Shoulder Performance & Rehab

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Shoulder Exercise for Baseball Players (or any Throwing Athlete)

I found this video of a shoulder exercise that I have never seen before at BaseballStrengthBlog.com. (It looks like their mother site, BaseballStrength.com, is undergoing some changes and you must now register to assess their resources – but that seems like a small price to pay for what appears to be a very informative web site.)

This exercise is unconventional - but looks promising. According to Coach Dan, this exercise is helpful for:

• Shoulder Stabilization
• Shoulder Safety
• Explosive Shoulder Power

He uses a 2 kg (a little less than 1 lb.) ball about the size of a basketball – I’m not sure where you’d find the ball that he’s using in the video, but I’m pretty sure a basketball would work just fine.

Be sure to pay attention to what he says in the video – this exercise is not a finger-tip dribbling movement, but an explosive arm movement that is generated by the shoulder.

Give it a try and let me know what you think.

New Procedure to Repair an AC Separation

A separated shoulder is usually the result of:

• a fall onto an outstretched hand (my separated shoulder occurred as the result of a fall while skiing)
• a direct impact to the shoulder (often seen in football, rugby, lacrosse, or any other contact sport / activity)

(photo used courtesy of Neil Rickards)

Dr. William Pennington has been one of the developers of a new arthroscopic technique which results in less pain and less scarring. This procedure is specially designed to treat shoulder separations that are at least three months old.

Shoulder Separations are Distinguished by Severity of the Injury

The following data is used courtesy of Wikipedia – Shoulder Separation

Type I

A Type I AC separation involves trauma to the ligaments that form the joint, but no severe tearing or fracture. It is commonly referred to as a sprain. Most doctors treat this type of dislocation with anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medication and the placement of the arm in a sling or an immobilizer.

Type II

A Type II AC separation involves complete tearing of the acromioclavicular ligament, as well as a sprain or partial tear of the coracoclavicular ligaments. This often causes a noticeable bump on the shoulder. By pressing on the sternal aspect of the clavicle you force the acromial end down, and by releasing, watch it pop back up (eliciting a piano key sign due to the tearing of the AC ligament)[3]. Severe pain and loss of movement are common. Treatment is typically an arm sling, bedrest, ice and heat therapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Most people recover full motion of the shoulder and arm within 6 to 8 weeks, often with the assistance of physical therapy.

Type III

In a Type III AC separation both acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments are torn. A significant bump is formed by the lateral end of the clavicle. This bump is permanent. The clavicle can be moved in and out of place on the shoulder. It may take 12 weeks to heal, and physical therapy can be beneficial. It may take even longer for the shoulder strength to approach feeling normal. The injured shoulder may not be able to take the abuse that it could previously, but for most purposes it will be quite usable and sufficient. However, there still is controversy as to whether or not surgery may be necessary for optimal shoulder use in sport.

Type IV

This is a type III injury with avulsion of the coracoclavicular ligament from the clavicle, with the distal clavicle displaced posteriorly into or through the trapezius. This injury is generally acknowledged to require surgery.

Type V

This is type III but with exaggeration of the vertical displacement of the clavicle from the scapula. This injury generally requires surgery.

Type VI

This is type III with inferior dislocation of the lateral end of the clavicle below the coracoid. It is extremely rare and generally only involved with motor vehicle collisions. This requires surgery.

A Short Video Explaining Shoulder Separation and Treatments

I had the pleasure of meeting H. Robert Perez earlier this month at the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual conference. He happened by our booth as we were demonstrating the Rotater to several conference attendees. I asked Dr. Perez if he’d like to try the Rotater, but he said that he already had one and “loved” it.

Dr. Perez went on the explain that he played Men’s Senior League Baseball and felt that the Rotater would be beneficial to many of the players.

“…Part of a Comprehensive Shoulder Stretching Program”

“As a 20+ year player in The Mens Senior Baseball League and someone with a background in Sports Medicine I can attest to the benefit of using the Rotater in a comprehensive shoulder stretching program.

I use the Rotater after a general warmup which include calistenics and running 1/2 hour before game time. I then follow the recommended stretches outlined in the instructions and finish with general throwing and long toss.

