I don’t care how strong are or how many years you have been lifting weight. If you lift heavy and do not employ sound technique doing the movements you will eventually get a shoulder injury, its just the nature of the game.
The sad thing about working shoulders for bodybuilders, is the very exercises that can cause the most injury work the best for building muscle. This means that many bodybuilders are torn ( no pun intended) between great results and the possibility of injury. For many especially the younger lifters the idea of large full muscle outweigh the probability of injury.
The two most common things that lifters do while exercising that can cause injury to their joints and muscles are; performing an un-natural stretch during and movement and the second is putting a joint in an un-natural position. Notice the word un-natural is the focus here.
When a movement seems to hurt or feel weird while doing it, even if you are using no weight at all then that is an indicator that you should not be doing that movement. Our body for the most part knows what is right for us even better than we do.
Now I want to make sure you understand the different between a difficult movement and an un-natural movement. Heavy Squats are difficult behind the neck shoulder presses are un-natural! Let me expand on this for a moment. Sit in a chair with your palms facing down on your knees. Now while keeping your elbows at your side rotates your forearms up and rearward so that your palms are facing forward and the back of your hand backward. Now continue to rotate your palms rearward until the palms are facing slightly up and are position behind your shoulders. Think about how that feels, because that un-natural position is the correct position for doing behind the neck shoulder presses.
So now that understand what an unnatural position feels like lets address the main four culprits of shoulder injury. Ok here are the bad guys;
The first is the dumbbell fly By keeping the elbows straight and over stretching at the bottom of the movement you are putting you shoulder in an un-natural position and possibly causing shoulder injury. The correct way to do this movement is to bend at the elbow, like your hugging a fat girl ( what? Fat Girls need loving too) and remember to bring arms down only to the point where the elbow is level with the center of your rib cage.
The behind the neck shoulder press This feels un-natural don’t it? That because in order to get enough range of motion to grow you have to put your shoulder in a compromising position for injury The correct way is to drop this exercise all together, and replace it with front of neck shoulder presses. When doing shoulder presses to the front push all the way up just before lock out and come down only until the elbows are slightly below parallel with the floor. For most people that puts the bar just at eye level at the bottom of the movement. Any more can cause lower back problems.
The Lat pull down to the back of the neck This is one that I only see women do for some reason. Once again it don’t even feel natural, does it? The correct way to do this is to arch your lower back ever so slightly, and using a shoulder width or less grip pull the bar down until it touches the bottom of your chest (pec). I see guys in the gym come only down until it is eye level; I really believe that either way is correct. However the lats will get a better contraction when the bar touches the chest!
The last exercise is the pull up This particular exercise has two different incorrect variations. The first is to pull to the back of the neck. I think I stressed the problem with any exercise going to the back of the neck already. The second incorrect variation to the pull up is to select too wide a grip. For some reason many people believe that the wider the grip the wider the back muscles. I don’t have time to go into the function of the muscles, but understand, if you want to build a big wide back you are more likely to do so with narrow and medium grip pull ups then you will with wide. The correct way to this is to either grip the bar with a shoulder width grip and pull you body up until the chest meet the bar, or use a “V-Bar” or chinning triangle over the pull-up bar and pull upward until your chest touches the chinning triangle.
If you have never had any shoulder problems this will help you avoid them altogether. If you’ve had them (shoulder injuries) in the past following these simple changes will avoid future injury, and help you to get the most out of your workouts.
About Author
With over 25 years of bodybuilding experience. 15 years as a competitive bodybuilder 15 years as a personal trainer and 10 years as a trainer of competitive bodybuilders. You can tap into the years of experience of this bodybuilding savant at http://www.Fire-Iron-Online.com
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Healing Joint Injuries - Why Rotator Cuff Exercises Are Helpful
Rotator cuff exercises can be beneficial to anyone with a previous injury or for those who are in a high-risk category for injuries to occur. High-risk categories for injuries include those who play sports, have heavy physical labor jobs, those in the health-care industry, and even those who just do consistent repetitive motions. Weight-training is also another risk factor for rotator cuff injuries.
