SPRINT PNS; Shoulder Pain
Limits on Life for Someone Full of Life
Dealing with shoulder pain for a decade was Joe’s life. “I started having shoulder pain, and upon examination by my doctor, I had a ‘frozen shoulder.’ That was just the beginning,” said Joe. “I was too young by most standards for a total shoulder replacement, but that was the diagnosis – and then I had an added surprise. Once they began the replacement surgery, they realized that the bone had been eaten away so much that normal placement of the titanium shoulder wasn’t possible, so it was going to be a reverse total-shoulder replacement, which meant eight weeks of recovery and then five months of physical therapy.”
It was a tough time for Joe, who otherwise enjoyed an active lifestyle, which included riding his motorcycle and exploring the country, doing yoga, lifting weights, and enjoying time with his family.
Having significant shoulder pain impacts virtually every aspect of day-to-day life, and despite deciding to have the major surgery and working through the recovery process following the reverse shoulder replacement, Joe still did not have the freedom from pain that would allow him to live the life he wanted. In his estimation, “I probably had 75 percent mobility in that shoulder.” For eight more years, Joe worked to manage pain and ongoing movement limitations via multiple prescription medications which required regular visits to see his pain physician and cortisone injections, which he would get a few times each year. All of this just to simply move. “It was something that I just didn’t want to continue forever, it wasn’t sustainable,” recalled Joe.
Choosing a New Direction
His shoulder pain relief efforts provided mild relief in short bursts, but he was still being held back from the active life that he enjoyed due to debilitating pain and the limited benefit of his medications. “I really wanted something that would be there and stick with me,” said Joe when reflecting on the frequent visits to the clinic and the sporadic results from injections. “I used to do a lot of yoga and exercise, but I had to be very careful. My movements were limited in order to avoid pain and I always held back from picking up my grandchildren for fear that my shoulder would give out.”
Two years ago, after seeing the pain management team at Twin Cities Pain Clinic, Joe first heard of SPRINT® PNS as an option for treating his shoulder pain. After continued challenges with other treatments and repeated cortisone injections, he decided to give it a try. Joe recalled, “At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was cautious. I’d dealt with pain for so long, I didn’t think anything was going to make a significant difference after so many years.”
Moving Forward Confidently
Upon the start of SPRINT treatment, Joe began to shift his perspective, “Right out of the box, I started getting pain relief – it was instantaneous – and it never stopped! It was continuous and a complete surprise that something could work that well, that fast.” He had a very strong, positive response to PNS treatment. “I had probably 90-95 percent pain relief initially,” he said.
How good has it been for Joe? He recently completed a 10-day, 1,400-mile motorcycle trip with a friend, which would have been unheard of before SPRINT. He’s active and back to exercising without fear, lifting more than in the past. “I don’t have to worry about the limitations so much. My activity level has increased tenfold,” he said.
Most importantly, on a recent visit, he picked up and played with his grandchildren without even thinking about the potential of his shoulder hurting. Talking about what that means, Joe hesitates and emotionally recalls, “They like to climb all over me and this time I had no issues whatsoever. There was no pain. That to me is huge, to have that relief. Wow, it’s huge and I just realized that I hadn’t even considered hesitating.”
When asked if he’d do it again and about his own results with SPRINT, he said, “Yes, you have absolutely nothing to lose and it’s going to be better.” While individual patient results vary, he’s been so happy with the performance of SPRINT PNS for his shoulder pain that he hopes to use the treatment for his chronic low back pain in the future.
The SPRINT PNS System is indicated for up to 60 days for: (i) Symptomatic relief of chronic, intractable pain, post-surgical and post-traumatic acute pain; (ii) Symptomatic relief of post-traumatic pain; and (iii) Symptomatic relief of post-operative pain. The SPRINT PNS System is not intended to be placed in the region innervated by the cranial and facial nerves.
Each patient’s testimonial is the result of each patient’s unique situation resulting in varying responses, experiences, risks, and outcomes to the SPRINT PNS System. The patient experiences shared on this page are not medical advice and should not be substituted for the independent medical judgment of a trained healthcare professional. Discuss your options and use of the SPRINT PNS System with your medical provider. Physicians should use their best judgment when deciding when to use the SPRINT PNS System. For more information see the SPRINT PNS System IFU.
Most common side effects are skin irritation and erythema. Results may vary. Rx only.
