NASHVILLE, Tenn. – While athletes suffer from traumatic forms of shoulder injuries, for many others, age is to blame for torn rotator cuffs.
It is believed that millions of Americans over 60 suffer from the injury. Every year, 250,000 people go under the knife for relief, but now there's a surgery free alternative that you can do for free.
Kay Subhawong couldn't lift her right arm to even take a plate out of the cupboard.
She was diagnosed with having a torn rotator cuff, the small muscles that hold the shoulder joint together have ripped apart.
She thought her only option was an operation.
"I was really scared. I am not a fan of surgery," said Subhawong.
But Vanderbilt's Dr. John Kuhn convinced the woman to skip surgery and try exercises instead.
"It usually takes people about four months before they can even think to get back to any kind of labor type work and it usually takes a year to get a full recovery," Kuhn said about surgery.
Kuhn is director of the Moon Shoulder Group, a network of doctors researching the best options for bad shoulders.
"We found the exercises programs that were found to be effective at treating rotator cuff disease and consolidated them into one physical therapy program," said Kuhn.
The program focuses on range of motion, flexibility and strengthening.
"We do not expect the therapy program to make someone's tendon heal, uh, but it does take their pain away," said Kuhn.
After six weeks of exercises, Subhawong said her shoulder still hurt.
"I was still miserable," said Subhawong.
But after twelve weeks she felt better.
"You know, my arm doesn't really hurt," she said.
A new study of 452 rotator cuff tear patients found the exercise program helped 85 percent avoid surgery.
Kuhn said the effects last for two to five years.
Subhawong finished the program about five years ago and said she hasn't had any trouble since.
"I just pulled my suitcase all over Europe a few weeks ago."
Kuhn said the exercise program has changed the way he practices. He said he's using therapy inside of surgery a lot more than he used to.