The biggest key to preventing rotator cuff injuries is to be aware of any type of pain in your shoulder, and don't continue any type of activities that hurt until after you've spoken with your physician. While there is still some debate as to whether or not rotator cuff exercises will actually strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulders, it's not a bad idea to try these with the advice and supervision of your physician or a physical therapist.
If you do happen to injure your rotator cuff you will likely have symptoms such as pain when you attempt to move your arm upward and away from your torso, pain and weakness in the arm along with a definite soreness in your shoulder area. An indicator that you've had an injury occur is whenever any type of basic activities that require you to lift your arm upwards- whether you're lifting or not- hurt to do.
Rotator cuff pain usually will occur in most people- especially in men- as they age, regardless of whether there has been an injury or not. This is is due to the normal "wear and tear" of life on our joints. The key to knowing whether your pain is due to an injury or not is to seek the advice of your physician, early treatment is the best prevention for surgery that there is.
Rotator cuff exercises can- to some degree, as with any other type of exercise- help to strengthen the area of muscles responsible for mobility in the shoulder. For those already injured, a good orthopedic surgeon or specialist can refer you to a physical therapist who will then recommend some types of exercises and movements that will actually help heal the injury and prevent further damage.
The actual term "rotator cuff" refers to a group of muscles that help to stabilize the shoulder and help the arm function. If you've torn a rotator cuff, the best treatments are to rest the entire area- minimalize movement of the area and joints. Apply ice packs several times a day, this will help to reduce inflammation and encourages circulation which will help promote healing.
Specific rotator cuff exercises can be found either by discussing with your physician, or doing a search on the internet- various medical websites have instructions and diagrams for all types of muscle and joint exercises. Yoga is also a good form of exercise for prevention and promoting healing, because it is low-impact and poses can be modified to adjust for losses in mobility.
Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about rotator cuff exercises, please visit Joint Health Now for current articles and discussions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Pan
The biggest key to preventing rotator cuff injuries is to be aware of any type of pain in your shoulder, and don't continue any type of activities that hurt until after you've spoken with your physician. While there is still some debate as to whether or not rotator cuff exercises will actually strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulders, it's not a bad idea to try these with the advice and supervision of your physician or a physical therapist.
If you do happen to injure your rotator cuff you will likely have symptoms such as pain when you attempt to move your arm upward and away from your torso, pain and weakness in the arm along with a definite soreness in your shoulder area. An indicator that you've had an injury occur is whenever any type of basic activities that require you to lift your arm upwards- whether you're lifting or not- hurt to do.
Rotator cuff pain usually will occur in most people- especially in men- as they age, regardless of whether there has been an injury or not. This is is due to the normal "wear and tear" of life on our joints. The key to knowing whether your pain is due to an injury or not is to seek the advice of your physician, early treatment is the best prevention for surgery that there is.
Rotator cuff exercises can- to some degree, as with any other type of exercise- help to strengthen the area of muscles responsible for mobility in the shoulder. For those already injured, a good orthopedic surgeon or specialist can refer you to a physical therapist who will then recommend some types of exercises and movements that will actually help heal the injury and prevent further damage.
The actual term "rotator cuff" refers to a group of muscles that help to stabilize the shoulder and help the arm function. If you've torn a rotator cuff, the best treatments are to rest the entire area- minimalize movement of the area and joints. Apply ice packs several times a day, this will help to reduce inflammation and encourages circulation which will help promote healing.
Specific rotator cuff exercises can be found either by discussing with your physician, or doing a search on the internet- various medical websites have instructions and diagrams for all types of muscle and joint exercises. Yoga is also a good form of exercise for prevention and promoting healing, because it is low-impact and poses can be modified to adjust for losses in mobility.
Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about rotator cuff exercises, please visit Joint Health Now for current articles and discussions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Pan
Dangerous Shoulder Exercises
Have you ever suffered from shoulder discomfort after working out? I am referring to aching or sharp pain experienced in the front of the shoulder or lateral upper arm that is felt with overhead activities, reaching behind the back or even laying on the shoulder. These symptoms are often indicative of rotator cuff inflammation. This is a common problem for many people who perform resistance training on a regular basis Rotary Cuff Injury. It is also a problem that can easily be prevented by modifying the following “dangerous shoulder exercises.”
Bench Press – This is a popular exercise chosen to build the chest, along with the anterior deltoid and triceps. Most teach taking the bar down until it lightly touches the chest. However, I believe this is unsafe because it exposes the anterior shoulder capsule to excessive load, in addition to compressing the soft tissue of the rotator cuff between the humerus and the acromion. Over time, with repeated bouts and heavy loads, the rotator cuff becomes inflamed.
Individuals with any anterior shoulder laxity (loose joints) or history of subluxation/dislocation are also at increase risk for rotator cuff injury or labral (shoulder cartilage) damage. Furthermore, you also have the potential to rupture the pectoralis tendon with full range pressing during heavy loads. The safe answer is to lower the bar until the upper arm is parallel to the floor (elbow bent to 90 degrees). This prevents the shoulder joint from moving into the unsafe range. The same advice applies to push-ups.
Lat Pull Downs – This is a good exercise to strengthen the back, but when done behind the head it can cause problems. Like the bench press, pulling the bar down behind the head positions the humerus in such a way that the rotator cuff can be pinched. This may depend on other factors, including the shape of a person’s acromion and degree of any present arthritis, but I still believe the risk outweighs any benefit. Not to mention that keeping the bar in front of the head still accomplishes the same movement for the target muscle, while eliminating the risk of Rotary Cuff Injury. Remember not to sway during the movement, and position the body in a slightly reclined position, pulling the bar toward the sternum. Another unrelated reason not to do behind the neck pull downs is that it places undue stress on the cervical spine.
Military Press – This exercise when performed behind the neck with a bar, positions the shoulder in the aforementioned unfavorable position. Done repeatedly, the rotator cuff can become inflamed Rotary Cuff Injury. Similar to behind the neck pull downs, you also expose your neck to unnecessary stress. It is safer to perform the exercise in front of the head or utilize dumbbells and work in the scapular plane. You must watch to avoid arching the low back and it is best to use a bench with back support to prevent this.
Dips/Upright Row – As before, the key mistake made with these exercises is allowing the shoulder to move beyond 90 degrees relative to a position parallel to the floor or perpendicular to the body. I always recommend stopping at 90 degrees to protect the shoulder capsule and the rotator cuff.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise – In my opinion, this exercise is often done incorrectly. The mistakes include lifting too much weight, keeping the arms straight, and raising the arms out away from the body in the plane of the body. The force on the rotator cuff reaches 90% of your body weight when the arms are raised to 90 degrees with the arms straight and in the plane of the body. That is a lot of force on four relatively small rotator cuff muscles. The target muscle is the lateral deltoid, but the rotator cuff is extremely active, and it functions to allow you to raise the arm by depressing the humerus so that it passes under the acromion during active elevation. When heavy loads are introduced in the wrong plane of motion, disaster usually occurs. I am fanatical about performing this exercise correctly.
The proper way to execute a lateral raise is to keep the elbows comfortably flexed (20-30 degrees) and raise the arm to no higher than parallel to the floor. The arm should be in the scapular plane of motion (approximately 30-45 degrees from being perpendicular to the body) and the weight should be relatively light. Once you feel you have to shrug or use momentum to raise the weight, you need to rest or lower the weight. In my opinion, this is one of the worst exercises for the shoulder if done incorrectly.
In summary, I want to emphasize that good intentions may spell bad results for the shoulder if proper form is lacking. The rotator cuff and shoulder joint is extremely vulnerable to heavy loads and repetitive bouts of exercise. Gradually, it may become inflamed and hinder or limit your workout altogether. Be sure to master form before increasing weight, and do not attempt to work through pain, as this often perpetuates the problem. Remember to assess risk and reward at all times, and rest assured that these modifications will not hinder your gains. Instead, they will prevent missed time in the gym and produce happier, healthier shoulders!
