SOMA Living February 2022

FROM THE DOCTOR

SHOULDER INJURIES

Shoulder injuries include muscle strains, dislocations, rotator cuff tears, and ligament strains and commonly happen to people playing sports like golf, tennis, and baseball where you perform intensive, repetitive motion. They can happen also playing basketball though not as likely as the other sports that were listed. We will focus more on rotator cuff tears since that is the most common. A rotator cuff tear is a common cause of pain and disability among adults. Each year, approximately 2 million people in the United States will visit their doctors because of a rotator cuff problem. The good news is, since it is a common injury there are a fair amount of treatments for it anywhere from PT to surgery. PT treatment usually involves strengthening exercises and controlling the pain, however, if the patient does have a surgery most surgeons will provide your PT a rehab protocol. A patient who has a rotator cuff tear will usually present with pain and weakness in their affected shoulder. There is usually pain at rest and at night, particularly if lying on the affected shoulder, pain when lifting and lowering your arm or with specific movements, weakness when lifting or rotating your arm and crepitus or crackling sensation when moving your shoulder in certain positions. The tears that happen suddenly, such as from a fall, usually cause intense pain. There may be a snapping sensation and immediate weakness in your upper arm. Tears that develop slowly due to overuse also cause pain and arm weakness. You may have pain in the shoulder when you lift your arm, or pain that moves down your arm. At first, the pain may be mild and only present when lifting your arm over your head, such as reaching into a cupboard. Over time, the pain may become more noticeable at rest, and no longer goes away with medications. You may have pain when you lie on the painful side at night. The pain and weakness in the shoulder may make routine activities such as combing your hair or reaching behind your back more difficult. Some rotator cuff tears are not painful. These tears, however, may still result in arm weakness and other symptoms and may eventually require surgery. Since most rotator cuff tears are largely caused by the normal wear and tear that goes along with aging, people over 40 are at greater risk. People who do repetitive lifting or overhead activities are also at risk for rotator cuff tears. Athletes are especially vulnerable to overuse tears, particularly tennis players and baseball pitchers. Painters, carpenters, and others who do overhead work also have a greater chance for tears. Although overuse tears caused by sports activity or overhead work also occur in younger people, most tears in young adults are caused by a traumatic injury, like a fall. Have one of our experienced Doctors of Physical Therapy review your condition for what a successful outcome might look like.

South Orange Rehabilitation & Wellness We provide professional, individualized and effective physical therapy. Our health and wellness interventions promote healthy living and enhanced quality of life for all athletes and patients.

Specializing in: • Post Surgical Knee & Shoulder • Spinal Decompression for Herniated and Bulging Discs • Cold Laser to Increase Healing

SouthOrangeRehab.com (973) 761-0077 177 Valley Street, South Orange, New Jersey 07079

email us at AtlanticConcepts@hotmail.com to schedule a free estimate www.atlantic-concepts.com (386) 344-3894 Atlantic Concepts is a family owned business that has been serving the SOMA community for over 10 years. Its founder, Eddie Cevallos and family are proud residents of Maplewood. Specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, additions, etc, Atlantic Concepts would love to hear your ideas for your projects. Please give us a call for a free estimate.

Dr. Daniel Roig South Orange Rehab Wellness SouthOrangeRehab.com 973-761-0077

FEBRUARY 2022 | SOMA LIVING 21

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