Gearing up for Fall Sports

Don’t Be Sidelined by Injuries

More than 8 million student athletes participate in fall sports and many of them will be sidelined before the end of the season due to a sports-related injury.  In fact, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, nearly 1.8 million student athletes will be injured this year.

Heat exhaustion, sprains and strains, and acute injuries are commonly seen in athletes returning to fall sports. After a long summer, kids are less physically prepared to hit the playing field, which can lead to an increase in injuries. A pre-season physical, wearing properly-fitting equipment and recognizing pain early can prevent some of these injuries.

Following are some of the most common injuries faced by athletes that participate in the fall’s most popular sports, including football, basketball and wrestling:

Football
More than 920,000 student athletes are treated for football-related injuries each year – the most of any fall sport. The most common football-related injuries include:
• Strains and sprains: These are the most common injuries in football and usually affect the ankle, knee or wrist. Signs of this type of injury include pain, swelling, bruising and limited ability to move the affected muscle or joint.
• Fractures: Fractures to the wrist, arm and leg account for more than one quarter of all serious football injuries. Bruises, swelling, localized pain and the inability to move the affected area, are all signs of a fracture.
• ACL tears: Indications of a possible ACL tear include hearing a “pop,” instability of the knee, immediate pain and swelling.
• Concussions: If a player experiences a significant “blow” to the head it can be very serious. They should seek immediate medical treatment if they have a headache, nausea or confusion. Loss of consciousness is also possible.

Wrestling
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, wrestling ranks fourth in participation but second in the rate of injuries suffered by athletes. In addition to concussions, the most common wrestling-related injuries include:
• Prepatellar Bursitis: Also known as “housekeeper’s knee,” key symptoms include swelling and pain on the top of the kneecap along with limited movement.
• Rotator cuff tendonitis: The wear and tear on the shoulder during wrestling can cause tendonitis, which is an inflammation within the shoulder joint. This can cause pain with movement of the arm, trouble sleeping due to pressure on the shoulder and weakness of the arm when reaching overhead.

Basketball
Each year, more than 481,000 basketball-related injuries are treated, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Some of the most common basketball injuries seen are:
• Jammed fingers: Blunt impact to the tips of fingers can cause the joints in the fingers to jam, causing pain, bruising and swelling.
• Ankle sprains: Pay attention to tenderness, pain and swelling around the ankle. These symptoms, along with the loss of movement of the ankle, can indicate an ankle sprain.
• Plantar Fasciitis: A sharp pain in the heel of the foot, especially in the morning, is a common symptom of this injury.

As with any time of year, athletes that participate in fall sports must make sure their bodies are properly conditioned before hitting the playing field. If they do experience discomfort or an injury they should seek help from their onsite medical staff and follow up medical care from an experienced orthopedic surgeon.

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Hitting the Golf Links Safely

Preventing shoulder, elbow and wrist injuries on the course

Even though golf is a low-risk sport, injuries can occur. According to the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 100,000 golf-related injuries are treated each year.  Shoulder, wrist and elbow injuries occur most often in golf. Most shoulder injuries are due to overuse, while wrist and elbow injuries most likely occur due to improper swing or holding the clubs the wrong way.

Dr. Arthur Rettig recommends some simple ways you can prevent an injury from sidelining you from the links:

• Warm Up and Strengthen Your Muscles – Warm up your muscles to prevent strain. Also, by strengthening your forearm and shoulder muscles, it will help decrease shock in the arm when hitting the ball and reduce the risk of tendonitis or “golfer’s elbow.”

• Learn the Correct Technique and Practice Gradually – By learning the proper way to swing, you will put less strain on your muscles and joints.  Tendonitis or tears of the rotator cuff can occur with poor backswing or overuse. Lessons from a golf instructor will help ensure the correct form.

• Use Correct Equipment – Using clubs that are too heavy or light may increase the risk of shoulder strain. It is important to use the correct equipment for your body type. Also, replace club handle grips as needed and get larger, softer grips to decrease wrist injuries.

• Wear the Proper Clothing – Wearing comfortable clothing protects you from the elements and wearing shoes such as cleats help your feet grip the ground, allowing for a more stable swing.
If you experience pain for more than seven days, visit an orthopedic surgeon to determine the extent of your injury and treatment options. While most injuries are not severe, more extensive injuries such as a torn rotator cuff or carpal tunnel syndrome may require surgery.  A delay in treatment could cause further damage and keep you off the course when the greens beckon.

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Question of the Day

Question of the Day

Transcript from Indianapolis Colts “Medical Minute”

Question: My husband dislocated his shoulder two days ago.  He said it happened once before in high school but that it feels much worse this time.  Does he need surgery?

Answer: There is a very good chance that surgery won’t be necessary. 

When young people experience shoulder injuries, about 95 percent will have recurrent problems in the future.  However, if this is your husband’s first injury since high school, he should respond well to a combination of ice, pain medications and physical therapy. Of course, if the pain and disability continue, we could certainly consider surgery as another option.

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Game. Set. Health.

For someone who enjoys playing and watching tennis as much as I do, this is a perfect time of year to find your racquet and join a friend on the court. It’s also a good time to fine-tune your mechanics and prepare your body for the challenge to avoid injuries
Over the years, I have treated many recreational athletes and tennis pros alike at Methodist Sports Medicine / The Orthopedic Specialists. I had the great pleasure of serving as the orthopedic consultant for the Indy Tennis Championships (formerly the RCA Championships) for 13 years until it recently moved to Atlanta. The professional players sustain injuries that are primarily related to the extreme exertion they sustain over a season that now stretches over the entire year. Recreational players, on the other hand, sustain injuries that are primarily related to poor stroke mechanics, improper equipment, and suboptimal conditioning. Many common injuries can be prevented and that’s why we recently created three educational YouTube videos at the Five Seasons Family Sports Club in Indianapolis. The videos cover proper tennis mechanics, common tennis injuries and the benefits of youth tennis.

The Five Seasons tennis pros demonstrate some of the common mistakes made by recreational players that can lead to injury. They discuss the importance of footwork and balance as essential elements of putting the player into position to hit the ball properly. Additionally they emphasize the importance of the connection of the right and left sides of the body in producing smooth effortless strokes.

In the YouTube video about common tennis injuries, we explain the basic care of acute minor injuries following the R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) treatment formula. Injuries which don’t resolve in a few days with the basic care may require the attention of a sports medicine physician.
Youth tennis is another important topic. I encourage parents to teach your children tennis at a young age because it’s one of the safer sports for them to play. In addition, there are long-term health benefits for children who start playing at a young age and continue playing as an adult. We discuss those positives and other benefits in the third YouTube video.
Visit our YouTube channel to watch the videos and tell us what you think in the comments section.

http://www.youtube.com/user/MethodistsSports?feature=watch

Read Dr. Sallay’s “Healthy Tennis” articles in Midwest Tennis Magazine.

http://www.methodistsports.com/physicians/peter_sallay/documents/Dr.SallayTennis_Articles.pdf

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Comment on Shoulder Pain At Night by duane

As many as 30 percent of the population will suffer some type of shoulder injury in their lifetime.  It’s bad enough that your shoulder injury can impact your daily activities but what if you have shoulder pain at night?  This can dramatically affect your sleeping pattern and cut down on the amount of sleep you get every night.

And we all know that people who get less than the 7-8 hours of recommended sleep each night are at a higher risk of developing many of the major diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Before we learn why it is you have shoulder pain at night, it’s important to learn which type of shoulder injury it is you are suffering from so we can rule out ‘I just slept in weird position one night and that’s why my shoulder hurts’.

There are 4 common shoulder injuries that you could be suffering from which could be causing your shoulder pain at night:  Bursitis, Tendonitis, Rotator Cuff , or a Frozen shoulder injury.  Let’s examine more closely each of these type of injuries so you know for sure which one it is you are suffering with.

Shoulder Bursitis is typically described as pain that originates in the upper arm.  The bursa is a fluid filled sac that keeps the tendons and muscles of the shoulder lubricated and moving freely.  An injury such as shoulder bursitis typically occurs when you fall onto a hard surface with your shoulder or you receive blunt force trauma to your shoulder or upper arm.  Shoulder bursitis can sometimes occur from performing repetitive activities that involves excessive shoulder rotation over a period of time but some people report bursitis developing suddenly out of nowhere.