Copyright © 2004 Brian Schiff.
Brian Schiff, PT, CSCS, is a respected author, physical therapist and fitness expert. To learn more about preventing shoulder injuries or resolving rotator cuff pain, visit http://www.rotatorcufftraining.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Schiff
Bench Press – This is a popular exercise chosen to build the chest, along with the anterior deltoid and triceps. Most teach taking the bar down until it lightly touches the chest. However, I believe this is unsafe because it exposes the anterior shoulder capsule to excessive load, in addition to compressing the soft tissue of the rotator cuff between the humerus and the acromion. Over time, with repeated bouts and heavy loads, the rotator cuff becomes inflamed.
Individuals with any anterior shoulder laxity (loose joints) or history of subluxation/dislocation are also at increase risk for rotator cuff injury or labral (shoulder cartilage) damage. Furthermore, you also have the potential to rupture the pectoralis tendon with full range pressing during heavy loads. The safe answer is to lower the bar until the upper arm is parallel to the floor (elbow bent to 90 degrees). This prevents the shoulder joint from moving into the unsafe range. The same advice applies to push-ups.
Lat Pull Downs – This is a good exercise to strengthen the back, but when done behind the head it can cause problems. Like the bench press, pulling the bar down behind the head positions the humerus in such a way that the rotator cuff can be pinched. This may depend on other factors, including the shape of a person’s acromion and degree of any present arthritis, but I still believe the risk outweighs any benefit. Not to mention that keeping the bar in front of the head still accomplishes the same movement for the target muscle, while eliminating the risk of Rotary Cuff Injury. Remember not to sway during the movement, and position the body in a slightly reclined position, pulling the bar toward the sternum. Another unrelated reason not to do behind the neck pull downs is that it places undue stress on the cervical spine.
Military Press – This exercise when performed behind the neck with a bar, positions the shoulder in the aforementioned unfavorable position. Done repeatedly, the rotator cuff can become inflamed Rotary Cuff Injury. Similar to behind the neck pull downs, you also expose your neck to unnecessary stress. It is safer to perform the exercise in front of the head or utilize dumbbells and work in the scapular plane. You must watch to avoid arching the low back and it is best to use a bench with back support to prevent this.
Dips/Upright Row – As before, the key mistake made with these exercises is allowing the shoulder to move beyond 90 degrees relative to a position parallel to the floor or perpendicular to the body. I always recommend stopping at 90 degrees to protect the shoulder capsule and the rotator cuff.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise – In my opinion, this exercise is often done incorrectly. The mistakes include lifting too much weight, keeping the arms straight, and raising the arms out away from the body in the plane of the body. The force on the rotator cuff reaches 90% of your body weight when the arms are raised to 90 degrees with the arms straight and in the plane of the body. That is a lot of force on four relatively small rotator cuff muscles. The target muscle is the lateral deltoid, but the rotator cuff is extremely active, and it functions to allow you to raise the arm by depressing the humerus so that it passes under the acromion during active elevation. When heavy loads are introduced in the wrong plane of motion, disaster usually occurs. I am fanatical about performing this exercise correctly.
The proper way to execute a lateral raise is to keep the elbows comfortably flexed (20-30 degrees) and raise the arm to no higher than parallel to the floor. The arm should be in the scapular plane of motion (approximately 30-45 degrees from being perpendicular to the body) and the weight should be relatively light. Once you feel you have to shrug or use momentum to raise the weight, you need to rest or lower the weight. In my opinion, this is one of the worst exercises for the shoulder if done incorrectly.
In summary, I want to emphasize that good intentions may spell bad results for the shoulder if proper form is lacking. The rotator cuff and shoulder joint is extremely vulnerable to heavy loads and repetitive bouts of exercise. Gradually, it may become inflamed and hinder or limit your workout altogether. Be sure to master form before increasing weight, and do not attempt to work through pain, as this often perpetuates the problem. Remember to assess risk and reward at all times, and rest assured that these modifications will not hinder your gains. Instead, they will prevent missed time in the gym and produce happier, healthier shoulders!
