All you need to Know about Rotator Cuff injuries

What is a Rotator Cuff?

A rotator cuff is a group of muscle that surrounds the shoulder joint. This muscle mass provides support to the shoulder blade and the ball and socket joint. In a microscope is perspective, it supports the head of your upper arm bone and adjusts in firmly within the deep cavity of the shoulder.

When you get a tear also known as rotator cuff tendonitis, due to various reasons like injury, there might be a slight dull ache that can differ from person to person. This pain can cause discomfort and can also increase when you sleep on that side or make use of that shoulder.

Risk of getting a rotator cuff tear

A rotator cuff tear usually occurs due to overhead motion. There are other reasons like injury and genetics that can contribute to it. Here are some of the causes and risk factors that cause this injury.

·       Occupation and Activities

This is when your job or lifestyle involves a lot of lifting or using overhead motion. Many sportsmen like cricketers, basketball or volleyball players lift the ball above their heads on the daily. This can cause a jerk or a tear in the rotator cuff.

Moreover, there are professions like carpenters, constructors, and electricians that required to use the overhead motion as well. In other terms, these are high-risk jobs that can increase the chances of getting a rotator cuff tear!

·       Injury

It can often occur due to one single injury where your arm gets a jerk and results in a tear. Sometimes while reaching for an object or perhaps lifting a heavy item. You are more prone to an injury if your muscles aren’t used to physical labor.

·       Genetic Factors

Moreover, there is also a genetic correlation with the rotator cuff. If you have a family history of getting rotator cuff syndrome, it is likely that you will develop it later on as well. It is better to start taking the appropriate preventative measures.

·       Aging

Another factor that plays a major role is age. The more people age, the more the risk of developing rotator cuff tears. People between the 40 to 70 age bracket are more prone to this ailment. As their muscles age, the risk of injury not only increases; it even takes more time to heal.

Rotator cuff does not require intensive treatment. It takes some minor physical therapy or a shoulder brace to fix the situation, but if it is serious, then it can involve surgery as well. Rotator cuff surgery involves a transfer of alternative tendons and joints!

What does a torn rotator cuff feel like?

Now speaking of symptoms of Rotator cuff. Here are a few that will help you identify your pain and discomfort.

It feels like a deep dull ache in your shoulder. Moreover, it gives you slight discomfort and the usual disturbances that come along with pain. This can mean psychological distress and sleep disturbances. Moreover, you might also feel weakness in your arm while doing day-to-day tasks.

It starts to restrict your movement and range of motion. You also start feeling pain in lifting daily objects or doing simple tasks such as combing your hair or wearing a belt. Any sort of stretching motion or weight can cause a burden on your shoulder, which in turn might cause you to restrict your range of motion.

If you experience such symptoms, then it is recommended that you visit a doctor as soon as possible and get a proper diagnosis. It is better to start with a suitable treatment right away before the situation gets any worse.

Can you prevent a rotator cuff injury?

Prevention is key when it comes to genetic diseases. Whether you are involved in a high-risk job or have a family history of the ailment, there are several ways you can prevent this injury from happening to you!

There are certain rotator cuff exercises and daily shoulder stretches that can strengthen your muscles over time and prevent any future injuries from occurring. The focal point for a rotator cuff is the back-shoulder muscle. You should keep a balance between your shoulder blades when exercising.

The best option, however, is to give your physician a visit. Your doctor can recommend a proper exercise regime according to the history of the ailment and your age. These exercises involve pendulum stretches and lightweight, lifting that you can do on the daily.

Getting a Proper Diagnosis

If you have experienced any symptoms mentioned above, make sure you go to your doctor and get a diagnosis! Then you can begin with the proper treatment as well.

First of all, the doctor will go for a physical exam. The physical exam is to test your range of motion. In this, your arm and shoulders are moved in different positions and directions to see what kind of pain and discomfort you might be experiencing. While this is enough to deduce an abnormality, doctors also go for the second round of imaging tests.

Ultrasounds

Often an ultrasound is used as a dynamic testing method to assess the structures of your shoulder. An ultrasound shows soft tissues like muscles and tendons.

Both of your shoulders are tested with the ultrasound machine to show a comparison between what a healthy shoulder would look like an what an affected shoulder with a rotator cuff tear would look like.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI machine consists of a technology that makes use of radio waves. In simpler terms, it is a giant magnet that scans your body. What an MRI machine does, is it produces body images in great detail!

It can show bone structure, tissues, and tendons, which is why it is a great method that can easily identify a rotator cuff tear.

X-Ray

An X-ray machine is usually for the bones. However, it is used such cases to see whether there are other causes that might be causing you pain and discomfort! For example, in older age, arthritis could also be the reason for bone spurs and dull pain.

Treatment options

There are several treatment options that can help you recover fully from a rotator cuff injury. The doctor starts with normal physical therapy or just recommend rest for a few days. Another option is to use a hot and cold press.

Most of the time, when there is an injury involved, you do not need any intensive treatments. You can also from this injury with adequate rest and some light medication. However, in serious cases, you also require rotator cuff surgery

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is perhaps the first option the doctor would go for. There are certain exercises that you can do that will help make your muscles flexible and loosen them up. It also helps repair your muscle function faster and speeds up the recovery process.

Shoulder Brace

Another option is to wear a shoulder brace when you get a rotator cuff injury. Shoulder braces remove the extra load from your shoulder and are especially helpful after an injury. They reduce the burden and can help with movements.

Doctors recommend that you wear a brace when you start experiencing shoulder pain and discomfort. It can take anywhere around 6 weeks of regularly wearing a shoulder brace to reduce pain and regain your normal range of motion.