The way to really tell if you have shoulder bursitis is that if the pain sometimes radiates down your arm, past your elbow and into your wrist, then there is a good chance you are suffering from shoulder bursitis.  Pain in your shoulder increases when you lift your arm over your head or you lie on your injured shoulder.  Bursitis is common in people who perform activities such as hanging drapes, wallpaper, painting and/or washing windows – just to name a few.

Another common type of shoulder injury is frozen shoulder.  Frozen shoulder is typically described as a shoulder injury that decreases the range of motion of the shoulder.  Sufferers of frozen shoulder usually describe difficulties in moving their arm across their body, reaching behind their back or raising the arm above their head.

The strangest thing with a frozen shoulder injury is that the cause of this injury is pretty much unknown.  But what is known is that frozen shoulder commonly occurs in people who have extended periods of a lack of mobilization of the shoulder and arm, had experienced a previous shoulder injury or trauma or have had shoulder surgery in the past.

And last but definitely not least, a rotator cuff/shoulder tendonitis injury.  This is by far the most commonly reported type of shoulder injury that affects millions of people every year.  Rotator cuff injuries most commonly occur in the workplace, sports arena or pretty much any type of physical activity or sport.  It knows no gender or age.

But the real tell tale sign of a rotator cuff injury is shoulder pain at night.  As the day goes on, rotator cuff sufferers report an increase in muscle weakness and tenderness in the shoulder combined with a cracking or grinding noise when they raise their arm out to the side or in front of them due to their rotator cuff tear.  A rotator cuff injury rarely comes on all of a sudden.  It’s usually a result of performing some sort of repetitive actions on a daily or weekly basis that involves excessive shoulder rotation or lifting heavy objects overhead.

Some of the more high risk activities and groups of people who may develop a rotator cuff injury include:  weightlifters, tennis players, swimmers, skiers, any sport that involves throwing, rugby players, painters, postal workers, hairdressers, golfers, dentists, dental assistants, cashiers, construction workers, assembly line workers – just to name a few.

But here’s the good news!  You can completely eliminate your shoulder pain at night and get a good nights rest each and every night!  All it really takes to completely stop your shoulder pain and cure your nagging rotator cuff injury are 4 simple, step-by-step techniques that you can do from the comfort of your own living room without any special exercise equipment or gadgets!

If you’ve had enough of the sleepless nights, tossing and turning, and feel tired when you wake up in the morning, here’s your chance to fix your shoulder pain right now!

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Rotator cuff injury cause headaches?

Start having headaches can occur for people who have a rotator cuff injury. While there is no direct connection between these two, you can have headaches because of the stress of having an injury or perhaps due to fatigue from lack of physical activity.

To counter this and get back in shape, would be able to start to do rotator cuff exercises, particularly those found at the rotator cuff recovery Kit. Instead of getting a workout to chance, this is a highly organized program that will be able to afford tremendous relief and recovery with their superior rotator cuff exercises.

Moreover, these would be very convenient since the videos could be easily transferred and played on portable devices. There are also illustrations of exercises so that you wouldn't have to worry about getting lost. Get rid of Rotator cuff injury, as well as indirect headaches would be just a few days away, once you find the rotator cuff recovery Kit.

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Comment on Rotator Cuff Exercises by Should I Apply Ice or Heat for Rotator Cuff Injury | RotatorCuffInjuryTips.net

As with any type of injury, one of the most important elements for a successful recovery is following a specific set of exercises. And for an injury such as a rotator cuff injury, there are some very important rotator cuff exercises that everyone should follow if you want to completely cure your torn rotator cuff and eliminate your rotator cuff pain once and for all.

In as many as two thirds of all rotator cuff injuries, the sufferer has some degree of scapular instability and muscle imbalance.  As a result, it is very important to include scapular strengthening exercises as an early part of any good rotator cuff exercise rehab system.

There are dozens of rotator cuff exercises that will help you recover from a rotator cuff tear. Instead of going into all of these exercises I want to share with you, two rotator cuff exercises that I believe will give you the best chance for recovery.  The reason I am choosing these 2 is because there is a large degree of posterior(back) rotator cuff activation. It is very important that you always perform a combination of low weight and high repetition when you are doing these exercises.

Due to the fact that your rotator cuff muscles are small, high endurance and resistance are important as this will help improve the blood supply to your injured muscles which will help speed up your recovery time.

Rotator Cuff Exercise #1

External Rotation from Side-lying Position

Lie on the unaffected side of your body with your head supported by your hand.Put a pillow or towel roll between your torso and the affected armKeep your elbow bent and your arm tightly to your sideLift your arm in an external rotation, lower it and repeatCan also be done using tubingDo 2 sets of 15 repetitions

Rotator Cuff Exercise #2

Shoulder Extension with External Rotation

Lie face down on table or stability ball, with arms hanging down perpendicular to your bodyRaise your arms backward, your palms will be facing the floorLift your arms to body level and hold for a momentIn a controlled movement, return your arms to the original position.Do 2 sets of 15 repetitions

As you can see, you don’t need any special exercise equipment to perform these exercises.  The weight of a water bottle will provide enough resistance.  It’s important to keep a strict form throughout these exercises, less really is more when you are trying to recover from a rotator cuff injury.

I recommend you perform these rotator cuff specific exercises every other day for a week.  You should a vast improvement in your range of motion, an increase in shoulder strength and a decrease in should pain.

It’s important to know that the amount of money that you spend on trying to cure your torn rotator cuff does not translate into a speedier recovery.  How do I know this?  Because I too suffered from a rotator cuff tear just like you.  But I’m embarrassed to tell you that I spent hundreds of dollars trying to get rid of this disability only to discover that all so called “traditional treatment” methods did, was take away my money and not my pain.

And I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I did.

For those who are completely fed up with this nagging and stubborn injury and want to completely eliminate their torn rotator cuff and foot pain for good, all it really takes are 4 simple, step-by-step techniques that you can do from the comfort of your own home, sitting in the chair you are in right now without any special exercise equipment or rotator cuff exercise or medical gadgets!

Simply click on the button below and let me show you just how easy it is!

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How long after torn rotator cuff surgery can I bring?

Go through rotator cuff surgery can lead to a long path to recovery. He then followed to do certain tasks such as driving should be avoided, unless approved to do so. However, it should be understood that there are certain aspects that could be followed in order to speed up the recovery process.

Mainly, this could be done, doing exercises for the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff recovery Kit is the perfect way to solve this in your lifestyle. The efficient rotator cuff exercises are all clinically proven to be what you need to do to get your shoulders to function optimally again.

In addition to that, you don't need to use any medicines just to combat the pain, as pain relief in this program will be all yours in just 48 hours. Get the rotator cuff recovery Kit now and see how well you can drive again just to do rotator cuff exercises.

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Fixing a Rotator Cuff Tear

Rotator cuff tears are common occurrences that often happen later in life. For those with this injury, even the simplest tasks can seem daunting and painful.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent a rotator cuff tear.  Many orthopedic surgeons recommend one or all of the following prevention techniques: regular exercise; resting after using repetitive arm and shoulder motions; and applying cold or heat packs to reduce shoulder pain or inflammation. However, if you are unable to prevent a rotator cuff tear, there are many things you and your orthopedic surgeon need to consider before determining the form of treatment that will best treat your injury.

The decision on how to treat rotator cuff tears is based on the patient’s severity of symptoms, functional requirements and presence of other illnesses that may complicate treatment. At first your physician might recommend a nonsurgical treatment approach, which may include activity modification (avoidance of activities that cause symptoms), anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. 

Research shows that 50 percent of patients who use nonsurgical treatment options will receive relief from pain and discomfort.  However, the other 50 percent will need to consult with their orthopedic surgeon to determine if their injury requires surgery. Following are a few things to consider when making that decision:

• Degree of Symptoms – Patients with minimal symptoms may choose to delay surgery in an effort to achieve success with nonsurgical treatment options. On the other hand, patients who have more constant pain, difficulty with simple activities (e.g., getting dressed, lifting household objects), or pain at night interfering with sleep may opt to have surgery immediately.

