SHOULDER HEALTH 101
The shoulder is a complex joint that allows for a large amount of movement in multiple planes. What we sacrifice for all of this movement in the shoulder is stability. Stability in the shoulder joint comes from both static and dynamic factors. Static stability refers to the boney anatomy and the ligaments that act on the shoulder joint complex. Dynamic stability refers to the motor control of the shoulder complex which includes the scapula (shoulder blade). The majority of shoulder injuries or pathologies respond well to conservative management with physiotherapy, which would include a strengthening program. A study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine compared two rehab protocols (Watson and Rockwood) to treat multi-directional instabilities of the shoulder and found the following: 12 weeks of the Watson program showed more favourable outcomes when compared to the Rockwood at both 3 and 6 month follow ups. What is interesting from comparison of the two protocols is that the Watson protocol has more of a focus on retraining scapular motor control initially with further progressions focusing on the deltoid and
the rotator cuff muscles. The scapula is critical in creating stability for the shoulder joint complex, so an exercise program focusing on the dynamic control and scapular stabilization exercises is key in a successful rehab program of any shoulder injury! DO THIS: Scapular Setting with Shoulder Shrug - Place a band around the affected shoulder, place the end of the band under the foot of the same side
- Place the affected arm approximately 30’ away from the body with the thumb up
- Using the upper trap muscle, slowly shrug the shoulder up against slight resistance
- Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 15 times
“I saw physiotherapist Stephen Hogan on a shoulder issue, and cannot say enough good things about him. He does a great job of balancing professionalism and friendliness - Stephen is knowledgeable and thorough in his patient assessment and treatments, and also pays close attention to patient feedback and is committed helping each person achieve positive outcomes. I am impressed and amazed at the speed of my recovery while under his care & direction and would recommend him highly. Sos clinic is great - easy to find, good location, and the facility is nice and bright and pleasant with plenty of windows and natural light. All the staff - other physiotherapists and front desk - are friendly and helpful and seem happy to be working there. Thanks to the clinic and to Stephen for their hard work and great patient care!” - Margo M.
Campus Clinic University of Waterloo Student Life Centre
Belmont Clinic Belmont Centre for Physical Medicine 564 Belmont Avenue West, Suite 301 Kitchener, Ontario N2M 5N6 TEL: (519) 743-4355
Elmira Clinic Behind Wellness Centre (Clock Tower) 3 Wyatt Street East, Suite 2 Elmira, Ontario N3B 2H4 TEL: (519) 669-1212
200 University Avenue West Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1 TEL: (519) 884-0767
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