You try to get through the day, but that nagging pain in your shoulder, elbow or wrist just keeps your attention focused on it. It sure is hard to concentrate on work, your family and other activities you need to do!
NEWSLETTER
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NEWSLETTER
“Is Pain Relief on Your Christmas List? SHOULDER, ELBOW&WRIST PAIN
You try to get through the day, but that nagging pain in your shoulder, elbow or wrist just keeps your attention focused on it. It sure is hard to concentrate on work, your family and other activities you need to do! It is common to fixate on the body part that hurts. It is often thought that because it hurts there, the problem is right there. However, this is typically not the case, as the cause of the problem is in another area. The body part that is painful is usually the one that is doing all the work, because other areas are not doing their job. Why it hurts The body is truly amazing, and all the parts work together as one whole. However, when an area of your body becomes weak or stiff because of poor posture, stress or injury, other areas strain from the overwork. A common word that is used for this type of repetitive injury strain is called “tendonitis”. This is simply an inflammation of the tendons, which attach muscles to bones. The upper extremity works in 3 parts: the shoulder, elbow and wrist.They rely on each other to make the incredible movements of your arm so you can reach, grasp and do ordinary daily tasks we take for granted. Proper movement relies on your posture to be in good order. When you slouch or sometimes do a repetitive task, like reaching across your desk, certain
muscles can become too tight or strong while others become weak.This muscle imbalance leads to that area not working as well as it should. For example, you sit at a desk all day and you slouch your shoulders. Now, your shoulder doesn’t work as well, but you still move your mouse around with your arm, which causes your wrist and forearm muscles to overwork. As this happens over time, you start to notice aches and pains in your wrist and elbow. If this goes on too long, it becomes severe and you need to seek out medical help. Solving the problem Typically a brace may be put on the area, but that does not solve the cause of the problem. The real reason can be because your shoulder was stiff and weak from slouching. An expert physical therapist has the right medical training to spot where your posture is not optimum and how you are compensating. With the right evaluation and treatment from the experts at Outpatient PhysicalTherapy, you can relieve your shoulder, elbow or wrist pain quickly and be back to doing what you like to do. Our home programs make it easy for you to maintain your gains and stay well for the long haul. Call us today to learn more how we can relieve your pain and get you back to enjoying your activities.
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WHAT IS CAUSING YOUR SHOULDER PAIN?
The majority of pain that travels to your shoulder from your neck is referred pain. Your shoulder may not necessarily be the problem. In fact, the first 10 degrees of movement in your shoulder comes from your shoulder joint. The rest relies on the movement of your upper back, neck, shoulder blade, and collar bones. If these areas work incorrectly then shoulder pain can occur. Most neck and shoulder pain is a result of prolonged poor posture, lifting heavy objects and minor falls or injuries. These irritate the joints in the neck and upper back. This then makes the muscles around the upper back and shoulder tighten and become sore. Suddenly, you now have neck and shoulder pain. There are many nerves that come off of the cervical (neck) vertebral bodies that pass down in front of the shoulder heading towards the arm. Irritation of these nerves can refer pain to the shoulder. Poor posture, especially with sitting at work or at home, can cause this to occur. Rotation of the neck or tilting of the neck may create your shoulder pain if these nerves are involved. It is important that a physical therapist examine you thoroughly if you are experiencing these symptoms. If you have had a fall or injury and suddenly develop shoulder and neck pain seek help immediately. Any injury may affect the many sensitive structures in your neck and upper back. Shoulder and neck pain, if they occur together, may relate to disc injuries. This is more likely if you are having neck and arm pain, rather than just shoulder pain. Pain that travels down the arm to any extent may indicate more severe problems.
Shoulder pain can result in restricted movement of your body. Pain involves the nervous system, immune system, digestive system, and respiratory system. To avoid referred shoulder pain or any kind of referred pain, you should have a strong immune system for prevention of diseases. A strong body can fight infection or disease and can enhance the functioning of all the body systems. A balanced diet, regular physical therapy exercises and a stress-free mind are the keys to maintaining an active life. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, consult one of our expert physical therapists for a full evaluation to determine where your problem is originating from, so correct treatments can be applied to help you.
