Magcell Proves Beneficial in Relief of Rotator Cuff Pain - Patient Self Treatment Experience

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Chronic rotator cuff pain treated over three weeks with a Magcell Microcirc in self care with successful outcome.

Background

Mrs N is 68 years of age, of slim build and leads a very active life. She looks after many animals, including cats, dogs and our feathered friends.  

Mrs N was diagnosed with Osteoporosis in 2011; a condition that weakens bones and develops slowly over several years. Osteoporosis is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to break, she has suffered two fractures of the left wrists once in 1984 and again, in 2021. Mrs N previously used Deep Oscillation electrostatic therapy in self care for recovery from the recently fractured wrist, with very successful results and excellent scar healing.

Mrs N also has Hypercalcaemia; a condition in which the calcium level in blood is above normal. Too much calcium in blood can weaken bones, create kidney stones, and interfere with how the heart and brain work. Mrs N also suffers with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Coeliac disease.

In April 2021, in conversation with Mary from PhysioPod, Mrs N mentioned a problem with pain in her shoulder and upper arm which she had had since Summer 2020. 

An ultrasound carried out by a private Physiotherapist had revealed a significant calcium build-up within the tendons of the group of muscles around the rotator cuff. 

Physiotherapy

Radial shockwave therapy was carried out every three weeks with a total of three treatments. Pain relief was instant, but when the end of the three week period was nearing, the pain had returned. 

Magnetic Resonance Therapy (MRT or MBST), was recommended, but being a more expensive option, was one that Mrs N was contemplating.

In relaying this information to PhysioPod, it was suggested that a Magcell Microcirc (again, a self-care device) could be beneficial.

Magcell Information

Magcell Microcirc is based on pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) which permeates a 3-5 cm depth and is proven to encourage and increase blood flow to the area (Funk et al, 2014):

“MAGCELL® MICROCIRC significantly increases micro-circulation (p < 0,001) while nitric oxide (NO) has a blood vessel dilatory effect. The application of the rotating MagCell-SR to the HUVEC cultures leads to a rapid onset and a significant increase of Nitric Oxide (NO) release after 15 minutes. Thus, frequencies between 4 and 12 Hz supplied by the device improve microcirculation significantly. Therefore, this device can be used in all clinical situations where an improvement of the microcirculation is useful like in chronic wound healing deficits.”

Self Treatment Protocol

On 9th April 2021, contraindications checked, Mrs N began a 3 week trial of the Magcell Microcirc.

Treatment was suggested as 3 times a day (15 mins duration), just holding the Magcell on the shoulder. 

Results

15th April:  (6 days in) text message received: "Just a quickie to let you know I think the machine must be working, yesterday was my first day without paracetamol"

30th April:  Unit returned after 21 days, shoulder pain free with no pain medication required.

"I used it for 15 minutes 3 times a day, as instructed, for three weeks. It’s the most pain relief I’ve had since last Summer." 

Follow Up

12th May:  How is shoulder now? "It seems to be much better Mary, I had one day this week when I thought 'oh that’s not good' and but the actual pain doesn’t seem to be there as much"

24th May:  Follow up appointment with NHS Physiotherapist has provided new gentle range-of-motion exercises to help restore normal movement in the affected shoulder. Cortisone injections have been suggested as another treatment should the pain return in the future.

25th May:  "Since we last spoke, I have taken one paracetamol when I was playing netball."