Copyright © 2004 Brian Schiff.
Brian Schiff, PT, CSCS, is a respected author, physical therapist and fitness expert. To learn more about preventing shoulder injuries or resolving rotator cuff pain, visit http://www.rotatorcufftraining.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Schiff
How to Treat Shoulder Bursitis
Most clinical words ending in "itis" means inflammation of some sort - for example, peritonitis and laryngitis. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac which prevents muscle insertions rubbing on bones within your body.
Shoulder bursitis occurs when one of the bursa sacs around your shoulder joint becomes inflamed and sore. Often the cause of this is overuse - constant, repetitive movements of the arm rub the tendon permanently on the shoulder bursa, which then causes the inflammation. After that, any lifting of the arm above 90 degrees or overhead causes pain and interferes with mobility. At best, shoulder bursitis is a nuisance, at worst can spell problems for the continuing career of an athlete. If your livelihood depends on you fast-bowling in cricket, then the onset of bursitis can be a disaster.Rotary Cuff
There are two bursae in the shoulder that are most likely to be affected:-
Subdeltoid Bursa
This little sac lies on the side of your upper arm, where your main shoulder muscle (deltoid) meets your arm bone (humerus). If you have pain when your arm is held out to the side at shoulder height, and you are sure that you have not sustained a rotator cuff injury, then bursitis is likely to be the cause. If the pain seems to be at the top of the shoulder as opposed to partway down the arm, it may be caused by impingement. Shoulder impingement occurs when the soft tissues of the shoulder become trapped under the bony bit on the top of the shoulder girdle (called the acromium process), causing - surprise, surprise - painful inflammation.Rotary Cuff
Subacromial Bursa
This bursa sits on top of the shoulder; if moving your arm in an arc from 90* to reach your fingers to the ceiling causes the pain, this is possibly the culprit. Bursitis in this area is also known as shoulder impingement.
If you can tick the above boxes regarding pain in the shoulder, and especially if you have been performing lots of repetitive-type movements, then you probably have shoulder bursitis. A visit to a physician for diagnosis is a good idea, although there are some elements of shoulder therapy that you can do yourself:-Rotary Cuff
1. Rest from the activity you are doing. Bursitis is an overuse injury, and many cases will clear up all by themselves if left in peace and not aggravated.
2. Ice the area. Take the appropriate ice precautions. Cold reduces inflammation and can speed up recovery. In acute stages do not be tempted to hop into a hot bath to ease the pain - it may feel better at the time, but in the long run will make things worse.
3. In severe and chronic cases, an injection of hydrocortisone may be necessary.
4. When inflammation has eased, build up your surrounding shoulder muscles to take some of the strain.Rotary Cuff
Most cases of bursitis respond well to conservative treatment, and may not recur if the appropriate remedial and rehabilitation exercises are done regularly.
My name is Carol J Bartram and I am a qualified Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist. Sustaining sporting injuries myself led me to try and find the best ways to rehabilitate others' injuries and give the most effective exercises to prevent re-occurrence. In my case, it was not to get back on the horse! So if you have a Shoulder Injury or Shoulder Impingement problem, come and visit our site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Bartram Rotary Cuff
Shoulder bursitis occurs when one of the bursa sacs around your shoulder joint becomes inflamed and sore. Often the cause of this is overuse - constant, repetitive movements of the arm rub the tendon permanently on the shoulder bursa, which then causes the inflammation. After that, any lifting of the arm above 90 degrees or overhead causes pain and interferes with mobility. At best, shoulder bursitis is a nuisance, at worst can spell problems for the continuing career of an athlete. If your livelihood depends on you fast-bowling in cricket, then the onset of bursitis can be a disaster.Rotary Cuff
There are two bursae in the shoulder that are most likely to be affected:-
Subdeltoid Bursa
This little sac lies on the side of your upper arm, where your main shoulder muscle (deltoid) meets your arm bone (humerus). If you have pain when your arm is held out to the side at shoulder height, and you are sure that you have not sustained a rotator cuff injury, then bursitis is likely to be the cause. If the pain seems to be at the top of the shoulder as opposed to partway down the arm, it may be caused by impingement. Shoulder impingement occurs when the soft tissues of the shoulder become trapped under the bony bit on the top of the shoulder girdle (called the acromium process), causing - surprise, surprise - painful inflammation.Rotary Cuff
Subacromial Bursa
This bursa sits on top of the shoulder; if moving your arm in an arc from 90* to reach your fingers to the ceiling causes the pain, this is possibly the culprit. Bursitis in this area is also known as shoulder impingement.
