Don't let your age stop you from competing!

Aging doesn’t have to be your excuse

Here’s a great story about Dawn Kirklen who began playing golf at the age of 50.  Now, at 89, she still plays twice a week.

Shoulder surgery doesn’t stop this golfer

Dawn has had four surgeries since 2000:

• two hip replacements
• back surgery
• shoulder surgery

Also, she is scheducled to have cataract surgery in January and hopes to play in a tournament in March.

What’s your excuse?

Daily exercise is one of the keys for living a long, fulfilled and productive life.  We all know it, but seldom do anything about it.

As the new year starts, why not make it a priority to enjoy your senior years by following an exercise program.  As Dawn Kirklen has proved, its never too late to start.

photo credit – AlphaTangoBravo / Adam Baker

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Post tags: exercise, Golf, shoulder surgery

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During the holidays, we get to spend time with visiting relatives.  Often, it’s the only time we get to see them all year.  My sister always comes home to Alabama to visit our parents for Christmas.  During her stay this time, she asked me how the Rotater business was doing and was excited to hear that:

• 5 NFL teams are using the Rotater
• we just sent a large order to the US Navy SEALS
• we recently met Donald Trump

MRI Results – SLAP Tear!

Suzan (my sister) asked me what a SLAP tear was and if the Rotater would help her.  I had posted an article about SLAP tears back in September, so I pulled it up on the web and discovered the video I had posted was no longer available – it was a great video, too.  I have yet to find a suitable replacement.

SLAP Tear

Anyway, to make a long story shorter, Suzan had an MRI done just prior to coming home for Christmas and it revealed that she had a SLAP tear.  That doesn’t really surprise me.  She is a life-long athlete who went to college on a basketball scholarship, played competitive softball into her 30’s and has trained with weights for the last 20 years.

Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior Tear

- what does that mean?  If you’ll look at the picture to the above, you’ll see an image of a shoulder ( without the upper arm ).  The oblong structure labelled “GLENOID LIG.” is where the ball of your upper arm would be.  It is maintained in that position by the rotator cuff ( not shown ).

Notice the BICEPS ligament attaches at the top of and to the GLENOID LIG. A SLAP tear occurs when there is a separation of the GLENOID LIGAMENT in front of the BICEPS LIGAMENT (anterior) and behind the BICEPS LIGAMENT (posterior) – if you draw a line from one blue arrow to the other and imagine peeling the GLENOID LIGAMENT away from the bony structure of the GLENOID FOSSA, you would will have a SLAP tear.

Symptoms of a SLAP tear

• A dull throbbing ache in the joint.  This can be brought on by very strenuous exertion or simple household chores. Sufferers notice that they turn to ice packs more frequently for relief.
• Difficulty sleeping due to shoulder discomfort. The SLAP lesion decreases the stability of the joint which when combined with lying in bed causes the shoulder to drop. This in turn pulls on the muscles and ligaments causing discomfort.
• For an athlete involved in a throwing sport such as baseball, pain and a catching feeling are prevalent.
• Any applied force overhead or pushing directly into the shoulder can result in impingement and catching sensations.

Community of SLAP tear sufferers

slaptear.com is an interactive website that offers extensive and easy-to-understand information – usually from the patients point of view.  It’s worth a visit.

The Real Scientific Explanation of SLAP tears

Mike Reinold, PT, DPT, ATC, CSCS, is considered one of the top experts in the fields of physical rehabilitation and sports medicine.  Mike has written several very good articles about SLAP tears.  If you want the compete 411, then take a look at the following articles by Mike:

• What Exactly Is a SLAP Lesion? Top 5 Things You Need to Know About a Superior Labral Tear
• Mechanisms of Injury to the Superior Labrum

How to test for a SLAP tear – a video by Mike Reinold

Click here to view the embedded video.

Will the Rotater help if you have a SLAP tear?

The answer is a qualified no!  The tear must be surgically reattached and allowed to fuse / grow together.  However, after surgery and when you doctor releases you to begin physical therapy, then the Rotater can be instrumental in helping you to regain your range of motion.

