I know from what I've read that cissus sounds very promising. I've read studies about bone fractures but nothing on these types of joint injuries but I suspect it would have similar benefits...
The only thing I would warm is that if someone has an impingement that is a structural thing that is ongoing. So there is no way a sup could make an impingement go away. It may reliever symptoms, reduce inflamation, etc. but the things causing the inrritation are still there and will continue at some point. That's assuming you have an impingement since that is all I'm really talking about here. In other words, if some things are too lose and some things are too tight or one thing is rubbing up against another thing
then a supplement can't cure that. It may make it feel better but those things will be there waiting.
Also I've read that cissus is a pretty strong analgesic. Stronger than aspirin at least so I would be wary of pain masking effects which could cause someone to do too much and make things worse. I know the marketers of some of the cissus products make a big thing of the analgesic properties but analgesia and healing are not the same thing. You have a broken arm and you take some Percocet you just have a broken arm that doesn't hurt as much.
But it sounds like a great supplement and I'm glad your are feeling better, Sleazy! I would consider using it for myself.
The thing that interests me the most, generally, is the claims that is suppresses the effects of cortisol. That would be an all around help I could get behind
I think it's a good move to start with the extract. Be sure you're getting a good dose and you'll know more if it really works. Then if you move on to the powders and it sucks it's either because you need more or the powders are low quality/potency.