• Requirement & Expectations – Some patients might not need rotator cuff surgery if their symptoms don’t interfere with their usual activities. On the other hand, athletic patients who injure their shoulder may choose surgery in order to return to their sport of choice.

• Type of Tear – Smaller tears can be monitored to determine if nonsurgical treatments can help alleviate symptoms. On the flip side, larger tears could benefit from earlier surgical intervention. Large tears can retract (leading to a permanently shortened tendon), and the muscle may irreversibly weaken, making it more difficult to delay repair. In patients with these tears, early surgery might help increase the likelihood of a successful recovery.

• Age of the Patient – Rotator cuff tears in people less than forty are rare but they do occur, and generally require surgery.  Rotator cuff tears will not heal without assistance and evidence shows that tears will likely increase in size as time goes by.  Admittedly, orthopedic surgeons do not know when this will occur, so those patients that have higher physical demands will likely need surgical intervention to repair a tear.

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What is Shoulder Stiffness?

Shoulder stiffness can be a symptom of many common shoulder problems. Unlike shoulder weakness, a patient with shoulder stiffness has a diminished range of motion even when assisted. Also, this patient will experience pain around the shoulder and arm and will have trouble raising his or her arm over their head.

This stiffness can be a symptom of a number of different shoulder conditions including frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, shoulder tendonitis and shoulder arthritis. Following are brief descriptions of these conditions.  However, it is important to seek the opinion of an orthopedic specialist to determine the cause of your particular shoulder stiffness.

Frozen Shoulder occurs when the capsule of tissue that surrounds the shoulder joint becomes contracted, and it affects about 2 percent of the general population between the ages of 40 and 60. It is a difficult condition for a patient to identify, and although it is twice as likely to occur in females, its causes are undetermined. Other risk factors include: diabetes or thyroid problems, a period of shoulder immobilization following injury or surgery and Parkinson’s disease or heart disease.

Rotator cuff tears are most common in people over the age of 40. Younger people often experience a rotator cuff tear as a result of an acute trauma. A rotator cuff tear is defined by pain, usually over the top of the shoulder and arm. It also causes weakness in the shoulder making lifting objects and your arm over the head difficult.  It can be caused by a single traumatic injury or overuse of the muscles for many years.

Shoulder tendonitis means there is an inflammation in the shoulder joint. It often occurs after an initial injury that becomes further irritated with additional use. Shoulder tendonitis causes pain on the top of the shoulder and arm, when lifting the arm above head height and while sleeping.

Shoulder arthritis usually falls into two categories: osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis and affects patients over 50 years of age. Osteoarthritis is caused by progressive wear-and-tear on the shoulder joint, and rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic condition that causes inflammation in the joint lining. The symptoms associated with shoulder arthritis are pain with use and activity, a limited range of motion, a stiffness, tenderness and swelling of the shoulder and a grinding feeling within the joint.

The symptoms for each of these conditions are very similar, so it is very important to seek the opinion of an orthopedic specialist to determine appropriate diagnosis and treatment, which may include:
• exercises and stretching
• application of moist heat or ice
• anti-inflammatory medications
• physical therapy
• cortisone injections
• surgery

Only your orthopedic surgeon will know the best treatment plan to treat your unique condition!

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Shouldering The Weight

Avoiding Common Weight Training-Injuries

Many athletes already have begun training and conditioning in preparation for fall sports. Activities such as weightlifting can help build strength and endurance, but if done improperly can lead to a serious shoulder injury. In fact, approximately 7.5 million people go to the doctor for a shoulder problem each year, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Some of the most common weightlifting shoulder injuries include a torn rotator cuff, tendinitis, bursitis, sprains and strains. Luckily there are ways to prevent, detect and treat these shoulder injuries. Follow these basic guidelines to lift weights more safely:

• Stretch before a workout: It’s important to warm up your muscles before lifting weights. Doing so will allow your muscles to become more flexible, which can help prevent future injuries.

• Don’t overdo it: A weightlifting routine should be done no more than four times a week for 20-30 minute sessions.  It’s always a good idea to conduct an evaluation with your trainer on a continuous basis to ensure you are using the proper lifting technique to avoid injury. Also, don’t increase weight amounts too quickly as this can place strain on muscles, which may cause you to use an improper? lifting technique.

• Know the warning signs of a shoulder injury:  There are several signs to look for to determine if you have suffered a shoulder injury. Those include a lack of movement and stiffness in the shoulder, inability to rotate the shoulder and arm in all normal positions, feeling that the shoulder could be dislocated and/or pain in the shoulder when doing daily activities. If you experience any or all of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Shoulder injuries should not be ignored. If you do experience pain or lack of motion, it is essential to obtain a consultation with an orthopedic specialist who can diagnose your injury and determine the proper course of treatment. Depending on the extent of your injury, your doctor may recommend rest, prescription pain and anti-inflammatory medication, or possibly surgery.

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How many times is surgery needed with rotator cuff injury?

Even if surgery is able to fix problems in the rotator cuff in most cases, should not always be that the method should depend on people. On the one hand, it would subject the shoulders for a lot of trauma and pain. Also is very expensive because of the fees, as well as the necessary medication. The correct way to do this would be to do rotator cuff exercises that are intended to recover from injuries.

Large rotator cuff exercises for the rotator cuff recovery Kit are especially capable of ending the surgery, in addition to avoid future mishaps. With this program, you will get in an epiphany about why you always thought that surgery was the best option.

With the rotator cuff recovery Kit, you'll be fully educated on the pros and cons so that you wouldn't get yourself in more trouble. His shoulders will be subject to no trauma and will be much stronger. Get the rotator cuff recovery Kit now and see why surgery should be thought of as little as possible.

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You can see torn rotator cuff in x-ray?

To have an x-ray on his shoulders will be able to detect tears in the rotator cuff. However, it is not always as precise as getting an MRI procedure done, which is what most professionals would suggest. This will allow you to be more aware that part of his rotator cuff must be addressed.

In going about this, you may well choose to do rotator cuff exercises for the rotator cuff recovery Kit. The reliable rotator cuff exercises that could be found in this program are perfectly suited to allow people like you to recover from rotator cuff injuries. And eventually, you will be able to feel as if you are in better shape.

You'll get a daily workout with who is always on the way. Beside that, Mark Watson also shares a ton of advice that you need to be sharp on so you wouldn't have to endure any lesions in the future. Get the rotator cuff recovery Kit and feel this tear disappear before you know it.

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Shoulder pain from a torn rotator cuff be brought also to the neck?

Since the rotator cuff muscles cover a vast area of the shoulder, the side of the neck may also feel some amount of pain while the injury is still in its early stages. To remedy this inconvenience, there would be the need to engage in some form of physical therapy, like the rotator cuff exercises.

Preferably, only then should you seek medical attention if the basic home remedies do not progress. However, there would be high hopes for special cuff exercises that could be found since the rotator cuff recovery Kit. Mark Watson has designed a fantastic system that is focused on allowing the shoulders to recovery without having that catches fire in medicine and painkillers.

Yes. But it would take some time to do rotator cuff exercises according to a routine that must be drawn up in a training diary included. Moreover, there is a lot of useful tips and stretching exercises that could be followed to make the recovery most likely to succeed. Buy this program now to put an end to the pain in the neck, as well as the wear and tear of the rotator cuff that you have been keeping for a while.

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Male Athletes Suffer More Shoulder Injuries

A recent study published in the Journal of Athletic Training determined that male high school athletes in the United States are more likely than girls to suffer shoulder injuries. Researchers also found that shoulder injuries were three times more likely to occur during competition than in practice of football, baseball and wrestling.

The most common shoulder injuries included sprains, strains, dislocations, separations and fractures. Of those injuries, 6 percent required surgery, and dislocations and separations accounted for more than half of all shoulder surgeries. In addition to surgery, rehabilitation was extensive, with almost one in four athletes missing at least three weeks of their athletic season following their shoulder injury.

These findings illustrate that athletes need to take precautionary measures while competing. Following are a few things to consider:

• Do not ignore shoulder pain and “play through” an injury. This will only aggravate the condition and may possibly cause more problems.

• Early detection is key to prevent serious shoulder injuries.