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Post tags: physical therapy, shoulder, shoulder surgery, SLAP tear, the Rotater

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Last month I wrote an article describing how shoulder replacement is an option for dealing with chronic shoulder pain. However, this procedure is not for everyone.  If you have an irrepairable rotator cuff tear, then conventional shoulder replacement surgery will not provide the results that you hope for.

Reversing the solution

By reversing the placement of the ball and socket, the deltoid muscles are able to provide the action needed to allow shoulder mobility without compromising shoulder stability.

Reverse shoulder replacement has been done in Europe for many years, but has only become an option for patients in the U.S. since 2004.

News Video of Reverse Shoulder Replacement Experience

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Post tags: rotator cuff, shoulder replacement

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Shoulder Pain Sucks!

Photo used courtesy of Saquan Stimpson/monstershaq200 0

It drains you, mentally and physically – especially if your particular condition is long term.

• it’s difficult to get quality, restful sleep when every sleeping position is uncomfortable or becomes uncomfortable just about the time you drift into R.E.M. sleep, causing you to jerk awake
• chronic shoulder pain affects almost every movement you make – lifting carrying, reaching pushing, pulling, holding – everyday tasks ( combing your hair or reaching for your wallet ) that you took for granted become impossible or so painful that you avoid them
• this combination of a lack of sleep plus persistent pain condemns you to a lower quality of life than you deserve

Shoulder Replacement is just one option

There are many options for dealing with your persistent shoulder pain.  Consult your physician to learn about the options available to you.

Typically, shoulder replacement is performed when a person has developed Osteoarthritis in the shoulder joint.  Though not nearly as popular as knee or hip replacements, shoulder replacement surgery is performed on about 10,000 – 23,000 people per year.  The wide discrepancy depends on the source of your information

Dr. Josh Dines and Dr. Rock Positano have posted an excellent article detailing their results:  Shoulder Arthritis Doesn’t Mean The End Of Sports

Osteoarthritis – What is it?

The short, non-medical answer – the super-slick cartilage that covers the surfaces where bones meet and form a joint, has deteriorated.  This results in bone to bone contact and a great deal of pain and usually affects patients over 60.

A much more medical definition can be found here:  Osteoarthritis ( OA or Degenerative Arthritis )

Two Shoulder Replacement Videos

The following links will take you to two excellent videos that did not have an embed option, so I couldn’t post them here – just follow the links, you won’t be disappointed.

1. Shoulder Replacement Part I – Surgery performed by Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Stephen Zabinski – This video is over 18 minutes long.  The first part describes the kind of patients who can benefit from shoulder replacement surgery.  Then, Dr. Zabinski describes the prosthesis and how it works.  Finally, the last 9 or so minutes are the actually shoulder surgery – which is very good.
2. Shoulder Replacement Part II – Interview with Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Stephen Zabinski – This video is almost 4 minutes long and is basically an interview with Dr. Zabinski and the patient who he performed this surgery on.  It was her 2nd shoulder replacement – her recovery is remarkable.

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Post tags: osteoarthritis, shoulder pain, shoulder prosthetic, shoulder replacement, shoulder surgery

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What is a Protocol?

It is an official procedure, set of rules or method that define how something is to be done.  A good protocol is developed after extensive research and experimentation.

Therefore a shoulder rehab protocol should be:

• extensively researched
• based on repeated observations
• tested
• documented
• monitored and retested as new information and techniques arise

Rotator Cuff Rehab Protocol

Recently I came across a blog post entitled – Rehabilitation Protocol Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair by Mike Reinold.  So, who is this guy?

Mike Reinold - Shoulder Rehab Expert

• the Rehabilitation Coordinator & Assistant Athletic Trainer of the 2007 WORLD SERIES CHAMPION Boston Red Sox Baseball Club
• the Coordinator of Rehabilitation Research and Education of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine Division, of Massachusetts General Hospital at the new MGH Sports Center in Boston, MA
• was formerly the Facility Director of Champion Sports Medicine and the Coordinator of Rehabilitative Research & Clinical Education at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, AL – where he worked with renowned orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, M.D. and rehab guru Kevin Wilk, PT, DPT

There is much more listed on his “About Me” page, but I think this is more than enough to establish his credibility.