If you can tick the above boxes regarding pain in the shoulder, and especially if you have been performing lots of repetitive-type movements, then you probably have shoulder bursitis. A visit to a physician for diagnosis is a good idea, although there are some elements of shoulder therapy that you can do yourself:-Rotary Cuff
1. Rest from the activity you are doing. Bursitis is an overuse injury, and many cases will clear up all by themselves if left in peace and not aggravated.
2. Ice the area. Take the appropriate ice precautions. Cold reduces inflammation and can speed up recovery. In acute stages do not be tempted to hop into a hot bath to ease the pain - it may feel better at the time, but in the long run will make things worse.
3. In severe and chronic cases, an injection of hydrocortisone may be necessary.
4. When inflammation has eased, build up your surrounding shoulder muscles to take some of the strain.Rotary Cuff
Most cases of bursitis respond well to conservative treatment, and may not recur if the appropriate remedial and rehabilitation exercises are done regularly.
My name is Carol J Bartram and I am a qualified Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist. Sustaining sporting injuries myself led me to try and find the best ways to rehabilitate others' injuries and give the most effective exercises to prevent re-occurrence. In my case, it was not to get back on the horse! So if you have a Shoulder Injury or Shoulder Impingement problem, come and visit our site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Bartram Rotary Cuff
Shoulder Stretches - Exercises For Shoulder Problems and Traumas
Shoulder Stretches and shoulder injury exercises should always be performed under the guidance of a professional therapist who knows the complex structure and functioning of the shoulder joint. They should always be performed to speed up recovery for rehabilitation after a trauma or for all common shoulder problems such as Bursitis, Tendonitis, Impingement, which are all related, and even a Frozen Shoulder, in the thawing phase.
The rotator cuff is the most complex of joints, it allows for the widest range of motion of all limbs thanks to its very shallow structure and prevents the arm from becoming dislocated at every movement by keeping it into place. The four tendons connecting the top of the arm (humeral ball) to the shoulder bone (the shoulder blade glenoid, or socket) constantly slide on the bursa, a sack strategically positioned on the bones to prevent inflammation. Finally a capsule envelops the rotator cuff for protection.
The whole set up is complex but normally very durable and strong. However, when something goes wrong, it is also a recipe for long term problems and healing times, more so than any other joint. Sport people like tennis or golf players and weight lifters, who constantly perform repetitive motions with extreme force loads can often complain of shoulder problems as well as traumas and tears. But overall it is not necessary to play a sport to be affected by shoulder problems, because Tendonitis, Bursitis, Impingement and Frozen Shoulder are equal opportunity ailments that strike at any member of the population, regardless of lifestyle, age and gender.
Shoulder stretches and specific exercises should be performed repeatedly through the day, and not just when visiting a therapist. Constant commitment and progression are the key to successfully return the rotator cuff to the flexible joint is meant to be and to eliminate the pain always associated with these conditions, especially at night but not only.