Injections

Often times, the pain is a little too irritating and can cause discomfort in your life. It reduces your range of motion, and you want to get rid of it as quickly as possible. This is when a doctor might suggest a cortisone injection.

Steroids can help put your pain at ease and can also help with daily activities and exercises. Aged people cannot exercise their muscles very easily, and injections can help them get a kick start to their recovery.

Medication

Doctors also recommend a light painkiller that can help put your pain and discomfort to ease. Pain killers can help with sleep disturbances and the psychological distress that comes along with pain. However, medications offer a solution for the symptoms rather than the cause of the injury.

They can help put you to ease as a temporary solution, but daily exercises should be continued to recover from the ailment fully. Medications are recommended to people over the age of 40 that have trouble exercising on their own.

Surgery

While most cases of rotator cuff tendonitis heal with exercise and medication, some severe cases require surgical methods. These cases usually have severe tears that cannot be healed on their own. Some of the surgical techniques are listed below:

·       Tendon Repair

A tendon repair surgery involves a tiny camera that is inserted into your shoulder. This is via a micro incision to reattach torn tendons to the ball socket of the joint. It is overall a minor surgery and a common option for deeper rotator cuff tears.

·       Open tendon repair

Repairing a torn or injured tendon is also an option for people who are aged and are suffering from a rotator cuff pain. A surgeon makes a fairly large incision and reattaches the tendon to the bone. This is a slightly bigger surgery and will require a longer recovery period.

During the recovery period, you can wear a shoulder brace for extra support. It reduces the burden on your shoulder, helps with physical therapy, and speeds up the recovery process.

·       Tendon transfer

Sometimes the tendon that has been detached from the bone is too weak to salvage. This is when doctors take surrounding tendons and replace it into the area where it is needed! The surgery requires more time as it is a lot more intensive as compared to other methods.

It can take anywhere around 4 to 6 months of a recovery period along with the proper rotator cuff exercises and physical therapy.

·       Shoulder replacements (reverse shoulder arthroplasty)

When a rotator cuff injury is severe, a doctor might recommend an entire shoulder replacement. This is also known as the reverse shoulder arthroplasty. This surgery is much more intricate. It requires an artificial joint, which is made in place of your shoulder.

In other terms, a replica of a bone and socket joint is created to aid you with movement. The recovery period for this is much longer, and it can take anywhere from 4 to 6 months. This is usually for sportsmen who have had serious injuries or aged people.

How long does rotator cuff surgery take?

The duration of a rotator cuff surgery can differ depending on what kind of surgery it is. Normal procedures like tendon repair can take anywhere around 1 to 1.5 hours in the operation theatre. On the other hand, open tendon repair or replacement can last up to 2 hours under anesthesia.

Shoulder replacement surgery, although is a lengthy and intricate procedure. It can take anywhere around 3 to 3.5 hours from start to finish.

How long does it take for a torn rotator cuff to heal without surgery?

There is no specific time to how long your rotator cuff will take to heal. It mostly depends on factors like

• Severity of injury
• Level of discomfort and pain
• Age

All these factors play a role in how fast you are likely to recover from a rotator cuff. If you have mild pain, then some light exercise can heal your tear in 1 to 2 months. Although factors like age and seriousness of the injury can delay the healing process, especially for non-surgical options.

However, in general, rotator cuff cans take anywhere around 4 to 6 months to heal. Moreover, it can take up to 12 months to completely recover from any kind of discomfort or pain while doing your day to day tasks.

During this time, patients are suggested to do exercises, keep their muscles strengthened, or take the support of a shoulder brace.

What is Frozen Shoulder? Symptoms, causes and Working Treatments

People recovering from a medical condition, injury, or procedure are likely to develop shoulder pain, which also commonly known as a frozen shoulder. It usually occurs when a person does not have as much mobility and their arm or when it is in a still position for longer durations.

What is Frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also known as Adhesive Capsulitis, is when you have stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. If not attended to properly, its symptoms can worsen over time. The usual treatments for this ailment include exercises, physical therapy, medication, and in some serious cases- surgery.

It can progress over time, but if diagnosed and treated properly, it causes no long-term damage. If you think you might be suffering from shoulder stiffness and pain, here is all you need to know about it.

Symptoms of Frozen shoulder

It is important to know what stage you might be at, in developing a frozen shoulder or the risks attached to it. Frozen shoulder symptoms show up as they progress in 3 different stages. The frozen shoulder stages include:

1.   Freezing Stage

This is the first stage patients go through if they suffer from a frozen shoulder. In the freezing stage, any sort of moment involving your shoulder causes pain, which in turn, limits your range and motion. It is difficult to lift objects and do usual tasks.

You start to avoid using your shoulders and arms to reduce the level of discomfort. This stage can last anywhere around 6 to 9 months and is a warning for you to get a proper diagnosis and start with the appropriate treatment right away.

2.   Frozen Stage

The secondary phase of this ailment is the frozen stage. In this stage, your shoulder conditions get worse. This might be difficult to assume as your pain levels reduce; however, what changes is the amount of stiffness in your shoulder.

You start feeling difficulties in moving your arm and can feel tightness around the affected area. This stage can last anywhere around 4 to 12 months. It can really affect your day to day activities if not treated properly.

3.   Thawing Stage

The last of the frozen shoulder stages is the thawing stage (recovery). In this phase, motion significantly improves, but this is only a given if you are undergoing the right treatment with regular physical therapy. This stage extends over 6 to 12 months, in which you experience comparatively less pain and stiffness in moving your arm.

Apart from the three phases, there can be irregularities in your sleeping pattern and distress throughout the day. These are common symptoms that come along with pain.

Shoulder pain can be difficult to deal with since it is one of the primary joints of your body, which is involved in day-to-day activities. Something as simple as lifting an object involves movement with your shoulders.