The Rotater has increased my Range of Motion at the shoulder and reduced strain. Our pitchers have tried it and they like the specific stretch it provides at the shoulder girdle. Thanks for sharing the Rotater with our over 40 baseball players”

H. Robert Perez, Ph.D
Human Performance Lab
Adelphi University

(photo courtesy of H. Robert Perez)

(photo courtesy of H. Robert Perez)

(photo courtesy of H. Robert Perez)

(photo courtesy of H. Robert Perez)

What is your Rotater Cuff and How can it be injured?

One of the most common injuries of the shoulder involves the rotator cuff. But exactly what is the rotator cuff and what does it do?

Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy out of Boston posted a very good article about the rotator cuff written in easy-to-understand terms. Their article includes:

• a description of the shoulder joint (anatomy) and why the shoulder can be easily injured
• an explanation of shoulder impingement
• how rotator cuff tendonitis can occur
• ways to prevent shoulder injuries

Another very good blog post from Commonwealth Sports Medicine, entitled – Shoulder Impingement – states that shoulder impingement syndorme “affects at least half of all overhead athletes at some point in their career.”

I especially like their analogy of comparing the precariousness of the shoulder joint to “taking a golf tee and balancing a basketball on top of it- an unstable situation.”

Check out their suggestions for dealing with this injury – rest, ice, strengthening and stretching the rotator cuff and more.

Excellent Shoulder Anatomy Video

This is the best video I’ve seen describing the function and anatomy of the shoulder joint. If you want to know more about how your shoulder functions, then watch the video.

We (the Rotater Guys) head to St. Louis

In 2006,Scott Kay introduced a very crude prototype of the shoulder rehab and stretching device that he had invented to athletic trainers at the National Athletic Trainer Association’s annual conference that was being held in Atlanta.

Because of the response that the Rotater received in Atlanta, Scott proceeded with the development of his shoulder rehab and stretching device – which is now in mass production.

The NATA conference will be at the America’s Center Convention Center in St. Louis. If you’re in the area, then stop by booth #2242. We’d love to meet you and answer your questions.

When was the last time your shoulder felt fantastic?

No one realizes how much they depend on their shoulder – that is until they’ve injured their shoulder, have surgery and can’t use it. Frequently people want to know how long their particular shoulder injury will take to heal.

Answers that don’t help.

Imagine that you’ve sprained your shoulder and you want to know how to treat this injury. You could look at these suggestions for your shoulder information. However, these comments are the thoughts and advice of laymen who may or may not know what they are talking about.

Here is a thread from the Injury Update Forum that seeks to answer the question – How long will it take to recover from shoulder reconstruction?

Here is a discussion on the issue of How long to heal from a dislocated shoulder that resulted from being hit by a car.

Would you let your friend work on your $40,000.00 automobile?

It should be obvious by now that everyone has an opinion about everything – including your shoulder injury. But who are you going to trust with the care of your most versatile joint? Where can you find credible shoulder information? What you need is believable information about your shoulder and there are a number of sources that are quite extensive.

See a Doctor – an Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in Shoulder Repair!

(photo courtesy of soldiersmediacenter)

Visit Shoulderdoc – this is a vast web site filled with:

• Medical Educational Material – What’s the difference between SLAP, SLIP and SLOP? Do you want to purchase a book about shoulders? This is the place to look.
• The Latest Shoulder News – Do you want to read about the latest research in shoulder surgery techniques or shoulder rehab?
• Rehab Protocols – this is an immense section of information about shoulder rehab procedures.
• Much, much more.

Shoulderdoc offers a wealth of information on all aspects of your shoulder. Use this web site to educate yourself.