It is no fun to live with a pain in the shoulder while sleeping or lifting an arm, or even a limited range of motion such as in the case of a frozen shoulder. These ailments can last for months or even few years. There is no need to put up with this. If you have any of the above problems and are looking for professionally designed shoulder stretches and exercises, check out this shoulder stretches program.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Finn
The rotator cuff is the most complex of joints, it allows for the widest range of motion of all limbs thanks to its very shallow structure and prevents the arm from becoming dislocated at every movement by keeping it into place. The four tendons connecting the top of the arm (humeral ball) to the shoulder bone (the shoulder blade glenoid, or socket) constantly slide on the bursa, a sack strategically positioned on the bones to prevent inflammation. Finally a capsule envelops the rotator cuff for protection.
The whole set up is complex but normally very durable and strong. However, when something goes wrong, it is also a recipe for long term problems and healing times, more so than any other joint. Sport people like tennis or golf players and weight lifters, who constantly perform repetitive motions with extreme force loads can often complain of shoulder problems as well as traumas and tears. But overall it is not necessary to play a sport to be affected by shoulder problems, because Tendonitis, Bursitis, Impingement and Frozen Shoulder are equal opportunity ailments that strike at any member of the population, regardless of lifestyle, age and gender.
Shoulder stretches and specific exercises should be performed repeatedly through the day, and not just when visiting a therapist. Constant commitment and progression are the key to successfully return the rotator cuff to the flexible joint is meant to be and to eliminate the pain always associated with these conditions, especially at night but not only.
It is no fun to live with a pain in the shoulder while sleeping or lifting an arm, or even a limited range of motion such as in the case of a frozen shoulder. These ailments can last for months or even few years. There is no need to put up with this. If you have any of the above problems and are looking for professionally designed shoulder stretches and exercises, check out this shoulder stretches program.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Finn
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: A Shoulder Injury For All of Us
When you hear rotator cuff injury, what comes to mind?
For most people, the first thing they think of is your local team's pitcher, who was just placed on the disabled list. Most recently, Orlando Hernandez and Jarid Wright are two of the big names on their respective team’s disabled list because of a rotator cuff injury.
However, shoulder injuries are not issues restricted to baseball players even though they are particularly susceptible to it given the throwing motion and how that impacts the upper part of the shoulder. Essentially, baseball pitchers and players have something called impingement syndrome which eventually leads to rotator cuff tendonitis. Impingement syndrome is commonly referred to as the weekend warrior syndrome.
For those who are not professional baseball players, this syndrome can be exasperated by playing basketball, by serving a tennis ball, by throwing a football, etc. While it is routine to feel somewhat sore after increased activity, particularly as one ages, it is not routine to experience pain in less intense shoulder motions. If routine movements such as turning off the alarm clock or reaching on the top shelf become painful, you need medical attention as it is a symptom of rotator cuff tendonitis. Most of the time rotator cuff tendonitis can be healed and managed with physical therapy and full activity can be restored. Occasionally, steroid injections are needed and more rarely than that , surgery is recommended.
The critical aspect is to treat this problem early, before there is major scarring or rotator cuff tears. Keep in mind that 90% of all rotator cuff tears are the original result of chronic inflammation. It is essentially something that starts small and gets progressively more difficult. If the shoulder is hurting, medical attention should be sought more quickly rather than less.
Michael Carroll, MD is a board certified family physician with a special interest in sports medicine. He is the founding partner of Creekside Clinic, LLC, a progressive primary care center in Traverse City, Michigan and a member of both the American College of Sports Medicine, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. He also holds special interest in shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries, specifically with regard to cutting-edge treatments.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Carroll
For most people, the first thing they think of is your local team's pitcher, who was just placed on the disabled list. Most recently, Orlando Hernandez and Jarid Wright are two of the big names on their respective team’s disabled list because of a rotator cuff injury.
However, shoulder injuries are not issues restricted to baseball players even though they are particularly susceptible to it given the throwing motion and how that impacts the upper part of the shoulder. Essentially, baseball pitchers and players have something called impingement syndrome which eventually leads to rotator cuff tendonitis. Impingement syndrome is commonly referred to as the weekend warrior syndrome.