If we scope in a little closer, our shoulders are in a capsule of connective tissue that contains bones, ligaments, and tendons. Furthermore, it is surrounded by synovial fluid that allows the lubrication of the joint. Our shoulders consist of a ball and socket joint that needs adequate lubrication to function properly.

When you develop a frozen shoulder, the capsule starts to get stiff and tightens around the joint. In addition to that, bands of scar tissue form around the area that reduce the amount of synovial fluid and that in turn causes pain and restricts your movement.

This can occur in different scenarios! You’re most likely to develop it if you are in recovery from perhaps a broken arm or a stroke. It can also happen if you have recently undergone a surgical procedure and are in recovery.

This can reduce your mobility and can cause stiffness and pain. It inhibits you from making proper use of your arm and shoulder. Other reasons that involve a frozen shoulder are a medical condition or systematic diseases.

More than 20% of diabetes patients develop a frozen shoulder during their condition. In addition to that, there also a few other conditions that can potentially lead up to shoulder pain or a frozen shoulder. These include:

• Hypothyroidism (Under working thyroid)
• Hyperthyroidism (overworking thyroid)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Tuberculosis
• Heart disease

People with these conditions have a risk of developing shoulder pain and stiffness. Most people over the age of 40 and women are prone to frozen shoulder. It is a phenomenon that is correlated with mobility, which is why talking to your doctor about different exercises and treatments is a good option if you start to notice symptoms.

Diagnosis

The first thing to do if you start to notice symptoms of a frozen shoulder- is to get a proper diagnosis. This can either involve a physical exam that evaluates your range of movement or imaging tests.

Your doctor will take some tests by asking you to do certain actions and movements. This tests your active range of motion. While the passive range of motion where the doctor moves your arm as your shoulder stays still.

Apart from this doctor’s also put you to some imaging test. These tests can include MRIs and X-rays to rule out other factors that could be potentially affecting your shoulders. Once you’ve had the proper diagnosis of the ailment, you can start the required treatment.

Treatment options

There are various options to treat a frozen shoulder. It depends on the severity of the condition and what a person can take at their age. Some frozen shoulder treatments include:

1-   Exercise and Physical therapy

A physiotherapist helps the patient with different exercises and regimes that can help with recovery. Exercises for frozen shoulder include the circular motion of the arm. This starts to loosen ligaments and tendons near the shoulder area.

Frozen shoulder exercises usually involve stretching the muscles around the shoulder area. Someone of these includes:

• Pendulum reaches – This exercise involves you leaning your body in a 90-degree position and hanging your arm (like a pendulum). Then you move your arm in a circular motion or swing it lightly. You can also hold lightweights.

• Inward rotations– Inward rotations involve holding your elbow against a hard surface and moving your arm. You can attach an exercise band around a door know and pull against, keeping your elbow attached to the surface.

• Outward rotations – This exercise is a fairly easy one, and you need a workout band for it. Stretch the band from side to side using your hands, keeping sure to keep your elbows firmly at a 90-degree angle.

• Cross-body reach – A cross-body reach is a simple side to side stretch where you take your arm across your shoulder to the opposite side and stretch your muscles. Hold each stretch for 15 seconds and repeat several times a day.

• Armpit stretches – Rest your arm on a ledge that is at least 3/4th of your height. Following that, stretch your armpit by bending your knee. This can help relax your shoulder muscles. Repeat 2 to 3 times a week.

• Towel stretches- Towel stretches are something you can do anywhere. It involves holding a towel behind your back and stretching it. You can tilt the towel and stretch your shoulder muscles too.

These exercises are effective at regular intervals. If you have an injury, then wearing a shoulder brace is a great option too. It provides comfort and support. Moreover, you can soothe your shoulder with a hot or cold press after sessions.

2-   Wearing a Shoulder Brace

Sometimes after certain injuries where you are on bed rest, patients are recommended to wear a shoulder brace. The brace supports your shoulder and allows you to have a wide range of motion. It helps with movement when you cannot sustain weight on your own.

Apart from recovery from an injury or surgery, a shoulder brace is also good for aged people. It provides extra support and helps you distribute weight. It aids with a speedy recovery from a frozen shoulder and allows your muscles to take a break.

It is a useful tool that helps with providing extra support, especially after certain medical procedures and people going through recovery. It removes the burden from injured muscles and can also help ease up inflammation and swelling.

3-   Medications

One of the most common ways to treat a frozen shoulder is by over the counter medication. Patients are given anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or a painkiller that can give temporary relief to the pain.

If your pain is unbearable, then stronger and higher dosage of painkillers are prescribed. Although this is not always the recommended option, and it is better to have a combination of an exercise regime and medications to help recover from a frozen shoulder.

This can lead to a dependency on medications to relieve you of frozen shoulder symptoms but is not entirely a cure for the shoulder pain. Sticking to medication alone can make the problem recur frequently.

4-   Surgical methods

A frozen shoulder recovers with light exercise and therapy. It can take anywhere around 12 to 20 months to heal on its own as the pain subsides. However, considering some factors like severity and age, certain cases do not heal as well on their own and require additional help.

Corticosteroids injection

Cortisone is a type of steroid that helps with decreasing pain, is it can also aid with movement and improve your mobility over time. It is usually taken in the first stage of a frozen shoulder when you experience the worst pain and want an effective and quick solution for it.

Shoulder Manipulation

Shoulder manipulation involves a small procedure in which the patient undergoes general anesthesia. The anesthesia puts you out for a while, so you don’t feel pain during the process.

The doctor moves your shoulder in different directions in order to loosen the muscle and help with mobility afterward. This helps patients experiencing extreme pain during movement or cannot handle the weight of their bodies.

