Friday, August 15, 2014

Shoulder Pain: Don’t Let it Keep You from Conquering the Beast



Shoulder Pain: Don’t Let it Keep You from Conquering the Beast
By Jason Dudzic, PT, MSPT, OCS, Cert. MDT
Jason Dudzic, PT, MSPT, OCS, Cert. MDT, holds board certification in Orthopaedics from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). He is one of only three therapists certified in orthopaedics in the Erie area.

The next-gen obstacle races, such as the Beast on the Bay, require intense training that includes not just in running, but the entire body.  When it comes to training for these events, upper extremity overuse injuries can be as much of a limiting factor as the lower extremity injuries that I’ve discussed in previous blogs. 
One of the most common overuse injuries of the shoulder is impingement syndrome, or the more general term “anterior shoulder pain” (pain in the front of the shoulder). Although much of the current literature is conflicted over the causes of “anterior shoulder pain,” most sources agree that it occurs as a result of altered biomechanics and/or structural abnormalities.  There are several different types of impingement syndrome, including subacromial and internal impingements. But most commonly, in non-throwing sports, subacromial impingement is what limits the athlete.  

Subacromial impingement occurs when the subacromial bursa and/or supraspinatus tendon (one of the rotator cuff tendons) gets “pinched” between the acromion and coracoacromial ligament. This can lead to bursitis/tendonitis and, if left untreated, can progress to a tear in the tendon.


 

Subacromial impingement can be subdivided into primary impingement and secondary impingement.  Primary impingement usually occurs in individuals over the age of 65, and results when the space between the humerus and acromion is reduced due to degenerative changes, such as a spur (See Figure B).

A. Normal Shoulder X-Ray

Spurring noted on acromion and humerus    

Secondary impingement generally occurs in younger individuals and is the result of faulty mechanics, muscle imbalances, hypermobility, or hypomobility of the shoulder capsule.  The faulty mechanics can occur at the glenohumeral joint (ball and socket joint), or the scapulothoracic joint (the joint between the shoulder blade and rib cage).  When the scapulothoracic joint is the cause of impingement, muscle imbalances around the scapulothoracic joint lead to changes in the angle of the glenoid (socket), causing the impingement to occur.


With the Barber Beast around the corner, it’s likely you’ve been doing your upper body training right along with your running.  If you’ve been noticing anterior shoulder pain during your overhead resistance training, including monkey bar training, overhead lifts, military presses, etc…you may be experiencing impingement syndrome. 

Start by trying to stretch the posterior (back) and inferior (bottom) portions of the shoulder capsule, which allows the head of the humerus to drop down,thus creating space for the supraspinatus tendon. Do NOT stretch the capsule if you have known hypermobility in the shoulder or have a history of a shoulder dislocation.





If you’ve performed these stretches for 10 repetitions, three-to-four times a day for  four-to-five days, and you’ve had no change or an increase in your pain, you may benefit from evalauation by your physician or physical therapist.  The appropriate healthcare professionals will determine if your problem is impingement, and determine if you would benefit from other treatment, such as strengthening, modalities (heat, ice, electrical stimulation, ultrasound), stretching, or dynamic stabilization.








15 comments:

  1. Useful information shared. I am very happy to read this article. Thanks for giving us nice info. Fantastic walk through. I appreciate this post.
    Back Pain Doctors Boulder

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for giving nice information regarding better pain treatment. It would be more helpful if it contains treatment tips.
    pain management scottsdale

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great article ...Thanks for your great information, the contents are quiet interesting. I will be waiting for your next post. Sierrasil Ontario

    ReplyDelete
  4. Pain in the shoulders can be caused by bad posture, psychological stress, shoulder overuse or injuries. No matter what causes the stiffness or soreness, shoulder massager is an effective way of effective relief.

    ReplyDelete
  5. when a person suffer shoulder pain it hampers his quality of life and make him disable because he looses the ability to perform normal work. There are certain techniques available to manage should pains through osteopath Canberra exercises and then medications.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I just wanna thank you for sharing your information and your site or blog this is simple but nice article I've ever seen i like it i learn something today.Great!
    Shoulder Pain Treatment

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your shared article is really nice and impressive,.
    Teaser Dayna Deters Rollga

    ReplyDelete
  8. Very detailed information about shoulder pain. I have realized that people who move their shoulder in a circular motion tend to have less should problems. Drinking Organic Noni Juice gives relief to joint pain too.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Excellent information. Thanks for sharing. With the assistance of an Ankeny licensed massage therapist, you can feel better, enjoy a more peaceful presence and enjoy life a little more.

    Lakeway massage

    ReplyDelete
  10. Otherwise known as a shoulder scope, shoulder arthroscopy shoulder allows Phoenix orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and repair problems inside the shoulder joint. The shoulder is approached through tiny incisions and camera as an outpatient procedure, typically resulting in less pain and shorter recovery times than open shoulder surgeries.

    ReplyDelete
  11. For probleams related to knee, kneepain treatment in delhi is very easily accessible, and you should always visit a doctor soon. 

    ReplyDelete
  12. Shoulder pain is caused by inflammation of the tendons and ice is a natural remedy for inflammation. Ice brings relief by slowing down blood flow to the area. Apply ice to your hurt shoulder for 20 minutes and try to keep it elevated. Visit http://www.jointpainclinic.com/body-aches-pains-natural-relief-for-muscle-joint-pains.html

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great Post, very wel informaton you have posted. Thanks for sharing. It is really very helpful information for Knee Specialists in Kalyan. Seeking for good orthopedic surgeon do visit Dr. Shailendra Patil kalyan

    ReplyDelete
  14. For probleams related to Shoulder pain, Shoulder pain treatment in delhi is very easily accessible, and you should always visit a doctor soon.

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is very helpful for find best <a href="https://topxlisting.com/><b>topxlisting</b></a> company in india.

    ReplyDelete