• There are a number of shoulder exercises that athletes can do to strengthen their shoulder muscles, including:

- Basic shoulder strengthening – Attach elastic tubing to a doorknob at home. Gently pull the elastic tubing toward your body. Hold for a count of five. Repeat five times with each arm. Perform twice a day.

- Wall push-ups – Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall and your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly perform a push-up. Repeat five times. Hold for a count of five. Perform twice a day.

- Shoulder press-ups – Sit upright in a chair with armrest, with your feet touching the floor. Use your arms to slowly rise off the chair. Hold for a count of five. Repeat five times. Perform twice a day.
If you think you might be suffering from a shoulder injury, seek medical attention immediately. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

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Safety and Preparation are Imperative for Young Athletes

Medical Evaluations and Care for Injuries Should Be Top Priority

From baseball to soccer to football, everyday millions of children and young adults participate in sports activities. These activities teach children team work and improve their physical fitness, coordination and self-discipline.  It also increases their chance of experiencing sports-related injuries such as concussions, sprains, fractures, muscle tears, and back and neck injuries. However, there are measures that can be taken to help prevent these types of injuries, such as:
• Undergoing medical exams prior to the sport’s season, which should include concussion screenings and physical evaluations;
• Using proper protective gear, such as shin guards for soccer and helmets for football and baseball;
• Staying hydrated and always warming up before practice or a game;
• Never playing through pain or an injury.

If an athlete does experience an injury it is important that it is not ignored or taken lightly.
Sports-related injuries in children are of great concern because their bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments are still growing. To avoid long-term damage, young athletes should seek immediate care for any minor or serious injury.

Following are several signs to help determine if immediate care is needed:
• Inability to play following a sudden injury;
• Decreased ability to play due to a chronic or long-term complication following an injury;
• Visible deformity of the athlete’s arms or legs;
• Severe pain from a sudden injury, which may prevent the use of an arm or leg.

Sometimes, sports-related injuries occur after office hours or on the weekends.  If and when this happens I recommend that my patients visit the emergency room or an orthopedic walk-in clinic like the one we have at Methodist Sports Medicine / The Orthopedic Specialists. One of our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons is available to treat patients with sudden or recent sports or active lifestyle-related injuries.  Patients can visit our Avon or Greenwood locations Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., or our Carmel location Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. For more information, please visit www.methodistsports.com or call 317-817-1200.

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How to care for a rotator cuff injury?

Caring for a rotator cuff injury is primarily important when it comes to restore shoulder function. Although there may be the option to visit the doctor, then just the rotator cuff exercises would be a better approach.

This is because there would be no chemicals involved, in addition to getting the body to work its way to repair the rotator cuff recovery Kit is an excellent program for effective rotator cuff exercises, which have been organised by experts in physical therapy, such as Mark Watson and his team.

There would also be a lot of videos and stretching techniques, in addition to the advice that he gives so that you would not find yourself going through the same injury again. To buy the program now and learn all there is to know when it comes to giving your unmistakable care of Rotator cuff injury.

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Comment on Ice or Heat for Torn Rotator Cuff Injury by crystal martin

When it comes to any type of injury, especially one that involves muscles, the first thing that comes to mind is heat – no – ice – yes, heat – yes – ice -no.  Should you apply heat or ice for a rotator cuff injury?  Which is it?

Some people say will tell you to put ice on an injured muscle and others will say completely opposite and tell you to apply heat first then ice.  Everyone claims to be an expert on this subject so I decided to write a blog post and give my thoughts on exactly what to do specifically for a rotator cuff injury.

If you’ve just suffered a rotator cuff injury, say within the last 48 hours, I recommend you apply ice to your shoulder.  With your new rotator cuff injury, there will be undoubtedly some swelling, pain and inflammation.  The first thing you need to do is to control keep the swelling to a minimum.  By simply applying ice you will immediately reduce the pain and muscle spasms and reduce any further bleeding of the damaged tissues and muscles.

As you apply the ice to your rotator cuff injury you will help prevent your shoulder from seizing up on you and allow you to have normal range of motion and functionality.  As with any repetitive stress injury such as a rotator cuff injury, part of your recovery will include a specific set of shoulder strengthening and rotator cuff exercises.  I recommend that after you perform these exercises, you apply ice immediately to your shoulder for at least 10 minutes.  This will help decrease any pain and help improve your shoulder’s range of motion.

If you don’t have an ice pack, you can use a bag of frozen peas or vegetables.  You should never apply ice directly to your skin as this can cause permanent skin damage.

After the first 48 hours of your rotator cuff injury, you can move onto using heat to help improve blood circulation for your muscles to recover and repair.  Heat helps blood vessels to open up which sends more blood to your injury.  Be careful when you apply heat as too much heat can burn your skin and cause as much damage as applying ice directly to the skin.  The easiest way to apply heat is with a hot water bottle or hot cloth.  Keep an eye on the color of your skin as to make sure you are not burning the skin.

Within the time it takes for you to recover from your rotator cuff injury, you will discover that ice will provide better pain relief than applying heat.  Icing provides a deeper penetration into your damaged muscles and tendons plus the relief you will feel will last longer.

So now that you know that ice is your best option for a rotator cuff injury, what you really need is a proven system that accelerates your healing process so you can get back to all your favorite sports and activities again – in the shortest possible time.

All it really takes are 4 simple, step-by-step techniques that you can do from the comfort and convenience of your own home without any special exercise equipment.  Simply click the ‘Learn More’ button below to learn just how easy it is to cure your rotator cuff injury and eliminate shoulder pain!

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QBS can come back from a torn rotator cuff?

Athletes have a tendency to worry about when it comes to going through an injury, as they may find themselves not being able to play the sport they love ever again. If you have gone through a rotator cuff tear, it is still possible for you to get back in the game as the QBS if you follow the right methods for getting better. It is ideal that you choose to do rotator cuff exercises.

One that is specifically designed to help in the recovery, just doing the exercises for rotator cuff would be the confidence of Rotator cuff recovery Kit. You must realize that a lot of athletes like you have already used this program with great success.

It would follow that if you adhere to the rotator cuff exercises in this program, you will be able to recover and improve your performance in sports, besides being far from any possible prejudice in the long run. However, you will also be informed of the things that you should refrain from making a smooth sail. Go back now rotator cuff recovery Kit and hop to their passion in no time.

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Can cause rotator cuff injury of elbow pain?

Although the rotator is just that innervate the shoulders, there are cases where the people would start to feel pain in your elbows. However, they must realize that there is a direct link between the two. Can be due to trauma experienced arm that also had to do with hitting your elbows hurt, or having it stretched during the event of injury.

Try massaging the area and avoid lifting heavy objects, using the injured arm. Another thing to do would be to rotator cuff exercises. Of course, to avoid any risk of random movements, it is better to use the rotator cuff recovery Kit. This program offers remarkable rotator cuff exercises that are able to work to remedy any type of injury, only making quick workouts at a specific time.

Without using any painkillers, full recovery would be achieved just by doing the stretching exercises and rotator cuff found at the rotator cuff recovery Kit. Buy your own copy now and feel better in your entire arm in a few days.

View the original article here

Comment on Anti Inflammatory Creams for Rotator Cuff Injury and Shoulder Pain by crystal martin

I have to get something off my chest today!  I have a problem with rotator cuff  and shoulder pain sufferers who try to repair and cure their injured rotator cuff by simply applying topical anti-inflammatory creams to their shoulder.

Here’s Why…

When you take the risk of applying topical anti-inflammatory creams to your rotator cuff and skin, it can basically be the same as drinking the cream in liquid form or taking it internally as a pill or capsule.  This is not your best option for treating rotator cuff injuries.

You see the skin is a permeable membrane which means what you put on your skin gets absorbed into your muscles and tissues.

Pain relief creams are very popular today and are easily accessible without a prescription as you can access them over the counter or purchase them online via the internet but…

The danger is that people tend to apply these anti-inflammatory creams in excess which can be LETHAL in some cases!

Two recent deaths were reported as a direct result of using too much anti-inflammatory cream. One reported case was a high school track star in New York who applied the topical cream before a race. The second death reported was a woman who applied an anti-inflammatory cream to her skin before laser hair removal and skin treatments.

