately up to me. Being active and playing volleyball plays a crucial role in my life, and I now find myself at a crossroads between opting for PRP treatment or moving directly toward surgical intervention. Has anyone experienced a similar type of injury, specifically a stable insertional footplate full-thickness supraspinatus tear? - Did you choose PRP or go straight to surgery? - What has your long-term recovery looked like? - Has anyone consulted with Dr. Meaghan Rollins at Durham Bone & Joint? I would greatly value any insights or advice!
Answers (1)
3/3/2026, 2:01:07 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel uncertain and concerned about the best path forward given your full-thickness supraspinatus tear and your active lifestyle. Here’s a summary of the main points and actionable next steps to help you navigate your recovery.
Overview
You've experienced a full-thickness tear in the supraspinatus muscle, which is critical for shoulder function, and while your range of motion has improved, you're facing significant pain during certain activities. You now need to decide between Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment and surgical intervention.
Explanation
A full-thickness supraspinatus tear can impact shoulder function, particularly in athletes like you who engage in overhead activities such as volleyball. The fact that you've had pain relief and maintained good range of motion is promising. However, persistent pain during specific movements indicates that the injury is still affecting your shoulder's stability and strength.
PRP therapy involves taking a sample of your blood, concentrating the platelets, and injecting them into the injured area to promote healing. It’s considered a conservative approach, but its effectiveness can vary. Surgery, on the other hand, is often recommended if conservative treatments fail or if pain and function are severely impacted and not improving over time.
Next Steps
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Evaluate Your Goals: Consider what activities are most important for you and how much pain you are willing to accept while pursuing those activities. If playing volleyball is essential, you may want to lean toward the option that offers the best chance for restoring function.
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Consider a Second Opinion: If you're uncertain about whether to pursue PRP or surgery, consulting with another orthopedic specialist for a second opinion could provide additional insights into your condition and treatment options.
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Monitor Your Progress: Keep track of your pain levels and functional abilities over the next month with a focus on specific activities that cause discomfort. If you're still experiencing hindrance with movements crucial to your lifestyle, this might lean your decision towards surgical options.
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Discuss Rehabilitation: If you opt for either PRP or surgery, ensure you discuss a detailed rehabilitation plan that emphasizes gradual return to activities, including specific exercises that strengthen the rotator cuff without exacerbating your pain.
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Research PRP Efficacy: Look into studies or success stories of athletes similar to you who have undergone PRP treatment. This may help clarify what you can expect from that route.
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Stay Informed: Continue educating yourself, perhaps through reputable medical sources, about supraspinatus injuries and recovery outcomes related to both PRP and surgical interventions.
Your journey is unique, and it’s important to choose the path that aligns with your health goals and lifestyle priorities. Keep focusing on what activities bring you joy, and don’t hesitate to seek out professional support throughout your healing process.
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