I am a 72-year-old normally active, fit female with a love of the outdoors. I had lived for 16 months with constant pain, including waking up multiple times during the night. I had given up all my activities due to the disability my injury caused.
On May 22nd, 2019 I had major surgery to repair a full-thickness gluteus medius tendon tear. During the surgery, the hip bone where the tendon is usually attached was scraped to provide a blood supply to the tendon which was debrided of scar tissue, stitched and anchored to the newly prepared blood supply.
As this is a major tendon involved in walking stability and many movements of the leg, and because a tendon does not have a good blood supply, the protocol is for a 6 week 20 lb weight-bearing limit on the surgical leg, so as not to disturb the tendon while trying to heal.
I had been referred by a major orthopedic surgeon for cool laser therapy months before when it was thought I only had a torn tendon. He informed me that a number of individuals had experienced very promising results. Although inflammation and pain subsided for a while, the results were not permanent as I had an unknown complete tear at the time.
Needless to say of all the therapies I engaged in, physical therapy, acupuncture, PRP, (Platelet-rich plasma injections) and massage, I experienced the best results from the cool laser therapy.
Therefore immediately after surgery, I called and set up cool laser therapy with Tom at InDepth Laser Therapy to assist with healing and inflammation. I met with Tom for my first treatment 1 1/2 weeks after the surgery. I could not even lift my own foot off the floor. My leg looked like a seasoned rugby player - in other words - huge. The thigh felt bound up, tight and thick.
Tom expertly guided the laser, softening the tissue and moving the swelling and bruising. I could actually feel this movement happening. 3 days later I arrived being able to lift my leg by myself. Each visit thereafter with a 2-3 day gap, delivered - what my husband and I both say - were nothing short of miraculous results. With only 6 treatments I could lift my leg up from the floor to hip level, could put weight on the surgical leg, without any pain, had a normal-sized leg with swelling and bruising gone, and a beautiful looking scar. I know this therapy gave me a huge head start and has assisted in healing, giving me the ability for a wide range of normal movement way on the early side of the normally expected results. I am so thrilled with the results and can't thank Tom enough for being such a huge part of giving me back my future into hiking, biking and long pain-free walks by the beach - (rock hopping too) Yvonne Brill
Photos of scar were taken at 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 weeks post-surgery