The active ingredients in the majority of these creams are lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine or prilocaine.  These ingredients are responsible for the numbing effect that you get when you apply it directly to your skin.  Most people choose to apply these creams in the comfort and convienence of their own home and this is when things can go all wrong!

These creams are only meant to be applied by a medical professional and for very short term use. In the case of a rotator cuff tear, I recommend you don’t apply the topical creams at all.

All you are doing is masking the pain with an anti-inflammatory cream and not getting to the root cause of your rotator cuff and shoulder pain. How is a topical cream supposed to treat, heel and cure a torn tendon and muscle tissue?

There are numerous of these dangerous products on the market and in my opinion you are wasting your money if you think this is how you can eliminate your rotator cuff injury and repair your torn rotator cuff for good.

I know how frustrating it is to try and get a good nights sleep every night when you are suffering from a rotator cuff injury.  Sometimes you want a quick fix to stop shoulder pain at night, so your desperation gets the best of you and you reach for some messy anti-inflammatory cream – even if the pain relief is only 2 minutes.

The decision to use these creams is entirely up to you, the sufferer but…

I thought it was important to share with you the potential dangers and risks of using these topical anti-inflammatory creams because at the end of the day, your health and well being is priority number one!

But if you are completely fed up with your nagging and stubborn rotator cuff and shoulder pain and want to learn 4 simple, step-by-step techniques that uses an instructional approach (with Videos & DVD Tutorials) from the comfort of your own home…

View the original article here

Shoulder Dislocations

Study finds young men most at risk
According to a study that appeared in March 2010 in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, the majority of all shoulder dislocations occur during sports activities, and young men are at the highest risk.
In fact, this study found that of all dislocations, 71.8 percent were in men; 46.8 percent were in patients between 15-29 years old; and 48.3 percent occurred during sports or recreation. 
I’ve noticed similar trends in my practice and often find myself educating patients about the signs of a dislocated shoulder. 
Although individuals experience a variety of symptoms, the most common indications include significant pain in the upper arm, swelling, numbness, weakness and bruising. The shoulder can also appear out of place or may appear deformed.  The most severe shoulder dislocation injuries may even involve torn ligaments or tendons, which can be extremely painful. 
Depending on the severity of the dislocation, treatment options will vary. In general, treatment usually involves an orthopedic surgeon manipulating the arm bone and placing it back in the shoulder socket. This should stop the pain and allow for the injured tissue to heal.  However, if the injury is more extensive and involves severely torn ligaments and tendons, surgery may be necessary.
I advise my patients to see an orthopedic surgeon right away if they notice any symptoms related to a dislocated shoulder. An orthopedic shoulder specialist  will be able to diagnosis the injury and identify the best possible treatment option.
*Source: The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS)

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Comment on Rotator Cuff vs Frozen Shoulder by Adrian

It’s inevitable that at some point in your life, you will suffer some sort of injury.  One of the most stubborn and nagging injuries to incur is a shoulder injury.  Simple because we take using our shoulder on a daily basis for granted and it’s not until we injury it that we realize how important a properly functioning shoulder is.

When you do suffer a shoulder injury, it’s important to first learn which type it is.  The two most common shoulder injuries are Rotator Cuff and Frozen Shoulder.  So what exactly makes them different?  What are the symptoms of a Rotator Cuff injury vs a Frozen Shoulder injury?

Let’s first take a look at a frozen shoulder injury.

Frozen shoulder or “adhesive capsulitis” is a term that is used to describe all shoulder injuries that result in the loss of motion to the shoulder. It is more commonly reported by women as opposed to men.

Frozen shoulder symptoms are more characterized by:

Loss of motion in the shoulder jointDifficulty in raising the arm above the head, across the body or behind the back

The actual causes of Frozen shoulder are still somewhat of a mystery but it commonly occurs after extended periods of immobilization, a past history of shoulder surgery or severe blunt trauma to the shoulder.  Also if you have inflammation of the shoulder tissues where the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and contracts, it’s this inflammation that can leave less space for the upper arm bone(humerous) to move about freely.

Most traditional treatments for Frozen shoulder can include:

Specific exercise routineAnti-inflammatory drugs and medicationsMuscle relaxantsHeat and ice cold therapyCortisone injections

The worse thing you can do if you have frozen shoulder is staying totally sedentary.  The lack of movement, mobility and blood supply will only make your condition worse.  You need to stay moving so you don’t totally freeze and seize up(hence the name “frozen shoulder”).

It’s best recommended to avoid any and all exercises/activities that cause you discomfort and pain.   Perform stretching and range of motion exercises with the affected arm daily and apply heat and ice daily. Stick to the program.  When it comes to beating frozen shoulder, there really is truth in slow and steady wins the race.  And in this case, you will win the race against frozen shoulder. Make sure the exercises you do for Frozen shoulder are specific to this condition; otherwise you may be doing more harm than good which will result in a longer recovery period.

And then there is the rotator cuff injury.

Injuries to the rotator cuff and its supporting tendons are common in the workplace and athletic arena’s alike.  It doesn’t discriminate against age or gender.

Rotator cuff injury symptoms can include any of the following:

Muscles weakness when extending arm outwards and upwardsLack of shoulder mobility and limited range of motionConstant pain when performing activities that require the arm to stay overhead for an extended period of time(ie: painting a ceiling)Cracking or grinding sound when you move your arm forward or backwards / or laterally away from youSoreness, tenderness or dull pain in the shoulderShoulder pain at night, especially sleeping on your injured side

But here’s the good news!

Regardless of whether you are suffering from a frozen shoulder or rotator cuff injury, there are simple steps and rotator cuff exercises that you can take, that are immediately effective in treating both injuries!  And the best part is that you can do it at home!

In fact, all it really takes to completely eliminate your rotator cuff and frozen shoulder injury are 4 simple, step-by-step techniques that you can do from the comfort of your own living room, while watching your favorite television show – without the need for any special exercise equipment or gadgets!

View the original article here

Comment on Non Surgical Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Injuries by Lani Picard

Not many people think that going under the knife for any type of surgery is a walk in the park or a procedure to take lightly.  Surgery should only be performed when all other options have been explored and implemented.

As with rotator cuff injuries, there are specific non-surgical treatment options that you should entertain first before opting for surgery.

It’s important to know that a complete tear to your rotator cuff can only be repaired and re-attached surgically.  But the majority of other types of rotator cuff injuries, it is possible to treat and cure using non-invasive, nonsurgical treatment methods.

Options to look at for rotator cuff recovery can include cortisone/steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy through various exercise routines. For individuals who participate in contact sports or are required to use your arm frequently overhead, then it’s not uncommon for Doctors to recommend rotator cuff surgery.

Rotator cuff injury treatments using non-surgical means and methodologies can sometimes require that the patient makes changes to their normal activities and refrain from any sort of contact sports or overhead movements and actions.

The bottom line is that you will want to avoid all activities that may cause your rotator cuff symptoms such as pain and weakness to increase.  Ensure that your Doctor performs a rotator cuff physical examination to make sure you have a torn rotator and not some other shoulder injury.

The manipulation and control of rotator cuff injuries by selecting nonsurgical methods can give your shoulder some much needed pain relief and increase your shoulder’s range of motion, which is imperative to a full recovery and return to normal participation levels.

For many rotator cuff sufferers, their first symptom is shoulder pain, especially at night.  Then following pain is shoulder weakness.  There are many ways to deal with the pain but the only way to strengthen your rotator cuff and deal with the weakness is by performing specific rotator cuff exercises.

A main reason to avoid rotator cuff surgery altogether is that there is an inherent risk that goes with surgical procedures such as infections, complications from anesthesia and permanent stiffness.   Opting for non-surgical procedures ensures that you don’t have to take time off work or lose compensation because of your injury.

For obvious reasons, if your rotator cuff injury occurred over a 12 to 18 months ago, then non-surgical procedures could inevitably be a waste of time.  Also, if you know for a fact that the tear in your rotator cuff is greater than 3 centimeters, then you may have no other option but surgery.

Below are a set of non surgical options for a rotator cuff injury.  I have listed them in what I believe to be the least to most effective ways to recover:

Taking anti-inflammatory medicationUse of a slingSteroid injectionRest and limitation of overhead activityRotator cuff strengthening exercisesHome treatment programs

Did you know that number 6 existed(Home treatment programs)?