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Star t Feeling Better Today!
7 Convenient Locations To Serve You!
Puyallup 2930 S Meridian Suite 120, Puyallup, Washington 98373 Phone: (253) 445-2733 Fax: (253) 445-2399
Kent East Hill 13106 SE 240th Street, Suite 103 Kent, WA 98031 Phone: (253) 631-1933 Fax: (253) 631-2094
Covington Satellite 27005 168th Pl SE, Suite 200 Covington, Washington 98042 Phone: (253) 639-4788 Fax: (253) 639-4789
Auburn 701 M St NE, Suite 102 Auburn, Washington 98002 Phone: (253) 833-8766 Fax: (253) 833-6748
Maple Valley 26837 Maple Valley-Black Diamond Road SE, Suite 200 Maple Valley, Washington 98038 Phone: (425) 413-4425 Fax: (425) 413-4429
Kent 8009 S. 180th Street, Suite 112
Covington 16720 SE 271st St, Suite 200 Covington, Washington 98042 Phone: (253) 630-5808 Fax: (253) 630-6438
Kent, Washington 98032 Phone: (425) 226-7827 Fax: (425) 251-5757
Community Involvement
Exercise Essential
Lower Fiber Traps | Prone
Strengthens Arms Always consultyour therapistorphysicianbefore startingexercisesyouareunsureofdoing. Try this movement if you are arm or shoulder pain.
Lie on your stomach with arms at your side. Slightly bring your shoulder blades together
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7 Convenient Locations To Serve You!
Puyallup 2930 S Meridian STE 120, Puyallup, Washington 98373 Phone: (253) 445-2733 Fax: (253) 445-2399
Kent East Hill 13106 SE 240th Street, Ste 103 Kent, WA 98031 Phone: (253) 631-1933 Fax: (253) 631-2094
Covington Satellite 27005 168th Pl SE, Suite 200 Covington, Washington 98042 Phone: (253) 639-4788 Fax: (253) 639-4789
Auburn 701 M St NE, Suite 102 Auburn, Washington 98002 Phone: (253) 833-8766 Fax: (253) 833-6748
Maple Valley 26837 Maple Valley-Black Diamond Road SE, Suite 200 Maple Valley, Washington 98038 Phone: (425) 413-4425 Fax: (425) 413-4429
Kent 8009 S. 180th Street, Suite 112
Covington 16720 SE 271st St, Suite 200 Covington, Washington 98042 Phone: (253) 630-5808 Fax: (253) 630-6438
Kent, Washington 98032 Phone: (425) 226-7827 Fax: (425) 251-5757
Home Safety Checklist for Fall Hazards This room-by-room checklist highlights possible fall hazards. If you mark “Yes” to any of these questions, consider the suggestions to help reduce your chances of falling. HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR FALL HAZARDS This room-by-room checklist highlights possible fall hazards. If you mark “Yes” to any of these questions, consider the suggestions to help reduce your chances of falling.
Living Areas LIVING AREA
Bathroom BATHROOM
Possible Hazard
Yes Suggestions
Possible Hazard
Yes Suggestions
Remove damaged floor coverings or secure them well with double-sided tape, nails, etc. It’s important to have a flat, sturdy walkway. The best thing to do is to remove throw rugs. Put double-sided tape on them so they don’t slip. Higher chairs and armrests are helpful for easing into a sitting position. Keep a phone nearby so you don’t have to get up quickly if the phone rings. Cordless phones are helpful. Keep a phone close to the floor in order to call for help in the event of a fall. Tape cords and wires to the wall or have an electrician install additional outlets. Moving the lamp closer to the bed or attaching a light to the headboard reduces the chances of falling. A longer phone xtension cord or a cordless phone within easy reach of the bed can reduce the chances of falling. Remove clutter from walkways to avoid tripping. Store glasses within reach of the bed. It’s best to have a straight path, clear of furniture. Rearrange furniture to provide for obstacle-free walking. Install longer cords or link ceiling lights/fans to a light switch on the wall to eliminate the need to look and reach up. Cords are a tripping hazard. Reroute cords so they do not cross walking paths and/or get an electrician to install additional outlets. Remove clutter from walkways to reduce the chances of tripping over it. Place a portable commode near the bed to eliminate nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Do carpets, rugs, and floor coverings have frayed corners or rolled-up edges? Are there throw rugs in walkways? Are chairs and couches low to the ground? Is it necessary to get up to answer the phone? Possible Hazard Is there a long reach from the bed to a light? Do you have to walk over or around electrical cords or wires? Are there newspapers, boxes, shoes, etc. on the floor? Is it necessary to get out of bed or reach far to get to the telephone? Is it necessary to get out of bed or reach far to get eyeglasses? Are there telephone, light, or television cords running along the floor on the walkways? Is there clutter (clothes, shoes, books, etc.) on the floor? Is it common to get up many times during the night to use the bathroom? Do you need to walk around furniture to get through the living area? Do you have to reach up to pull cords to lights or ceiling fans?