Joint distension

Join distention involves injecting sterile water in the capsule of the shoulder joint. This water acts as a lubricating agent for your joints and eases up movement. It helps patients who are older in age and cannot sustain by exercises alone.

Surgical procedure

Surgery is often a rare option when it comes to a frozen shoulder. However, some doctors do recommend it for severe cases. For instance, when there is an excessive buildup of scar tissue. A minor surgery that involves small incisions and tubular instruments remove and cut away the scar tissue. This loosens of your ball and socket joint and eventually helps with a wider range of mobility.

Can Frozen shoulder be prevented?

In conclusion, a question can be asked whether a frozen shoulder is something preventable? That depends on the cause of shoulder pain. Frozen shoulder usually stems from immobility and lack of movement of long durations.

They are either going through a recovery process after an injury or procedure. This can be prevented. Patients can make use of light exercises and the progressive range of movement during their recovery process.

This way, their joints don’t lodge in one place, and it does not develop any kind of stiffness or pain. Patients who are in recovery can also wear a shoulder brace to reduce the amount of stress on their joints and to distribute their weight evenly.

If, however, frozen shoulders occur due to systematic diseases like diabetes. Then it is difficult to prevent. Doctors have not yet established a cause and effect relationship between the two, and it is hard to prevent something when you cannot pinpoint an exact cause for it.

If you think you have the risk of developing it, you can consult your physician to know what might be the suitable treatment for you and how to overcome the first few signs of discomfort and pain.

What is Bursitis Shoulder? Its Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and Exercises

What is Bursitis of the shoulder?

To get a thorough understanding of bursitis in the shoulder, it is important to know what a bursa is. A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between a hard bone and the surrounding softer tissue (ligaments and tendons).

The bursa in your shoulder exists between the acromion (bone) and the surrounding rotator cuff tendons. Its main function is to ensure your tendons don’t wear out as they rub against the acromion.

Bursitis occurs when the bursa becomes inflamed. This can happen due to a variety of reasons and can cause immense discomfort making it difficult for the patient to move their shoulder and by extension, their arm.

What causes Bursitis in the shoulder?

There are various causes of bursitis in the shoulder because of which it is classified into three types:

1. Chronic Bursitis: This type of bursitis will usually develop if the bursa is irritated quite frequently. A pre-existing medical condition may also be part of the reason why certain people develop this type of bursitis.

• Infected Bursitis: This occurs when the irritated bursa becomes infected with bacteria. Fortunately, this type of bursitis is uncommon in the shoulder.

• Traumatic Bursitis: This type of bursitis may occur if there is excessive bending of the joint. Sports and hard physical training can often be the direct cause of why a person may develop traumatic bursitis.

Other causes may include injuries or something more mundane like lifting a heavy load.

Symptoms of Bursitis Shoulder

Shoulder bursitis is a condition associated with the swelling of the bursa ( sac-like structure). In some cases, the symptoms may take some weeks to a month to be observable. If a person finds it difficult to perform basic tasks like lifting an object off a high shelf, this may be a sign of shoulder bursitis.

When a person develops bursitis in their shoulder, a wide range of symptoms can be observed. These often include:

1. Pain: This will mostly be concentrated in the shoulder area
2. Swelling: Patients will often notice persistent swelling
3. Warmth: This might indicate infectious bursitis
4. Tenderness:
5. Fever: Again a sign of infectious bursitis
6. Limited ability to move or lift the shoulder

Diagnosis

It can be quite difficult to tell exactly what type of bursitis a person is suffering from as the symptoms often overlap. This is why it is important to seek out proper medical attention and care. Furthermore, it is highly recommended that you consult a physiotherapist so that a proper diagnosis can be made.

A physiotherapist will often make the diagnosis using results obtained from various tests. The most common one is an ultrasound scan. However, MRI scans and even X rays may be used to determine the exact nature of bursitis.

If the doctor suspects that the bursa may be infected by bacteria, he/she might suggest an aspiration (removal of Bursal fluid) to determine the bacterial culprit. Furthermore, blood tests may also be needed to check if there might be other medical conditions responsible.

Other conditions like tendonitis and rotator cuff injuries may also be present in addition to shoulder bursitis.

How to treat Shoulder Bursitis?

Shoulder Bursitis can be quite an uncomfortable condition. Luckily a range of treatments and procedures are available. The following list highlights some of the key treatments:

1. The R.I.C.E Method

The R.I.C.E method is often recommended by doctors for soft tissue injuries. For example, if a person pulls a ligament or strains a muscle, the first basic self-care step is to employ the R.I.C.E method. It stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

Resting is key to the healing process, and it helps minimize the chance of re-injury. The person must reduce their arm and shoulder movements in case of shoulder bursitis.

Icing is the second step. It is recommended that a person apply an ice pack to the affected area. This method is quite common when it comes to treating swellings and bruises. It is very effective because it numbs the swollen area and reduces discomfort.

The third step is compression. This is a technique where pressure is applied to the swollen area using a compression bandage. This technique is crucial as it restricts the flow of blood and keeps the swollen area in check.

The last step is elevation. This simply means keeping the affected area above the level of the heart. This helps with pain alleviation. However, raising the arm might be painful, which is a sure sign of shoulder bursitis.

In this case, using a shoulder brace is vital so that the person can keep the affected area elevated passively to avoid further damage to the soft tissue in their shoulder.

This method is often the first that is recommended if you notice persistent swelling and are afraid that it might be bursitis of the shoulder.

2. Anti-inflammatory Drugs

One of the most visible signs of bursitis is swelling and inflammation. Fortunately, this can be treated using simple over the counter anti-inflammatory medication as well as simple pain-relieving pills like Aspirin or Panadol.

