Protect Your Shoulder

Protect Your Shoulder

Most of us have felt a sore shoulder at one time or another, especially if we exercise regularly or perform a repetitive activity at work.   The pain may be felt at the front, side or rear aspect of the shoulder.  A common cause of anterior shoulder pain is poor posture and/or inefficient movement mechanics, where the humeral head is not stabilized in the proper position, and therefore migrates anteriorly in the gleno-humeral joint.  If this happens often enough, it may actually stretch the anterior shoulder capsule, causing more problems and more pain.  This is why we must remember to "pack" the shoulder during upper body activities, and must always be mindful of scapula stabilization.  Click HERE for some Scapula Stability exercises.   

I was just contacted from someone suffering from daily shoulder pain.  He even complained of pain throughout the night.  The pain was in the left shoulder, and unfortunately, he prefers to sleep on his left side.  This makes it feel even worse in the morning.  

My advice is to .....Click Here For More!!!

Neck Pain Tip

Neck Pain Tip

A normal spine has both lordotic and kyphotic curves.

As we age, many of us begin to display a "flattening" of the lordotic curves.  

To help maintain proper muscle length as well as minimize the stress on ligaments and other soft tissues, Physical Therapists and Chiropractors attempt to help maintain proper spinal alignment to "regain" the proper curves.  We educate our clients on corrective postural exercises, stretches and stabilization activities.  

Neck pain is a common diagnosis.  Many patients complain of difficulty falling asleep at nights due to persistent neck pain.  One possible reason for this pain is poor support of the cervical spine.  As shown above, your neck should have a lordotic curve.  If you sleep on a pillow that does not support this curve, further flattening of the curve may result, thereby causing more discomfort.  The longer you sleep on your back, the force applied to your neck from gravity may further exacerbate your condition.  You can easily go to the store to purchase a pillow specifically made for this...
Click HERE for a Do-It-Yourself tip to help with this problem.

The Strassburg Sock

The Strassburg Sock

The Plantar Fascia is a band of tissue on the bottom of the foot, and is a common site of foot/heel pain.  Pain is usually felt at the heel, particularly in the morning when you first step out of bed.  The intensity of the pain may somewhat subside as you continue walking, as this stretches the plantar fascia, thereby reducing the stress placed at its attachment site to the heel. 

 

Physical Therapy is very beneficial in treating plantar fasciitis.  However, a typical PT session only lasts around 1 hour for 2-3 times a week.  What do you do the rest of the time to continue treating your condition?  

You will most likely receive a Home Exercise Program.  A video version of this full protocol can be purchased HERE.  You will learn stretches (particularly dorsiflexion of the foot), strengthening exercises and stability exercises for the foot and ankle.  

                                      

Why is the pain most intense first thing in the morning upon your initial steps?  For more information, click here

External Cues To Prevent Falls

External Cues To Prevent Falls

Try this technique with your client to help facilitate foot clearance when walking.  It may prevent a fall.   Click Here