IT was a nagging shoulder pain and I thought a session with the masseur would soon put it right.

Ropheka Sdn Bhd uses a hot wax treatment, in which the gauze is immersed in hot paraffin wax and wrapped around the shoulder of the patient.

The masseur gave me a good rub-down and I felt wonderful but the pain returned. It became so unbearable that I had to visit a doctor and he pointed me in the right direction, to a physiotherapy and sports injury centre in Petaling Jaya.

The physiotherapist, Sara Premkumar, told me what I painfully knew by now: The massage had worsened my condition.

Her prognosis? Acute injury to muscles and ligaments which, if left untreated, could end up in a condition called supraspinatous tendinitis, or frozen shoulder in layman's terms.

But before she put me on the road to recovery, she wanted to know how I had injured myself.
It is an amusing tale that needs to be told so that others do not suffer unwittingly as I did. It all began when my cardiologist told me to exercise for half an hour at least three times a week.

I thought that I would kill two birds with one stone: walking my dog, Munna, who had put on the pounds and needed to shed more than hair, and exercising at the same time.

My lovable golden retriever had other plans, the first of which was to explore places along the beaten track that I did not want to.

And so the games began with Munna pulling one way and I the other. I had delusions of being hale and hearty, and tried to outpull Munna.

But I got a lesson in reality. Munna, whose paws reach my shoulder when he stands on two legs, literally dragged me around.

And here I was in Sara's centre undergoing treatment for an injured shoulder and a bout of silliness.

Sara planned a three-phase treatment and rehabilitation programme with a process called the short-wave diathermy, then a high-frequency electrical current used for deep muscles, and heat generated vasodilation that speeded up the healing process.

"The heat reduces inflammation, improves blood circulation, relaxes the tissues around the affected area reducing stiffness and when inflammation is down, pain eases," said Sara.

Next was the ultra sonic treatment which has an anti-inflammatory effect, using sound waves to increase the metabolic rate of cells and let tissues heal faster. A pain relieving gel was applied to my shoulder when I was using the machine.

The third stage of treatment was the wax bath, which contained a mixture of hot paraffin wax into which was immersed a thick gauze that was then wrapped around my shoulder.

Ann Gomez, the assistant at the centre, ensured that the gauze held bearable temperature.

"The heat is very effective in treating the stiff and painful shoulder joint as it improves blood circulation.

"The mobility of joints is made easier because the blood vessels get dilated, thus speeding up the healing process."

Rehabilitation was the final part of the package. I was taught five physical exercises and put through mild weights to build, tone and strengthen the hand muscles.

It was about an hour a day at the clinic and I made 10 visits in the two weeks. During that time, I saw many patients going through their treatment regime.

"We get many patients with various conditions such as pre- and post-operative cases, sports-related injuries and stroke victims.

"One thing I tell them when they step into the clinic is to leave all their 'tak boleh' outside for they have just stepped into a 'boleh clinic'," said Sara.

The word "stroke" struck a chord in me as my father was a stroke victim in the 1970s, my mother-in-law who is confined to bed after a stroke more than five years ago, a 55-year-old brother-in-law who cannot walk without support, and a 61-year-old friend who is partially paralysed.

All three were leading active lives when stroke hit them like a thief in the night. Was there any hope for them I asked?

"Patients who had suffered the stroke less than five years stand a good chance of getting their affected body back to near normal functioning," she said. "The sooner they come in for treatment the better the chance for a speedier recovery. But sadly, many listen to old wives' tales and run to the bomoh, sinseh, acupuncturist or a masseur."

Sara explained that it was team effort that required the cooperation and patience of the patient, physician, therapist and family.

"Therapy definitely helps to regain lost functions but you cannot expect overnight results."

One afternoon visit saw a woman walk in on crutches. She had undergone a knee operation after a badminton-related injury.

On the fourth visit, she walked out without crutches.

Sara said the "magic" in physiotherapy was the scientific way that was used to regain pre-injury fitness.

When I stepped out of the clinic after my last visit, I realised that I was actually swinging my hands as I walked. There was a new confidence, the shoulder pain had eased and I could stretch my right hand well.

My family at home, friends and colleagues noticed the change in me.

The hardest part was to diligently do the exercises at home. But I followed Sara's advice and diligently did the exercises she taught me whenever and where ever I could. It was fun stretching my hand left to right; to and fro in a pendular fashion; or let my fingers crawl up the wall.

As the days passed my pain disappeared and I stopped the exercises. My right shoulder is back to its best and I intend to start my daily walks soon.

As for Munna, he has to wait for his walks. Maybe not tomorrow but certainly in the future.