Rotator Cuff Injuries

      Shoulder pain affects millions of people every year this pain is a result from tears of the muscles of the Shoulder and Scapula that occur from trauma, overuse or age degeneration which leads further in a decreased mobility and severe pain. If there is suspected Rotator Cuff Tendonitis it is likely due to repetitious overhead activity which pinches the supraspinatus tendon against the acromion which is the tip of the shoulder.  It causes inflammation around the tendon and in the bursae surrounding the shoulder joint.  How can you prevent rotator cuff injuries?  By exercising, targeting the small and large muscle groups around the shoulder joint will help strengthen the area so it limits the risk of injury. Having good posture will reduce injury.  Avoid repetitious overhead arm activities.  When exercising complete low resistance activities then begin adding more reps to strengthen the area.  To help reduce inflammation heat and cold compresses are ideal.

Dislocations and Subluxations

     The most common dislocation in the shoulder joint is anterior this is due to the arm being extended, externally rotated and abducted with trauma which causes this anterior dislocation.  The most common sports where shoulder dislocations occur frequently are high contact sports like rugby, football and hockey.  A dislocation can impinge the nerve which will cause decreased sensation and numb deltoid muscle.  A subluxation is closely related to a dislocation however the head of the humerus does not completely come out of its socket.  How can you prevent dislocations and subluxations?  Try to avoid falling, watch your step and scan the area for tripping hazards or wet floors.  If playing a sport with high contact it is very important that all players wear the proper protective gear that is up to standards to reduce the risk of injury or prevent an injury from occurring.  Each sport has different protective equipment that should be tailored to the needs of the athlete to reduce injury.  Another way to prevent this injury is to exercise regularly and maintain flexibility and strength of the joint.

Adhesive Capsulitis

     This is injury is more commonly known as frozen shoulder it occurs more commonly in females over the age of 50.  This is the inflammation in the shoulder capsule causing lots of pain with the inclusion of fibrosis and adhesions that heavily limit range of motion.  It is also common in people with hypothyroidism and diabetes.  The person with this syndrome will feel pain during any movement of the shoulder and notice that range of motion becomes limited (Pain Stage).  They will then feel the pain diminish however the shoulder becomes stiff and range of motion decreases (Freeze Stage).  Eventually overtime the range of motion will begin to come back (Thawing Stage). You can get treated however this resolves spontaneously you can get corticosteroid injections or take anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain.  To prevent this from occurring in the other shoulder persons with this condition should mobilize their scapula on the affected side to restore scapulothoracic rhythm as well as maintaining strength of the muscles by completing shoulder isometrics.     

Strengthening the Shoulder Joint

Stretches

 – Across the Chest Stretch

 – Neck Releases (Lowering chin to chest and holding, then repeating on by moving neck Left to Right)

 – Chest Expansions (Can be used with resistance bands)

 – Seated Twists

 – Downward Dog

 – Thread the Needle (On hands and knees, lift right hand in air and slide the left hand on the ground until there is a stretch felt)

An individual can complete these exercises to strengthen the shoulder joint with any type of resistance comfortable to the person these include but are not limited to;

  – Shoulder Press  

  – Front Raises

  – Military Press

  – Lateral Dumbbell Raises

  – Bent over dumbbell lateral raise