However, it is always advisable to seek professional medical attention. Especially if the symptoms are recurring.

Anti-inflammatory medicine is also given during the recovery phase to help the patient bear the pain and discomfort.

3. Wearing a shoulder brace

Before we discuss the merits of the shoulder bracelets first understand what a shoulder brace is and how it helps with shoulder bursitis.

Shoulder braces are of various types and sizes and can be strapped around the affected area to provide support. They are crucial in preventing a person from re-injuring themselves during the different phases of recovery.

The way they work is that they provide additional support and minimize the mobility of the affected area. This is important, especially if the shoulder is experiencing swelling and inflammation.

Shoulder braces are useful for a variety of conditions from rotator cuff tears to shoulder bursitis. The following are the three important features of a shoulder brace that can help you.

1. Elevated to avoid obstruction
2. High-quality premium design
3. Comfortable for both men and women

4. Applying Ice on the shoulder

As stated above the ice is a simple way to assuage shoulder pain and swelling. However, according to several well-reputed websites that offer medical advice, it is very important to assure the ice does not come in direct contact with the skin. ‘

The ice acts as a physical pain reliever because it numbs the area and reduces pain.

5. Steroids

Steroid shots or cortisone injections may be given to a person if their symptoms don’t improve through physical therapy. They are effective for recurring and persistent swelling.

However, one should keep in mind that repeated cortisone injections may lead to unwanted side effects and it is best to opt for these injections only if the shoulder bursa does not show improvement after several weeks of treatment.

6. Surgery

Surgery is quite uncommon when it comes to bursitis in the shoulder. Most people will show significant improvement through the usual physical exercises recommended by physicians.

According to the prestigious John Hopkins medical website, the surgical procedure will entail an incision and drainage, especially if the bursa is infected. In some cases, the bursa is removed entirely if bursal swelling does not improve.

7. Trying out various Exercises

As previously mentioned, shoulder bursitis can be treated using different physical exercises. These should be done through the guidance and consultation of your physiotherapist. Listed below are some of the exercises that may be helpful:

· Shoulder Rotating Exercises

This exercise is a great way to increase strength in your shoulders and make it easier for you to lift weights above your head. It is also great for developing good posture. This is important as bad posture can often lead to bursitis in the shoulder.

It is important to note that it is best to do these exercises under the guidance of your physiotherapist. The last thing you want is to increase your injury by exercising too hard.

This type of exercise is also good for rotation cuff injuries, which often accompany bursitis in the shoulder.

· Posterior Stretch

This is a very popular exercise for treating shoulder bursitis, but the patient must make sure to warm up properly beforehand.

According to health journals, exercise has three basic steps:

• Bring your arm across your chest and place your hand on the back of the shoulder.
• Use your free hand to press on the back of your elbow to increase the stretch
• Hold this position for a maximum of 30 seconds.

· Shoulder blade squeeze

This is an exercise that is also recommended by Healthline. According to them, these are the following steps:

• With your hands at your sides, pull your shoulder back
• Make sure to keep your shoulders down to deepen the stretch
• Hold the position for more than five seconds and repeat up to ten times.

How long does shoulder Bursitis last?

The duration of shoulder bursitis depends on several factors and can vary from case to case. The healing process can range from a few days to weeks and more. This often depends on what caused bursitis to develop in the first place and how mobile the arm is during the recovery process.

Unfortunately, if a person returns to work or athletic pursuits too soon without going through all the phases of the recovery process, they can further damage the shoulder, and this can further increase the duration of bursitis in the shoulder.

The patient is advised to follow the correct procedure and observe all the preventive measures that are needed. By doing so, they have an extremely fair chance of full recovery.

How to prevent Shoulder Bursitis?

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and there are a few ways a person can use to prevent shoulder bursitis from developing or worsening if the condition is pre-existing.

First of all, it is vital to maintain a healthy body posture. A bad posture as I have said before can be the direct cause of bursitis in the shoulder. It is also quite important to avoid extended periods of inactivity and immobility.

Secondly, it is extremely crucial to make sure you have warmed up completely before you begin any new exercise. Proper exercise is always preceded by a good warm-up routine.

Next, it is good practice to incorporate new exercises in your daily regimen slowly and steadily. It can be extremely harmful to exercise a lot harder than you are used to, and this is also often linked to shoulder bursitis.

Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid repetitive work. However, if you are in a profession that involves repetitive labor, it is highly recommended that you take frequent breaks in which you either rest or do some other light work.

Additionally, you can purchase shoulder braces and other equipment to support your shoulder if it shows early signs of bursitis in the shoulder. Last but not least, you need to make sure you avoid any exercises or activities that cause significant pain.

To conclude, shoulder bursitis is a condition that is associated with excessive swelling, redness, and inflammation. However, it can be treated fairly easily by various treatments and some preventive measures. Certain exercises are also highly recommended but under the administration of a qualified physiotherapist.

Dislocated Shoulder Causes, Symptoms, Treatments and Arthritis

A dislocated shoulder can be challenging to deal with. However, it takes some time for patients to identify the problem and know what is really happening with them.

Now discussing what a dislocated shoulder is– It is a type of an injury, in which the top of your arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. Our shoulders are made up of a ball and socket joint, which is why it is one of the most mobile joints in the body!

It can move 360 degrees and does not have a limit in terms of direction either. You can twist it and move it in any course you want; however, this is also why it is prone to slipping out of place. It can happen to several people; in which case it is called a dislocated or a separated shoulder.

There are several reasons why your shoulder might dislocate itself. These reasons include damage to the tissues and nerves or instability joint. People with arthritis also have a risk of dislocating their shoulder joint.

With a more microscopic view, a separated shoulder is when your socket is no longer anchored with the collarbone. It moves out of position and takes much more time to recover from it.

