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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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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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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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…

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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!

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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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“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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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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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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