AgeWell: Shoulder, Elbow and Wrist Pain

AgeWell Physical Therapy & Wellness Newsletter

N E W S L E T T E R

SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR 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! (Read more inside...)

I N S I D E SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR SHOULDER, ELBOW & WRIST PAIN WHAT IS CAUSING YOUR SHOULDER PAIN? EXERCISE ESSENTIALS

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N E W S L E T T E R

SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR SHOULDER, ELBOW & WRIST PAIN

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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 “tendinitis”. 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 AgeWell Physical Therapy, 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.

Get Moving Today with AgeWell Physical Therapy! • Call 516.488.8808 to talk with your physical therapist!

WH AT I S C A U S I N G Y O U R S H O U L D E R PA I N ?

The majority of pain that travels to your shoulder fromyour neck is referred pain.Yourshouldermaynot necessarilybe the problem. In fact, the first 10 degrees of movement in your shoulder comes fromyour shoulder joint.The rest relies on the movement ofyour upper back, neck, shoulder blade, and collar bones. If these areas work incorrectly then shoulder pain can occur. Most neck and shoulderpain is a result of prolonged poorposture, 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. Poorposture, especiallywith sitting at work orat 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 This month AgeWell and LiveWell are excited to highlight a longstanding and valuable member of the team. For over ten yearsAlex Hovi of Bellrose has safely driven hundreds of patients living throughout Queens and Nassau to and from their therapy appointments. DuringAlex’s time as a driver, he has become an efficient navigator with in depth knowledge of all the local roads and short cuts. Safe driving is something thatAlex proved himselfcompetentwith manyyears before he worked at AgeWell. Before Alex joined our team he completed a thirtyyear career as a professional tractor trailer driver for Shell Oil. During this time, Alex distinguished himself from other drivers in safety and reliability. When Alex retired he was recognized by management as being the only driver in the history of Shell Oil to be employed for thirty years and never once have a chargeable accident on his record. This S TA F F SPOT L I GH T

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.

was an amazing life accomplishment and something that Alex and now the staff of AgeWell and LiveWell are quite proud of.

When asked about his experience working at AgeWell, Alex indicates that he enjoys the family atmosphere and interacting each day with the staff and patients that he has gotten to know so well over the years. He feels satisfaction in being able to put patients at ease and providing them a feeling ofcomfort and safety as theyare driven to and from theirtherapyappointments.When Alex is not driving patients throughout Queens, he enjoys time with his family and sunny days on the golf course. Alex plans to keep himself strong and healthy so he may continue his work at AgeWell and hitting long drives out on the course. AgeWell and LiveWell feel fortunate to have a driver of Alex’s caliber transporting their patients. Alex sets the bar high and acts as an example to others to take pride in striving to be the best in your chosen vocation. If you see Alex out on the road please give him a wave in appreciation, but don’t be surprised if he does not wave back, as Alex believes a drivers hands should always remain at 10 o’oclock and 2 o’clock while the vehicle is in motion! On behalf of the staff and patients ofAgeWell / LiveWell Therapy, thank you for ten years of a job well done Alex!

WHAT OUR PAT I ENT S AR E SAY I NG

RECEIVE THERAPY IN YOUR HOME! AgeWell PT and LiveWell OT offer in-home physical therapy and occupational therapy services. If you have difficulty traveling or leaving your home, these services are for you! These services are also covered by Medicare. I N - OF F I CE SPECIAL TEST ING SERV I CES AgeWell PT offers in-house electrodiagnostic testing and musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound testing for all of our patients. We hope our therapy patients take advantage of these tests to improve their rate of recovery and therapy outcome.

Dennis M from Douglaston underwent multiple spinal surgeries and was in need of out-patient physical therapy for pain relief and to strengthen his legs and improve his balance and walking. To make matters worse his foot had developed numbness rendering him unable to drive. Dennis happened to notice an advertisement in his local church bulletin for a physical therapy office which offered courtesy rides to and from appointments for patients who were unable to drive. He thought he would give it a try so he called to make an appointment. Two days later Dennis met for a private evaluation

with a physical therapist and immediately a treatment plan was established to address his unique therapy needs. Dennis was scheduled to come to physical therapy appointments two times per week and he was placed on AgeWell’s courtesy ride program. Now, several months later, Dennis is pleased report that his walking is back to normal and he has achieved near full alleviation of pain. When asked about his experience at AgeWell, Dennis remarked, “I found the whole experience quite successful. The office staff is most friendly and the therapists and aides were excellent. I also appreciated that the owners are present and were always interested in and checking in on my progress.” AgeWell Physical Therapy appreciates having the opportunity to treat Dennis. They recognize that the work they do with patients like Dennis has a marked impact on their quality of life. The staff of AgeWell is most impressed with the hard work and dedication Dennis has shown concerning his therapy and they are especially pleased to see that Dennis is back behind the wheel and driving. Here’s to a job well done Dennis! BLACKENED CHICKEN WITH AVOCADO CREAM SAUCE INGREDIENTS •4 (4 oz) chicken breasts •2 tbsp blackened seasoning •½ cup plain, Greek yogurt •½ avocado •1 tsp lemon juice • ½ tsp garlic powder •⅛ tsp salt •2 tbsp green onions, thinly sliced DIRECTIONS

Place the chicken breasts and blackened seasoning in a large resealable bag. Seal and shake a few times to evenly coat the chicken. Lightly coat a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until cooked through, 4-6 minutes per side. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the yogurt, avocado, lemon juice,garlicpowder,andsaltandpulseuntil smooth and creamy. To serve, top each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of the creamy avocado sauce and garnish with ½ tablespoon green onions.

REFER A FR I END!

E X E R C I S E E S S E N T I A L S TRY THIS EXERCISE TO RELIEVE YOUR ACHES & PAINS

Get a free gift whenever you refer a friend or family member to Agewell Physical Therapy. It’s our way of saying “Thank You!” for spreading the word!

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ELASTIC BAND EXTERNAL ROTATION

While holding an elastic band at your side with your elbow bent, start with your hand near your stomach and then pull the band away. Keep your elbow at your side the entire time.

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Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.

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