Partial Shoulder Dislocation

Sometimes patients also experience partial shoulder dislocation, also known as shoulder subluxation. It is when your shoulder does not entirely come out of your socket but comes out partially and damages the surrounding nerves and tendons.

It can occur due to trauma, injury, or even to victims of stroke. It causes a patient pain, inflammation, deformities, and difficulty moving their arm. If you feel such symptoms, then it is recommended to visit a doctor and get a diagnosis. 

How does one get a dislocated shoulder?

If you have experienced a dislocated shoulder, then you might know that the experience is painful and something you would not want to go through again.

Here are a few reasons why you might get a dislocated shoulder in the first place. This way, you can be extra careful and avoid these situations the next time around.

·       Injuries during movements

A dislocated shoulder can occur if you are part of any contact sport like hockey, football or rugby. The risk involved in these sports are much higher, and you are more susceptible to injuries and falls.  Gymnasts and skiers are also at a high risk of getting shoulder dislocation during accidents or hits.

·       Trauma (Accidents)

Apart from sports, other activities may have a higher risk of an injury. If you drive a motor vehicle, then an accident or a fall can cause a shoulder dislocation. Any sort of hard blow while riding an ATV or a raft too can lead to injuries.

Make sure you wear the right gear and take all safety precautions to avoid such injuries. The recovery process can be long and painful, as well.

·       Falling

If you experience a fall, there could be a chance that your shoulder dislocates. People over the age of 70 have weaker muscles, and a fall can lead to their shoulder popping out of their socket. Falls can also raise the chance of other injuries like muscle tears and nerve damage near the shoulder.

·       History of dislocation

Another cause of shoulder dislocation is if you’ve had one previously. It increases your risk of getting injuries, and your muscles might get weaker. It is commended that you get regular exercise to prevent any chance of it happening again.

·       Age

Older people have weaker muscles and tendons. Their nerve damage might heal at a slower pace as well. People who are between the age bracket of 40 to 70, they might experience injuries or falls that can lead to a dislocated shoulder.

Moreover, Teens or 20-year-old may also have a higher risk of getting a dislocated shoulder. They are physically active and involved in contact activities that leave them at a higher risk of injuries as well. 

What does a dislocated shoulder feel like?

Coming to symptoms of a dislocated shoulder, there are several that can help you recognize whether you are experiencing one or not.

·       Pain and Discomfort

A patient is supposed to feel a severe amount of pain in their upper arm after a dislocated shoulder. It restricts the range of motion. Moreover, it can make work or lifting day-to-day objects really difficult if your shoulder is separated.

On the other hand, there might be different kinds of symptoms that gradually show up as well.  Symptoms can include an intense amount of pain as soon as the injury occurs. When your shoulder is separated, you will likely feel a surge of pain or a throbbing feeling.

·       Physical Deformities

Moreover, you might notice physical deformation as well. There is a possibility you can see a bump protruding from the back of your shoulder or a hollow area depending on which way the bone was dislocated.

This is a sign that your condition can get worse and you should get a diagnosis of the ailment as soon as you can. This way, you can also start right away with the treatment.

·       Inflammation and Bruising

You also start to develop bruising and swelling right after the injury your shoulder physically looks deformed, and you also will find inflammation and tenderness all around the shoulder and collarbone region.

You might develop light bruising, especially after a fall or an injury. Be sure not to move your arm too much and keep it in a relatively still position until you get to a doctor who can help you out.

·       Inability to move the arm

A dislocated shoulder also means that now you cannot move your arm as you would usually. It will cause you extreme pain and can further worsen your condition. Try not to move your arm as much and keep it in a still position until you visit a doctor.

When you start to experience symptoms, it is better to head to the hospital right away and confirm them with a diagnosis. This way you can know whether or not you have a dislocated shoulder and start with treatment immediately 

Arthritis of dislocation

Similarly, arthritis of dislocation is also a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and inflammation in the shoulder region. This can lead to instability of the joint. In other terms, arthritis makes the joint weaker and increases the risk of dislocation.

Get a diagnosis

If you start experiencing pain and inability to move after an injury, it is essential to get a diagnosis right away. The right diagnosis will help you get along with treatment as well. Doctors start with a visual examination. They check for deformities and inflammation.

If the damage is noticeable, then that is enough to diagnose a dislocated shoulder. However, doctors also recommend imaging tests to eliminate other possibilities and causes of pain. This can include an X-ray that shows whether there’s any damage to the bone.

Doctors also go ahead with an MRI or an EMG for a more detailed report on your shoulder. This is primarily done with patients with a severe injury or have damaged nerves and tissue

Treatments of a dislocated shoulder

A dislocated shoulder can be extremely painful for the person. It restricts your range of movement t, and you cannot do simple tasks like lying down or doing essential day-to-day work.

It should be treated immediately as it does not heal on its own. Here are some treatments of a dislocated shoulder, that can help you be on your way to recovery!

Popping the socket back

The first thing doctored up for is to move the arm bone back into the shoulder socket. This might feel like an excruciating process, but it is a necessary one to help the treatment process get along. People who are suffering from swelling and bruising might feel tenderness along their collarbones and back.

Doctors might give a light sedative for the pain and try maneuvers to allow the shoulder back into the socket. Some doctors even opt for a sedative if the patient is experiencing an extreme amount of pain.

However, the pain improves almost immediately. You can treat it with a hot or cold press to ease the discomfort after the procedure, but your arm will be back to normal in no time!

Immobilization or wearing a shoulder brace

After your injury, an option is to wear a shoulder brace to immobilize your joint for a few days and allow it to heal. It restricts movements and speeds up the recovery process. You can also wear a special splint depending on the severity of your injury.