For those who are not professional baseball players, this syndrome can be exasperated by playing basketball, by serving a tennis ball, by throwing a football, etc. While it is routine to feel somewhat sore after increased activity, particularly as one ages, it is not routine to experience pain in less intense shoulder motions. If routine movements such as turning off the alarm clock or reaching on the top shelf become painful, you need medical attention as it is a symptom of rotator cuff tendonitis. Most of the time rotator cuff tendonitis can be healed and managed with physical therapy and full activity can be restored. Occasionally, steroid injections are needed and more rarely than that , surgery is recommended.
The critical aspect is to treat this problem early, before there is major scarring or rotator cuff tears. Keep in mind that 90% of all rotator cuff tears are the original result of chronic inflammation. It is essentially something that starts small and gets progressively more difficult. If the shoulder is hurting, medical attention should be sought more quickly rather than less.
Michael Carroll, MD is a board certified family physician with a special interest in sports medicine. He is the founding partner of Creekside Clinic, LLC, a progressive primary care center in Traverse City, Michigan and a member of both the American College of Sports Medicine, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. He also holds special interest in shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries, specifically with regard to cutting-edge treatments.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Carroll
Torn Rotator Cuff Symptoms - How Early Detection Can Improve Recovery
Torn rotator cuff symptoms can show up after an accident or repetitive motions and while they are more common in individuals over 40, they can also affect young people. The most common cause of this condition is repetitive movements, which lead to a progressive wear and tear inflammation of the shoulder joint, whereas the 4 muscles making up the rotator cuff become overworked. The initial symptoms are that of a light dull pain at night that can grow worse and worse if left untreated.
As the affected person does not do something about immediately, the situation becomes more complicated. The simple snapping and clicking associated with movements can turn into a nasty condition called frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, that greatly restricts arm movement and impairs the sufferer a great deal in any daily task. Since I suffered from a frozen shoulder I know what it is like not being able to fully lift your arm or steer the car wheel without great discomfort or pain.
Rotator cuff symptoms are the final outcome of an inflammation that has not been taken seriously enough from the start. Once started, it will usually last for as long as 3 years if left untreated. Mine lasted 15 months. It is best to avoid a torn shoulder to become frozen by quickly implementing a professional rotator cuff exercise program including stretching exercises. A non steroidal anti inflammatory drug such as aspirin or ibuprofen can alleviate the symptoms only for a short while, and must not be considered as a long term solution as they cure just the symptoms, not the root cause.
Especially people who play sports can experience a loss of strength in their performance as the rotator cuff becomes more and more inflamed. Before the inflammation can lead to tissue growth in the shoulder joint area and therefore to a frozen shoulder, it is best to revise sporting practices and start a rotator cuff injury exercise program. It can save the affected person months and even years of misery and semi-disability.
Find out how to get rid of torn rotator cuff symptoms at
rotator cuff injury exercise.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Finn
As the affected person does not do something about immediately, the situation becomes more complicated. The simple snapping and clicking associated with movements can turn into a nasty condition called frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, that greatly restricts arm movement and impairs the sufferer a great deal in any daily task. Since I suffered from a frozen shoulder I know what it is like not being able to fully lift your arm or steer the car wheel without great discomfort or pain.
Rotator cuff symptoms are the final outcome of an inflammation that has not been taken seriously enough from the start. Once started, it will usually last for as long as 3 years if left untreated. Mine lasted 15 months. It is best to avoid a torn shoulder to become frozen by quickly implementing a professional rotator cuff exercise program including stretching exercises. A non steroidal anti inflammatory drug such as aspirin or ibuprofen can alleviate the symptoms only for a short while, and must not be considered as a long term solution as they cure just the symptoms, not the root cause.
Especially people who play sports can experience a loss of strength in their performance as the rotator cuff becomes more and more inflamed. Before the inflammation can lead to tissue growth in the shoulder joint area and therefore to a frozen shoulder, it is best to revise sporting practices and start a rotator cuff injury exercise program. It can save the affected person months and even years of misery and semi-disability.
Find out how to get rid of torn rotator cuff symptoms at
rotator cuff injury exercise.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Finn
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