- - -

“Thanks to the rotater I was able to get back to work and not lose the use of my shoulder in this demanding profession.”
- Officer D. Pesko

It’s time to get back to the grindstone. Scott and I are back home after four days in Indianapolis where we were exhibiting the Rotater, our shoulder rehab and stretching device, at the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual conference. During the conference, we learned that:

• The Rotater is being used in Ball State’s Human Performance Lab
• at least one other university is teaching its students the benefits of the Rotater

No matter where we go, we discover great people who are helping us spread the word about the Rotater and it can help in shoulder performance and rehab. This trip was no different and I’d like to thank them for:

• their advice
• their encouragement
• introducing us to influential people
• pointing us in the right direction

Among those that We’d like to thank are:

• Steven Forestieri and Jeff Rose of NHESA – Steven and Jeff have a passion to help others and the National Health and Exercise Science Association promises to be a fantastic organization with a variety of health care and educational applications.
• Rachelle Waggoner
• Daniel P. Montero, M.D. – Orthopedic Medicine & Musculoskeletal Disorders - Mayo Clinic
• Clinton A. Brawner, MS – ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist
• Helmut Perez – FACSM
• Lisa Sonntag, MS, PTA – ACSM Certified Health Fitness Instructor
• Kim Mueller, MS, RD – www.fuel-factor.com
• Dave Freidrich – www.infinitnutrition.com
• Judy Foxworth, PT, PhD, OCS – Assistant Professor Department of Physical Therapy, Winston Salem State University
• Angie Armour – Occupational Therapist
• Jonathan K. Ehrman, PhD, FASCM – Associate Program Director, Preventive Cardiology and Clinical Exercise Physiology Core Lab – Director, Weight Management Program.
• Frank Finach
• Dan Zeman

Distributorship Inquiries from Abroad

There was tremendous interest about the possibility of distributing the Rotater worldwide. Though we are currently shipping to many countries, several people approached us about setting up distributorships in their countries. These include:

• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Brazil
• Chile

The Rotater Guys are taking a Road Trip

Scott and I will be traveling to Indianapolis this week for the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual conference to demo our shoulder rehab and stretching device.

(photo courtesy of Serge Melki)

The American College of Sports Medicine is the world’s largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. Their annual conference provides a wealth of expert knowledge for the sports professional.

The Rotater made its commercial debut last year in New Orleans at this same show, where it received phenomenal attention and reinforced our belief that our shoulder stretching device is beneficial for both post-operative shoulder patients as well as serious athletes.

If you are going to be in Indianapolis this week, then make it a point to stop by our booth to introduce yourself. We’d love to meet you.

Here’s a round-up of some of the interesting shoulder information that you can use to make informed decisions about your shoulder.

Bowhunters need Strong Shoulders

(photo courtesy of sorenson photo)

I live in the deep south, Alabama to be exact. Down here, people take their hunting seriously, so if it’s not hunting season, then it’s a good time to get ready for hunting season.

The Hunt Doctors (they are “real” medical doctors) have written “Strengthening Your Shoulders For Bowhunting” in which they explain a little shoulder anatomy in everyday hunter terms and outline a number of exercises to help you develop your shoulder strength. By the way, some of the bows that serious hunters use can require extreme shoulder strength to pull back and then hold for an extended period of time while you wait for the perfect shot. If you think it’s easy, then go to your local hunting store and give it a try.

Should you “work” through a Shoulder Injury?

(photo courtesy of LollyKnit)

A question posed on Stronglifts.com asks about persistent pain in the shoulder and whether to continue lifting weights. “What should I do?” Mehdi’s explanation describes:

• the muscle involved, specifically the infraspinatus ( good illustrations )
• some of the causes of infraspinatus injuries
• some of the symptoms of this rotator cuff injury
• some of the ways to deal with this shoulder problem

Mehdi concludes by giving this advice:

“Stay away from painkillers. Pain is your body telling you something is wrong. Find out what. Educate yourself. Ask your doctor’s advice. But make sure you treat the causes, not the symptoms.

Take it slowly with weight lifting in the meanwhile. Lower the weight, spend time improving technique & slowly build back up. Don’t worry about strength loss, getting rid of injuries is more important in the long run.”

Tips for Preventing Shoulder Injuries in Young Pitchers

(photo courtesy of wjklos)

Brooke deLench, author and noted expert on youth related sports issues has written “Preventing Pitching Injuries” in which she educates parents on some of the things that they can do. She says that there are a number of things that parents and coaches can do to prevent shoulder injuries which include:

• ensure proper conditioning
• teach correct throwing mechanics
• always warmup and stretch
• place limits on pitches
• don’t allow your child to play through the pain

This is a great article that will educate a parent on how to help their future Cy Young award winner to avoid arm and shoulder injuries. If you are a parent, and your child pitches, then you need to read this article.