Surgery

For more severe and high-risk injuries, your doctor might recommend surgery as a treatment option. It especially needed when your nerves and muscles are damaged during an injury. Moreover, it requires a more extended recovery period as well. 

Medication

Medication is not necessarily a cure for a dislocated shoulder, but it can relieve patients of their pain and inflammation. Doctors may recommend over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen that can put patients at ease after an injury or fall.

Rehabilitation

Some patients require rehabilitation after their sling or shoulder brace is removed. This includes shoulder exercises and physical therapy. This is to improve the patient’s range of motion and strength. It prevents further injuries and the risk of dislocation.

How long does it take for recovery?

Doctors recommend that you wear a shoulder brace or a sling for a few days, usually one week. After that, a range of treatment options that include physical therapy is recommended. Patients typically regain their movement in 3 to 6 months.

Although a dislocated shoulder recovery can take up 12 to 16 months, by this time, you can do day to day tasks and lift objects without experiencing any kind of discomfort or pain. During this time, patients should regularly exercise to keep their muscles flexible and healthy.

Can a dislocated shoulder be prevented?

Not only is the injury painful, but the recovery and treatment process is as well. So, is there any way a dislocated shoulder can be prevented? Yes, there are specific measures you can take to make sure you don’t have to experience the discomfort that comes along with a separated shoulder.

·       Be extra careful!

If you are involved in the strenuous activity on a day to day basis or are an athlete, make sure you take you to take extra care about your movements and range. Do not go overboard with specific tasks and make sure you take all kinds of safety precautions. 

If your occupation involves lifting, heights and over the head motion, then its better to take care of yourself on the job and avoid an unnecessary injury.

·       Wear protective gears

Another thing you can do is wear the right protective gear that can prevent damage from an injury. This is especially a good tip for athletes who are involved in rigorous training and practice. Protective gear cushions fall and any other kind of damage you are likely to experience.

·       Training and Gym

If you regularly exercise and keep your muscles strong, it can also prevent tears and dislocated shoulders. Over time your arms can handle the burden as their strength develops. You also gain flexibility, and that can further prevent injuries as well.

Once you get a dislocated shoulder, there is a higher chance that you might get one again. This is why preventive measures are extremely important. You can also ask your physician regarding proper exercises that can help improve your stability and strength.

What is AC Joint Injury? Its Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and Exercises

If you were wondering what is AC Joint injury? It is an injury that takes place at the top of one’s shoulder. More specifically, the joint where the shoulder connects with the collarbone. It is extremely painful and leads to pain across the whole shoulder, especially the joint.

What is AC Joint Injury?

There are ligaments that connect your collarbone to a part of your shoulder blade called the acromion. When these ligaments are torn, your shoulder is essentially separated from the joint. This is the AC Joint Injury.

The AC joint injuries are mostly sustained by people who are under 35 years old. In addition, men are more likely to not only sustain more AC joint injuries but sustain more severe injuries than females.

The AC Joint separation leads to swelling, pain, and discomfort that only grows with time. This is why people should seek treatment from medical professionals immediately when they see signs of this injury.

Causes of AC Joint Injury

The Acromioclavicular Joint injury or an AC Joint injury is caused when your shoulder takes a hit, forcing it to separate from the collarbone. More specifically, if the top of your shoulder or your arm takes a hit, the force of the hit could lead to an AC Joint injury.

Injuries during sports can also lead to an AC Joint separation. If a sports person falls on their shoulder or is hit by another player during the game, there is a great chance of the shoulder being separated from the collarbone.

Sports that involve a lot of physical activity such as Rugby and Football can lead to the players injuring their shoulders due to the excessive force and aggression that is a part of these games.

This type of injury is also caused by partaking in strenuous work involving heavy materials. Manual laborers are always at great risk of sustaining this injury since they are usually handling heavy tools and machinery and doing a lot of physical labor.

Another important cause of this injury is repeatedly using an already injured arm. If your arm is injured and instead of resting it, you continue to use it for everyday work, the ligaments connecting your shoulder to your collarbone will be further damaged. This will lead to a more severe form of AC joint injury.

Types of AC Joint Injuries

There are around six types of AC Joint injuries. However, the most common types are Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3.Type 1 is the least severe form and happens when the AC ligament that connects your shoulder to your collarbone is only slightly damaged, and other ligaments are not damaged at all.

 Furthermore, in a Type 1 injury, the shoulder is only very slightly displaced from the joint. This is also the most common type of AC joint injury. It also takes faster to heal, and it much less painful.

Type 2 is slightly more severe because your AC ligament is completely torn and other ligaments have sustained some damage.

Type 3 is the most severe form, and all the ligaments connecting your shoulder (including the AC Ligament) are completely damaged. The shoulder, in this case, is completely separated from the joint. This is the most severe form of injury and could even require surgery to heal. Type 3 is also one of the most painful types.

Symptoms of AC Joint Injury

There are various symptoms of an AC joint injury. If you experience these symptoms it a good idea to visit a doctor. Here are some of the symptoms that can help you recognize whether or not you are experiencing an AC joint injury. Some of these include:

·         Swelling and pain

Swelling and pain at the top of your shoulder, or the part where your shoulder meets your collarbone, is the most common symptom of this injury.

Pain is the most common symptom, and it arises frequently if you have this injury. You feel pain if you lift heavy objects with the injured shoulder, or even if you lie on it. The injured shoulder will not be able to handle any form of pressure, and you will often feel painful stings.

If your shoulder feels tender to the touch and you feel a stinging feeling of pain every time you either move your shoulder or place even the slightest pressure on it, there is a great chance that you have an AC joint pain and separation.   