Is the path from the bedroom to the bathroom dark? Are towel racks used to balance or grab onto while getting in or out of the bathtub/shower?
Nightlights can be helpful in lighting the way.
Towel racks may not be mounted well enough to support a person’s weight. Install grab rails in the appropriate places. A shower seat allows older adults to shower without getting tired of standing or risking a fall because of dizziness.
Bedroom
Is it difficult to stand during a shower?
Yes Suggestions
Is the shower floor and/or bathtub slippery?
Install non-skid strips or a non-slip mat.
Patch leaks with caulk or other appropriate materials. Wipe up water immediately to prevent slipping. Use a bath mat with a slip resistant backing. A shower/bath storage unit that attaches to the side of the tub or shower wall can reduce the need to reach or turn around to get things. It may be helpful to raise the seat and/or install handrails. Replace the toilet with a higher toilet and/or install handrails.
Is there any water on the floor after a bath/shower? Are there leaks from the tub/ shower? Is it necessary to reach far or turn around to get towels, shampoo, and soap? Is it difficult to get on and off the toilet?
October is National Physical Therapy Month!
KITCHEN
BEDROOM Bedroom
Kitchen
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Possible Hazard
Yes Suggestions
Possible Hazard
Yes Suggestions
1111 North Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA 22314-1488
Are there floor mats or rugs in the kitchen? Is it necessary to reach far, bend over, or climb on a stool to get commonly-used kitchen items and foods? Is there liquid, food, grease, or other clutter on the floor?
Remove throw rugs or secure them to the floor with slip-resistant backing. Rearrange cupboards and drawers so that items used most often are waist high. Use a sturdy step stool with a grab bar to reach items stored overhead. Never use a chair as a step stool. Sweep often and wipe up liquid immediately to reduce the chances of slipping.
Is there a long reach from the bed to a light?
Moving the lamp closer to the bed or attaching a light to the headboard reduces the chances of falling. A longer phone extension cord or a cordless phone within easy reach of the bed can reduce the chances of falling. Cords are a tripping hazard. Reroute cords so they do not cross walking paths and/or get an electrician to install additional outlets. Remove clutter from walkways to reduce the chances of tripping over it. Place a portable commode near the bed to eliminate nighttime trips to the bathroom. Store glasses within reach of the bed.
For information about physical therapy or to find a physical therapist near where you work or live, visit www.moveforwardpt.com
Is it necessary to get out of bed or reach far to get to the telephone?
Is it necessary to get out of bed or reach far to get eyeglasses? Are there telephone, light, or television cords running along the floor on the walkways? Is there clutter (clothes, shoes, books, etc.) on the floor? Is it common to get up many times during the night to use the bathroom?
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www.moveforwardpt.com
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Kitchen
Possible Hazard
Yes Suggestions
Are there floor mats or rugs in the kitchen? Is it necessary to reach far, bend over, or climb on a stool to get commonly-used kitchen items and foods? Is there liquid, food, grease, or other clutter on the floor?
Remove throw rugs or secure them to the floor with slip-resistant backing. Rearrange cupboards and drawers so that items used most often are waist high. Use a sturdy step stool with a grab bar to reach items stored overhead. Never use a chair as a step stool. Sweep often and wipe up liquid immediately to reduce the chances of slipping.
www.outpatientpt.com
www.moveforwardpt.com
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