Here’s the latest info:

Smoltz believes rehab will start soon – by Mark Bowman

Smotz, who went on the disabled list on April 26^th due to inflammation of his rotator cuff and biceps tendon plans to throw from the mound for the first time this Saturday. read Mark Bowman’s article on MLB.com

Rangers’ Bradley out with a sore shoulder

Milton Bradley, the designated hitter for the Texas Rangers was pulled in the 7^th inning of Monday nights game with the Mariners due to a sore shoulder and probably will not return to the line up until Friday.

Prior takes step back in rehab – by Jon Greenburg

The latest on Mark Prior was that is that he was scheduled to undergo an MRI this past Monday to access the condition of his shoulder. Jon Greenburg reports that there is the possibility of a trip to Birmingham Alabama to see Dr. James Andrews, the prominent orthopedic surgeon who performed arthroscopic surgery on Mark in 2007. read Jon Greenburg’s article

Schilling throws from 60

Amalie Benjamin reported that Curt Schilling threw from 60 ft. this past Sunday (May 11th), though Andrew Johnson notes that Schilling “had a sizeable bag of ice” on his shoulder on Tuesday (May 13th).

Schilling’s last blog post entitled Getting the ‘go ahead’ which he posted on May 6^th seemed guarded. Schilling said that he feels healthy and confident, but the “doing it” still had to be done. Personally, I hope he “does it”.

Posada rehabbing in Tampa with Alex Rodriguez

Yankee catcher, Jorge Posada is in Tampa at the Yankee training facility where he played catch this past Monday while rehabbing his inflamed rotator cuff. Tyler Kepner reports that he will be out until at least early June.

Shoulder Notes is a series of posts that high-lite various articles, videos and blog posts that contain helpful and current information about your shoulder health and performance.

Frozen Shoulder – What’s the 411?

(photo courtesy of Joe Shlabotnik)

Lauran Neergaard an AP medical writer has written an article entitled “Early Care Helps Frozen Shoulder” in which she illustrates some of the mysteries surrounding frozen shoulder.

• Why doesn’t adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) affect the same shoulder twice?
• Why does frozen shoulder occur most often in women?
• Why does frozen shoulder sometimes migrate to the other shoulder?

Please note the title of Lauran’s article – Early Care Helps Frozen Shoulder. If you’re having shoulder issues and you fit the demographics outlined in the article and you don’t remember injuring your shoulder, then don’t waste any time - see your physician immediately.

Basic Shoulder Rehabilitation

Mednets has produced a basic, but thorough Patient Information Guide to Shoulder Rehabilitation with real pictures of shoulder rehab exercises (not drawings) and clear, understandable instructions that describe how the various exercises are to be performed.

It’s not flashy. It’s not high-tech. All of the exercises can be performed at home with items that you already have or can easily acquire.

What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?

Ask almost anyone this question and you’re likely to get a wide variety of vague answers. So what is a rotator cuff injury? Here is a very short (about 45 seconds) and very basic video animation that does a very good job of illustrating and explaining the injury. I must warn you that you will have to sit through a short commercial (about 30 seconds) at the beginning.

Shoulder Rehab for Baseball Pitchers

(photo courtesy of Glover Bryant Communications)

Kris Bensen, a starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, has written an article – Shoulder Rehab: A Shoulder Rehab Throwing Program For Baseball Pitchers. Kris describes a progressive throwing program designed to rehab a pitcher’s shoulder while rebuilding his arm strength.

Shoulder Strength and Stabilization

(photo courtesy of Cronfeld)

Mark Dilworth, a certified fitness trainer, former NCAA division I athlete and creator of My Fitness Hut Blog wrote an article entitled “Strengthen and Stabilize Your Shoulder Girdle”.

Mark explains three of the most common shoulder injuries (frozen shoulder, shoulder tendonitis and rotator cuff injury) and some of the steps that you can take during your training to avoid them.