·         Prominent bumps

If there is a prominent bump on the top of your shoulder, there is a chance that this could be another symptom of this injury. This bump will also be painful to the touch, which is why a doctor must be consulted immediately after it appears.

In addition to a visible bump, another important symptom is if your shoulder makes a popping sound each time you move it. This popping sound may be accompanied by pain and will cause you some discomfort.

·         Loss of movement in the injured shoulder

If you have an AC joint injury, you will experience a pronounced loss of movement in the injured shoulder. This means that you will face difficulty doing basic everyday tasks which could be as simple as picking things up.

You will also not be able to move your arm too fast since it will be painful. In addition, you will also feel that your shoulder is losing its strength. This means you will not be able to lift heavier things that you could easily lift prior to the injury.

Some simple movements will become especially difficult for you to carry out. These include lifting something over your head or even reaching out to grab something. You will feel pain and discomfort during these activities.

Diagnosis

A proper diagnosis is extremely important for shoulder injury and pain. When you visit your physician, they will take a review of your medical history and inquire whether you have any genetic reasons that might be causing the pain.

They will also be inquired about the pain itself. What is the pain feels like? What aggravates it? And what kind of methods have you opted for it to ease it? Later your doctor can also put you through a physical evaluation in which they can check for tenderness, swelling, and your range of movement and flexibility.

While a physical examination is enough at times, some doctors recommend another round of imaging test to eliminate other causes of the pain. For such cases, an X-Ray or an MRI technology is used to have a clearer picture of the bone and the soft tissue surrounding the area. It helps give a confirmed diagnosis and start with the correct treatment as soon as possible.

Treatment options for AC joint Injury

Once you’re diagnosed with an AC joint injury, you can start with the right treatment option right away. The right treatment depends on the cause of the injury and your condition. While some injuries may go away on their own, others require intensive treatments.

Usually, the injuries resolve over a few weeks with some medication and physical therapy. Although it is recommended to take a professional opinion instead of trying self-treatment.

1)    Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist can help restore your joint’s function with a range of different treatments and regimes. It is the first step on your road to recovery from an AC Joint injury.

·         Correcting your range of motion

Going to a proper physiotherapist can help heal your injury. A physiotherapist helps improve your range of motion with a planned regime of exercises. The main aim to make sure you are able to do certain motions without any discomfort or pain.

A good physiotherapist can help reduce stiffness, tightness around the joint as well as bruising and inflammation. They help with your recovery process at a pace you prefer.

·         Strength Training

Strength training is essential, especially if your shoulder pain is due to weak muscles. It can cause your muscles to tear and get damaged easily. In addition to this, strength training includes a regime of exercises and motions that help improve your muscle flexibility.

These muscles include the upper back muscles, shoulder, and elbow to make a properly functioning system of connective muscle tissues.  It can help you do your day to day tasks with ease without experiencing stiffness or discomfort.

·         Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is hands-on therapy in which the therapist moves your elbow, arm, and shoulder to increase your range of movement and improve overall stability. A trained physiotherapist makes sure you are comfortable as well as improving your muscle strength as planned.

Manual therapy is usually a good option for aged patients who have trouble moving their joints on their own or for patients who have experienced an AC joint injury due to trauma or a fall. It helps distribute the burden on your joints until you can manage them on your own.

·         Functional training

Functional training is essential for a small AC joint that bears the burden of your entire shoulder. It can help improve muscle stability and strength in order to prevent such injuries from occurring again.

·         Awareness

An essential part of physiotherapy is awareness. Therapists make sure you know your body’s limits and what kind of activities are safe for you. A personalized plan is also created for the rehabilitation and recovery of your muscles.

Functional training helps improve incorrect posture and whether you operate under your body’s limits. Your physiotherapist will help you recognize motions that have more risk involved and the correct way you are using your arm.

This is vital and enables you to prevent future pain and shoulder injuries as well. Make sure you get an adequate amount of rest and are not overworking yourself in any way.

2)    Exercises

There are certain exercises that you can perform for an AC joint injury. This includes stretching and light weightlifting that can transform the way your shoulders function it makes them healthier flexible and stable which further reduces the chance I’m getting it in the future

3)    Wearing a shoulder brace

Some doctors recommend wearing the shoulder brace to reduce risk and allows you to restrict your range of motion. It gives your joints the added support and stabilizes it. This can help your shoulder relax and reduces the burden on them.

Your doctor or physician might recommend you wear a shoulder brace for a few weeks until you can manage to do day to day activities on your own. It gives you the rest you need and prevent overextension of the joint, which can cause a lot of pain in an AC joint injury.

4)    Medication and Steroids  

Typically, at first, doctors recommend painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines that can help control swelling and discomfort a patient might be experiencing. Medication like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation, and over the counter, paracetamol can help make the pain more manageable.

Medicines can improve your range of motion. They can help you sleep and aid with day-to-day tasks as well. While it can deal with the symptoms of shoulder pain for a certain time, it is not a complete cure for the ailment.

Certain pains are not manageable by just medication; this is where you would require a steroid injection as well. Although it is recommended that you include a regime of physical therapy as well as medication to overcome your problem.

Recap:

• Strong AID® offers a high-quality design that allows us an advantage over competitors. It is extremely light-weight and breathable, which makes it comfortable to wear and has a long life span as well.
• It is constructed to sit high on the shoulder, thereby making sure it does not obstruct the user and allows them to go about their lives.
• This is extremely important since it prompts the user to wear it for an elongated period and does not hinder them from daily tasks.
• As stated prior, the brace is designed to be universally accommodating. It offers six adjustments to make sure it fits according to the person’s body type and injured shoulder.
• It is equally comfortable for both men and women. We provide strong support throughout the rehabilitation process and help navigate through different stages of it.