Many individuals have heard of the top 5, non-invasive options for rotator cuff treatment but not many people realize or know that you can treat and repair your torn rotator cuff at home.

The most exciting part about home based treatment is that you don’t need to shell out hundreds of dollars of your hard earned cash on Doctors, medical gadgets or exercise equipment.  When you click on the button below, a video will show you just how easy it is to recover from a rotator cuff injury at home!

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Comment on Rotator Cuff Healing by Shelley Cowie

A torn rotator cuff is one the most commonly reported type of repetitive strain injury that affects the shoulder.  They are occur frequently in the workplace or from participating in various sports activities.  When you suffer from a rotator cuff injury, healing it properly can help prevent possible re-injury in the future.

To be sure that it is a rotator cuff injury that you are suffering from, it is always best advised to get diagnosed by a medical doctor, the first method of treatment is rarely invasive. Unfortunately, the majority of doctors will recommend taking anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) as a first course of action which does not address the root cause of your pain but only provides temporary relief.  Your doctor may also suggest you modify your daily activities that are contributing to your shoulder pain to prevent additional damage.  But the sad truth is that many people are simply unable to do so.

The next step in healing your rotator cuff correctly is a combination of low resistance and high repetition exercises to help your injury heal faster and stronger.  The low resistance rotator cuff exercises can simply be gravity alone(ie: no weight, just the movement) or extremely light weights(ie: water bottles as weight is enough for most), so your injury is not further aggravated.

It is of the utmost importance that you ensure that your movements are controlled and slow which aids in the expansion and lengthening of your rotator cuff muscles.  This is nescessary because one or more the four muscles may have contracted due to lack of activity and movement.

When you perform specific, targeted exercises at a high repetition count, you are promoting the development of new blood vessels in your injured shoulder region. As a result, fibroblasts multiply and make collagen fibers, which make tendons and muscles heal thicker and stronger. In the end, your shoulder joint will be better supported.

There is no arguing that exercise plays a huge role in the healing, recovery and elimination of your rotator cuff tear symptoms. An increase in circulation when your muscle contracts as you exercise, and an increased blood flow promotes healthy tissue regeneration and repair.

When getting prepared to heal your rotator cuff with exercise, keep in mind:

Always go for form over weightDon’t push yourself to the point of pain, if something just does not feel right – stop immediatelyBegin with the scapular exercises, as they are bigger muscles to help build a strong solid foundationIf you have signs of inflammation or swelling, focus on just the movements or use light weight with higher repetitions(15) – this will accelerate the healing process

But for those who are completely fed up with their rotator cuff injury and want to heal it safely, quickly and without spending a small fortune on doctors and physical therapy visits, here is your chance!

You can cure your rotator cuff injury without having to leave the comfort of your own home.  In fact, all it really takes are 4 simple, step-by-step techniques that you can do at home without any medical gadgets or special exercise equipment!

View the original article here

You can get kicked out of the army for a rotator cuff injury?

Having a rotator cuff injury will limit the physical capacity in terms of moving the arm. In addition, there would be the need to give enough shoulder rest for recovery. In the army, have an injury can lead to disqualification, which would require the person to take a license until he gets to prove that he is fit to serve again.

To restore the perfect physical health, there would be the need to fulfil the rotator cuff recovery Kit and the effective exercise of the rotator cuff, which would provide. These rotator cuff exercises would have a good sense of variety so that there is a better motivation on your part.

You will also be informed of the things that you should avoid so as not to worsen the injury. Without surgery or painkillers, you'll find that the shoulder is getting strength back in good shape just by doing these exercises for the rotator cuff. Get the rotator cuff recovery Kit and be on your way to getting back in the army with a much stronger pair of shoulders that would always repeat injuries.

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The Aging Shoulder

Recently I’ve seen an increase in the number of elderly patients experiencing shoulder arthritis, which is less common than arthritis of the hip and knee, but can be just as debilitating.

As we move into our 30s and 40s, our muscles and tendons can begin to degenerate and weaken, predisposing the shoulder joint to wear and tear disorders.  While rotator cuff injuries are the most common cause of problems in the aging shoulder, arthritis is also a frequent source of pain and disability. 
If you have experienced a previous shoulder injury or are genetically predisposed to shoulder arthritis, it’s important to be familiar with the symptoms of this condition so that you can address any arthritis problems early and prevent extensive damage. The most common symptoms include:

• Pain with activities
• Limited range of motion
• Night-time discomfort
• A feeling of grinding or catching within the joint

Similar to other arthritic conditions, initial treatment of shoulder arthritis is usually nonsurgical and may incorporate physical therapy and medications. Nonsurgical treatments may include shoulder exercises, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen, Advil or naproxen) and the application of moist heat or ice two or three times a day to reduce inflammation and ease pain. If nonsurgical treatments do not reduce the pain, surgery may become an option. Not all treatments are appropriate in every patient, and you should have a discussion with your orthopedic doctor to determine which treatments are appropriate for your condition.

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Comment on Rotator Cuff Tear by crystal

It’s not uncommon for people with shoulder problems to simply ignore the pain and attribute it to ‘getting old’ or ‘I must have slept on my shoulder the wrong way’.  The sad truth is that you may have something a little more serious going on such as a rotator cuff tear, the most common type of shoulder injury.

A tear in your rotator cuff usually doesn’t happen overnight.  They mostly occur from performing repetitive actions and tasks over and over again.  These repetitive actions are mostly performed in the workplace or some type of sporting activity.

Performing activities that require constant overhead lifting, heavy lifting, pitching/throwing a ball, painting walls and ceilings, swimming, volleyball and all of the raquet sports are all considered high risk activities that can lead to and develop into a rotator cuff tear.  It’s not as common but you can also suffer from a rotator cuff tear as a result of a fall onto your shoulder or blunt force trauma to the shoulder.

It’s not uncommon to experience pain in your shoulder if you are driving for a long period of time, if you reach out above your head to catch a ball or simply reaching behind your back into your pants pocket to retrieve your wallet.

Some of the common symptoms that rotator cuff tears sufferers report are:

a decrease in your shoulder and arms normal range of motion and flexibilityweakness and tenderness in your shoulderconstant dull pain and aching when performing activities that require your arms to be overhead for extended periods of timecracking or grating sound when you raise your arm out to the side or in front of youshoulder pain that gets worse as the day goes on, trouble sleeping on your injured shoulder sidelack of mobility in your injured shouldermuscle weakness when you attempt to lift your arm out to your side or in front of you

One of the many misconceptions about a rotator cuff tears is that the rotator cuff is just one muscle.  When in fact the rotator cuff is actually comprised of four muscles.

Subscapularis muscle

The subscapularis muscle helps primarily in the internal rotation of the shoulder. When we throw a ball, it’s this muscle that is responsible with the follow through part of throwing. It also enables us to lower our arm downwards, towards the side of our body.

Supraspinatus muscle

As the name indicates, “supra”, it’s the largest muscle of the rotator cuff.  It helps stabilize the head of the humerus bone. Its primary function is to aid the deltoid muscles lift the shoulder away from the body.

The majority of tears to the rotator cuff occurs in this muscle and can often take the longest time to heal. The reason why this happens is simply because of the size of the muscle and the strain and pressure it takes in the majority of movements with the shoulder day in and day out.  I should also point out that this muscle does not get any supply of blood.

Infraspinatus muscle

The infraspinatus muscle helps with overhead reaching and catching of items, aids in shoulder stabilization and works as an external rotator.  I should also add that the teres minor muscle is also involved with these shoulder activities. This smaller muscle aids in the resistance and slowing of your arm after you throw a ball or any other item that involves a throwing action or movement.

Teres Minor muscle

The lonely teres minor muscle as the name indicates, “minor”, simply is a “partner-in-crime” to the infraspinatus muscle that aids in shoulder stability and external shoulder rotation.

It’s important to note that the long head of your bicep muscle helps stabilize and flex your shoulder but it’s not part of the rotator cuff set of muscles.

The primary role of the rotator cuff is to provide stability to the glenohumeral joint, the most important joint in the shoulder!

So now you’ve hopefully learned a little more about your rotator cuff tear but what is the ultimate rotator cuff training and best option for treatment for strengthening your shoulder?