Rotator Cuff Surgery is Common

Shoulder injuries are common – especially those involving the rotator cuff.  Although we often associate rotator cuff damage with athletics, the fact is that most rotator cuff injuries are the result of two factors:

• repetitive motion
• age

As the baby boomers age, rotator cuff injuries become more common.  The point is – THERE ARE ESTABLISHED METHODS that have been developed to rehabilitate your shoulder following surgery.  Mike’s article deals specifically with arthroscopic rotater cuff repair.  Do you know:

• the 6 Goals of Rehabilitation Following Rotator Cuff Repair?
• the 3 Most Important Keys to Rotator Cuff Repair Rehabilitation?

Be proactive, become involved in your shoulder rehabilitation – read Mikes article and discover the answer to these questions and much more.

Note to Subscribers and Regular Readers

It has been some time since my last posting and I apologize about that.  My PC crashed for the last time.  That’s right – I’m now a Mac convert.  The learning curve has not been nearly as steep as I expected, but I lost everything on two hard drives – yes, one was the back up.

Anyway, I’m rebuilding as many of my files as I can.  A lot of stuff was stored online, some on zip drives and some on my external hard drive.  It’s good to return to a regular posting schedule.

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Post tags: arthroscopic surgery, protocol, rotator cuff, shoulder injury, shoulder rehab

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I first reported on a radical, new technique for repairing shoulder injuries back in Dec of 2007 ( Regenexx procedure using stem cells may hold the promise of shoulder repair without surgery ) – since then, it has been one of the most popular articles on Shoulder Performance & Rehab.  People with shoulder impingements, rotator cuff damage and other shoulder injuries want answers.

• Can Regenexx help me?
• Is Regenexx safe?
• Is pain involved?
• Is there proof?

Video Answers Questions about Stem Cell Use

Almost every advancement in science is met with resistance – usually because of some kind of misunderstanding or misinformation.  Please watch the following video of Dr. Centeno as he describes what the Regenexx procedure is and how it can help your shoulder or other damaged joint.

Dr. Chris Centeno Explains the Regenexx Procedure

Learn How Regenexx can Help Your Shoulder

For more information about the Regenexx procedure – go to the source.  Dr. Centeno has a website with many videos explaining the procedure.  Also, look for the video testimonials – I think you’ll enjoy the following testimonial as this elderly woman demonstrates her repaired rotator cuff – thanks to Regenexx.

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Post tags: Regenexx, rotator cuff, shoulder surgery, stem cells

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What’s the difference between a sore shoulder and an injured shoulder?

• soreness goes away – the pain related to a shoulder injury lingers
• soreness is typically related to the shoulder muscles – a shoulder injury usually impacts the tendons. ligaments or cartilage of the joint

What are some of the things to look for?

• shoulder pain while sleeping – difficulty sleeping
• shoulder weakness
• limited shoulder strength and / or mobility
• inability to perform normal movements
• difficulty reaching overhead
• unusual shoulder pain

Don’t live with constant shoulder pain – see your doctor – get an MRI

There was a video here – the website that hosted that video is no longer online and I haven’t yet found a video replacement.

Shoulder surgery techniques have come a long way in the past twenty years.  Don’t live with shoulder pain – see your doctor and learn what options you have.

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Post tags: shoulder injury, shoulder pain, shoulder surgery, shoulder symptoms

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Stastics Don’t Lie

We don’t think it will happen to us – but it’s got to happen to someone – that’s just the way it is – statistics don’t lie.

A study led by Dr. Steven B. Cohen, assistant team physician for the Philadelphia Phillies and reported on the website Science Daily, revealed the following:

• 45% of baseball players who have shoulder or elbow surgery were able to return to their previous level or higher
• players who had elbow surgery were more likely to reach their previous level of play or higher than players who had shoulder surgery
• for AA, AAA or major league players, only 18% were able to make the comeback

Prevention is the Key to Long-Term Success

The study was also reported on in the Tucson Citizen, where Cohen and co-author of the study, Dr. Gerard Varlotta said, “stretching and strengthening exercises are key for preventing injuries in professional – and recreational – players.”

Take the time to warm-up and cool-down, stretch and strengthen your shoulder.  It could make all the difference for you and your shoulder.

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Post tags: shoulder injury, shoulder surgery

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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

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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

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