All it really takes to completely recover from a rotator cuff tear using 4 simple, step-by-step techniques that you can do from the comfort and convenience of your own living room without any special exercise equipment or gadgets!

View the original article here

“Thaw” a Frozen Shoulder

Four Ways to “Thaw” a Frozen Shoulder

As it appeared in the Indianapolis Star - September 16, 2008

By Barb Berggoetz

Stiff, painful shoulders causing problems?

While the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons estimates the disorder affects about 2 to 3 percent of people in this country, Dr. Pete Sallay, of Methodist Sports Medicine/The Orthopedic Specialists, believes the number is higher because many are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all.

“Many people are thought to have bursitis or arthritis because the initial stages of the disorder can mimic these diseases,” he said.

Although the exact cause is unknown, certain factors may increase your risk: age (40-70 years), gender (women are affected three times more than men), diabetes, thyroid conditions, cardiovascular disease and lung disease.

Here are ways Sallay says to identify the disorder and encourage the thaw:

Recognize the signs: Onset is gradual; initial stage results in vague pain or constant dull ache in shoulder, radiating into the arm. Gradual stiffening occurs over weeks or months, as the capsule surrounding the joint thickens and shrinks. Rapid movements may cause sharp pain that can linger.

Understand the stages: First “freezing” stage can last six weeks to nine months, with onset of pain and loss of motion. Over the next four to nine months, in the “frozen” stage, pain may improve but stiffness remains. In the “thawing” stage, shoulder motion slowly returns to normal, but physical therapy is needed.

Seek medical advice: Many patients ignore temporary symptoms. If significant pain progresses, combined with stiffness, restricted range of motion and night pain in arm, seek the care of an orthopedic surgeon.

Know treatment options: Treatment consists of anti-inflammatory medications, occasional injections and, in later stages, physical therapy. Heat and cold can relieve short-term pain. Surgery may be needed if symptoms don’t improve.

More

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Avoiding Common Shoulder Injuries

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, nearly six million people a year go to the doctor’s office for a shoulder sprain, strain, dislocation or other shoulder problem.

Shoulder injuries are frequently caused by athletic activities that involve excessive, repetitive, overhead motion, such as swimming, tennis, pitching and weightlifting. Injuries also can occur during everyday activities such as washing walls, hanging curtains and gardening.

To prevent injury, there are a number of exercises that you can use to help strengthen the shoulder muscles. A basic strength training program and stretching program done three days per week is usually sufficient to maintain overall muscle integrity. The stronger and more flexible your joints, the more easily they are able to withstand impact or hold up under repetitive motions. You may also consider working with a physical trainer to ensure that you are using proper body mechanics, which also can help prevent shoulder injury.

If you are experiencing pain in your shoulder, there are a few things you should consider:  

• Is the shoulder stiff? Can you rotate your arm in all the normal positions? 

• Does it feel like your shoulder could pop out or slide out of the socket? 

• Do you lack the strength in your shoulder to carry out your daily activities? 

If any of these things are a factor, you should consult an orthopedic surgeon for help in determining the severity of the problem. If you are suffering from a shoulder injury, such as a strain, capsule tear, bursitis, tendonitis, or a separation or dislocation, medical care should be sought immediately.

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Comment on RICE Treatment Method by Will

For many injuries, it can be true that less is more.  When it comes to a rotator cuff injury, there is an effective treatment method that you can implement straight away if you want to decrease your shoulder pain.

It is not only effective when it comes to easing the pain associated with a rotator cuff injury but it can also prove effective for treating any sort of repetitive strain injury.

When it comes to completely recovering from any repetitive strain injury, the most effective pathway to recovery is to implement strengthening exercises to improve weakness and the return to normal range of motion and eliminate stiffness.

Without knowing exactly which exercises will help your injury, choosing to implement the R.I.C.E. treatment method is not only recommended as a first step but it should be used as a complementary treatment method to a specific exercise program.

So what is the term R.I.C.E. short for?

It means Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. The purpose of each of these individuals steps are to aid in the reduction of swelling and inflammation of your rotator cuff muscles and tendons.  Let’s go into further details about what exactly each step involves.

1. Rest – Besides the obvious of not making your injury even worse, there are 2 reasons why resting is vital after your suffer a rotator cuff injury.  First, it protects your injured tendon, muscles and ligaments from further damage such as a complete tear of the rotator cuff and secondly, it allows your body’s natural defence mechanisms to “kick in” and start the natural repair process.

2. Ice – Any person who has taken a basic first aid course knows that the first thing you do after someone sustains a muscle or tendon injury is apply ice.  Ice immediately numbs the area and helps control pain.  The application of Ice decreases the amount of blood flow to the injured area and helps decrease swelling. If you don’t have any ice packs, a bag of frozen vegetables will do the trick. To decrease the chances of tissue and skin damage, it’s recommended that you only apply ice for 15 minutes.

3. Compression – Applying pressure, aka Compression aids in the reduction of inflammation plus it can provide temporary pain relief. All that is required is an elastic bandage which gets wrapped up and around your shoulder region. How do you know if the bandage is too tight?  You’ll feel a throbbing sensation in your shoulder if the bandage is wrapped too tight. When this happens, re-wrap the bandage with less pressure.

4. Elevation – Although this step doesn’t really apply to a rotator cuff injury but is more so directed towards limbs and injuries that are below heart level.  Elevating your arm, or leg above heart level can also decrease swelling and inflammation.

In taking proactive measures and implementing the RICE treatment methods, you can dramitcally increase your rate of recovery as opposed to doing nothing at all.

If your shoulder pain does not subside in a couple of days, it’s best advised to seek medical attention as there could be something more serious going on.

But for those who are suffering from a rotator cuff injury and want to repair and recover from it at home without the need for any medical intervention or the use of expensive medical gadgets…click on the button below where a video will show you how!

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Separated vs. a Dislocated Shoulder

Patients often believe that the terms dislocated shoulder and separated shoulder can be used interchangeably but they are in fact two different types of injuries. 
A shoulder separation refers to the stretching or tearing of ligaments where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the shoulder blade (scapula), also called the acromioclavicular or AC joint. If these ligaments partially or completely tear, the clavicle can slip forward and detach from the scapula.

Typically this type of injury occurs as a result of a sudden, traumatic event such as a direct blow to the shoulder (e.g., football tackle) or a fall onto an outstretched hand (e.g., falling off a bicycle or horse).  A person that has a separated shoulder will experience some very common symptoms such as severe pain at the time of the injury, swelling, minor deformity and / or bruising.
In comparison, a dislocated shoulder occurs when the head of the upper arm bone (the humerus) “pops” out of the socket. A shoulder can dislocate forward, backward or downward, and may cause tendons and ligaments in the shoulder to tear. The most common symptoms of a dislocated shoulder include swelling, numbness, weakness and bruising. The muscles in a person’s shoulder also may begin to spasm due to the disruption, intensifying the initial pain. 
Treatment options for a shoulder separation and a shoulder dislocation also are quite different.
If a patient experiences a less severe shoulder separation an orthopedic shoulder specialist will typically try to treat it nonsurgically. However, severe separations in an upward direction or dislocations in the backward or downward directions often require surgery to repair the ligaments.
A patient with a dislocated shoulder will often be treated in the emergency room, where a doctor will pull on the shoulder until the joint is realigned and the upper arm bone in back in place. Additional treatment from an orthopedic shoulder specialist maybe required at a later date, based on the patient’s age, persistent dislocation of the shoulder, and the injury of underlying soft-tissue either to the rotator cuff or the capsulolabral complex.
Life after a shoulder separation or dislocation can be greatly affected for several weeks or even months. Most shoulder injuries whether treated surgically or nonsurgically require a period of immobilization followed by rehabilitation. If the injury was not severe, there is fairly rapid improvement and return of function after the first 4 to 6 weeks. Shoulder exercises, usually as part of a supervised physical therapy program, are usually necessary, as it helps to decrease stiffness, improve range of motion and regain muscle strength.
Shoulder injuries are common and everyone can expect to injure his or her shoulder at some point in their life. If it’s a shoulder dislocation or a shoulder separation, the most important thing to remember is that immediate medical care from a qualified orthopedic shoulder specialist is the best course of action.

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Q & A with Dr. Dale Snead

As it appeared in the Hendricks County Flyer - August 2007

Question: I played football in high school and like to stay active in sports and weight training, but lately, I’ve been experiencing pain and limited range of motion in my shoulder.  I suspect a rotator cuff strain or injury.  Am I on the right track?

Answer: Shoulder pain is a common occurrence.  The good news is that the majority of shoulder pain can be treated non-operatively.  Most of the ache in the shoulder of middle aged people is due to an imbalance of the shoulder musculature.   This imbalance causes the muscles in the shoulder to work poorly, leading to impingement of the rotator cuff underneath the tip of your shoulder (acromium).  The common name for this condition is rotator cuff tendonitis or bursitis or impingement syndrome. It can be analogous to the imbalance that occurs on the tires in your car.  Just wear and tear can cause an imbalance or you can run your car into the curb.  The results are the same. You are able to drive the car, but not really well.  Your shoulders can experience the same problem.

With activity modification, physical therapy and the use of nonsteroidal medications the balance can return.  Occasionally your physician may recommend a steroid injection into the subacrominal space (space underneath the acromium where the rotator cuff tendon lies), attempting to bathe the rotator cuff tendon causing a shrinkage of the tendon and preventing an impingement of the rotator cuff.  When the balance is restored, the pain usually decreases.

If conservative measures fail then operative intervention may be necessary.  Your doctor may recommend an acrominoplasty.  This is performed as an outpatient surgery and usually requires approximately 3 months of recovery.  The surgery is designed to increase the space for the rotator cuff tendon, thus stopping the impingement process.   The post operative exercises can now help to balance the shoulder.

If these symptoms sound familiar seek the counsel of an upper extremity surgeon.

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Comment on Frozen Shoulder Treatment by Mike Pick

The internet is awash with good and bad advice on how to treat various injuries and conditions.  You should always consult a medical doctor before you start any treatment plan to ensure that you have been diagnosed properly.

If you are suffering from the “cousin” of rotator cuff injury, frozen shoulder,  then treatment involves non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and inflammation over the short term, warm moist heat applied, stretching, range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises and application of ice after exercise.

The key to effective frozen shoulder treatment, and where most people go wrong,  is to use your affected shoulder as much as possible, in order to avoid making your shoulder condition worse.

It’s important to implement shoulder stretching and range of motion exercises to assist in the breaking up of  the “tightening” phase.

Be aware that if you suffer from frozen shoulder and if your pain significantly increases before you get to a position in the range of motion where the  tightness and stiffness starts to be experienced, you are probably a candidate for injection therapy before starting mobilization.

If cortisone shots do not work, the next treatment option for frozen shoulder is manual manipulation by a specialist while you are under anesthesia.

If you want to ensure that your frozen shoulder treatment works, there are 4 things you must keep in mind:

1. Make sure the frozen shoulder exercises you do are specific to the condition, so that you do not make your injury worse.

2. Avoid all activities and exercises that cause shoulder pain.

3. It’s best practice to perform stretching and range of motion exercises with your affected arm daily and apply heat before the exercise and ice after the exercises.

4. Don’t expect your frozen shoulder to be cured overnight.  Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to treating frozen shoulder.  The key is to be consistent, as it can take a great amount of time to heal and recover from this injury.

Not many individuals who suffer from frozen shoulder know that the treatment methods are same as that of a rotator cuff injury.  In fact, there are just 4 simple steps that you need to know and follow.

Even better, you can implement these 4 techniques at home without the need for any medical devices or exercise gadgets to get shoulder pain relief fast and improve your range of motion.

If you’ve had enough of your frozen shoulder pain and want to treat it at home – here’s your chance!

Simply click on the button below to watch a short video tutorial on how easy it is to get started.

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Throwing Injuries

Spring is here, which means baseball season is in full swing. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, more than 627,000 baseball-related injuries are treated each year.
The most common injury developed by a throwing athlete is glenohumeral internal rotation deficit, GIRD, which occurs when the athlete loses internal rotation in his shoulder. This happens because as the shoulder stretches to allow more external rotation, the motion just before the athlete lets go of the ball, the tissue on the back of the shoulder tightens. Other injuries to the shoulder include swelling, bicep tendon injuries, rotator cuff tears, abnormal shoulder blade movement and tendonitis. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid these types of injuries.
As young people learn to play baseball, it is imperative that they learn the correct techniques to help protect their throwing arm and other muscles. The USA Baseball Medical & Safety Advisory Committee makes specific recommendations for athletes under age 18. For example, they recommend that athletes ages 8-10 pitch no more than 50 pitches per game, or 75 pitches in a week. Athletes 17-18 can pitch up to 105 pitches per game and up to two games in a week. They also offer recommendations on when athletes of a certain age are prepared to perform certain pitch techniques, including curveballs and fastballs.
When an injury is a direct result of overuse, a non-operative treatment is usually prescribed. Most injuries will respond to ice, splints, rest, rehabilitative exercises and pain medication. In order to properly diagnose the injury and recommend a treatment, it is important to seek the opinion of an orthopedic specialist. If an athlete does not respond to these treatment options, the orthopedic specialist may consider surgery. For example, if an MRI reveals a rotator cuff tear, surgery would be necessary.
To avoid sustaining a throwing injury prepare appropriately for each practice and game. Always take the time to warm and stretch before beginning play. Warm up with a light run around the bases and follow that with gentle stretching of your back, hamstrings and shoulders. If you are under the age of 18, try to follow recommended guidelines, and maintain a balanced training program. If and when you do experience pain or an injury, consult an orthopedic surgeon so you can begin the appropriate track to recovery.

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Rotator cuff injury cause heart problems?

A rotator cuff injury is mainly related to a tear in the muscles. So there is bound to have heart problems. However, if a suspicion of a possible complication in the heart, then it is imperative to get checked by a healthcare professional. At the other end, focusing on the rotator cuff injury can be solved just by doing exercises for the rotator cuff.

Of course, this should not be any kind of routine, but the superb rotator cuff exercises that comes from rotator cuff recovery Kit. This is because this program is designed to help any guy come back from his injury. It is important that you know that you will be made to recover with these rotator cuff exercises, even when you have passed by injuries in the past.

With the rotator cuff recovery Kit, this time, you will learn the secrets of Mark Watson that will allow you to become more resistant to having some injury. If you get this program, you will surely end up being healthier as you pass through its concern as possible, as well as with his rotator cuff injury.

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Rotator Cuff Injury Exercises

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Rotator Cuff Exercises

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Rotator Cuff Injury? - Therapy Can Heal You Naturally

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Rotator Cuff Physical Therapy Exercises

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How to take over the control of your rotator cuff disease

Every year, millions of people suffer a tear in their muscles of the rotator cuff.  But there is a possibility that you fast control of this embarrassing situation and even to can treat and cure at home.

There is no doubt that tries to overcome a rotator cuff injury can be difficult and frustrating a task.  We take everyday movements and tasks for are of course not as easy as they once were.  For example, can put your jacket on, do your Bra (if you're a woman), washing you your hair or whatever a good night's rest without rolling on the bad shoulder still so tricky.

First you run to your doctor's Office for advice, but can only be communicated, take anti-inflammatory pills and take it easy for a few days.  But what if those days weeks to weeks, months?  And you have yet to shoulder pain and a strong decline in the shoulder of the normal range of motion?

Does this sound familiar?  Don't worry, I know exactly how you feel!

The truth of the matter is that you actually control how fast you to recover from your injury of the rotator cuff.  Yes, you are in the driver's seat!  And the best thing is that you not while iterate through the recovery process on all of your favorite hobbies or sports to abandon.

Forget help of the most basic task around the House or at work to do is dependent on other enemy.  You can at home in just 4 simple steps to self treat your injuries.  All about rotator cuff pain relief can be found already in your House or garage.

There is no need to buy useless medical equipment or sports equipment is phased out.  You can treat of Rotator Cuff Injury home properly get started now and see a dramatic your shoulder flexibility, a decrease of General pain and an increase in the total strength of the shoulder change in just 48 hours.

It is time to set your shoulder pain behind you, so you can back your life and to enjoy the most basic pleasures in life without having to worry about a bad shoulder?

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