Appalachian PT: Protecting Your Shoulders From Injury

USE IT OR LOSE IT!

“You experience people working with you that know what they are doing!” “I had a knee replacement back on May 13th. I am doing well and feel good. I had a shoulder reconstructed about 5 years ago. I went to Appalachian Physical Therapy and recovered with a new shoulder at about 110%. I decided I wanted to go for the gold again so I went to Appalachian with my knee. My coworkers say if I come away with a knee at 110% they are going to call me the Bionic Woman. It is beginning to look very possible. All of the therapists are very good. Everyone is kind and caring. You really have to dig in to turn good results but you experience people working with you that know what they are doing.” - Linda S. Rockingham, VA “Appalachian PT is like PT on steroids!” “I had PT before but, the myofascial work that I got here has given me hope. I thought my only options were joint replacement or living with severe pain. Appalachian PT is “The best staff and service I have experienced. Educational brochures and lectures have provided a better understanding of the body and processes. I have had great results following rotator cuff surgery and continue to receive treatment for multiple issues. Highly recommend.” - Mary C. Harrisonburg, VA “Left with no pain!” “Dr. Walsh was patient and thorough. I went in with the beginnings of a migraine from tension, and left with no pain! She is incredibly knowledgeable but unassuming and kind- she never made me feel inferior or silly, which is an unfortunate feeling I’ve experienced with others in the medical field.” - Abby A. Whispering Pines, NC like PT on steroids!” - Lou B. Harrisonburg, VA “Great results following rotator cuff surgery!” You can certainly ease problems associated with shoulder injury through medical attention and physical therapy. However, protecting your shoulders in the first place is always the best strategy. Make sure your posture is the best it can be at all times, whether it’s while you’re relaxing in your favorite chair, standing in line, hitting the gym, or working long hours at your desk. Think “up and back,” because letting the weight of your head and trunk rest forward puts pressure in all the wrong places, including your shoulders. Positioning yourself before sleep is also crucial; resting on your favorite side when the weight is on your shoulder can definitely create shoulder impingement over time. Avoid any positions where your arm is over your head while sleeping. You’ll additionally reduce wear and tear on your shoulders by being more mindful of how you use them. Does your job or sport absolutely require repetitive lifting, reaching or swinging? If so, it’s helpful to get coaching from a physical therapist -- or even an actual coach -- about how to reduce the strain on your shoulders by shifting your positioning and using correct technique. Along with placing your body more efficiently to perform tasks, it’s also helpful to strengthen your shoulder muscles for light but frequent daily chores as well as strenuous, repetitive motions. Try to do a combination of some basic exercises a few times a week, in order to strengthen a range of muscles, including those in your rotator cuff region.

Doing wall push-ups -- essentially a standing push-up in which you “lift off” from the wall rather than the floor -- is one classic option. Secondly, consider buying resistance bands, which are inexpensive and portable. Attach them to a doorknob and pull them toward you, holding for a few seconds with each repetition. Do these reps in groups of five, two or three times a day. Lastly, don’t forget that classic “chair push-ups,” in which your arms do the work of lifting off the chair, are great for toning shoulder muscles. If you have questions about an aching shoulder or wondering if you are setting yourself up for injury, give us a call to speak with one of our physical therapists today. Your shoulders will be happy you did! http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00327 http://www.moveforwardpt.com/symptomsconditionsdetail.aspx?cid=95bd746b-b25f-46f5- 8373-fb56c9f6b46a

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PATIENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHTS

“Patient is treated more than another task!” “Caring, professional, and knowledgeable staff, including the front desk staff. It’s just the right size, so that the patient is treated more than another task.” - Karen B. Harrisonburg, VA “Appalachian Therapy is the best in Moore County!” “I have been a patient there on several occasions with knee and back issues and Appalachian Therapy is the best in Moore County.” - Al M. Pinehurst, NC “Had my recovery as top priority!” “The staff are friendly, patient, and professional. I felt confident that they knew what they were doing and had my recovery as top priority. Adam explains each exercise and the reason for doing it. He is kind and helpful.” - Sandra P. Mathias, WV “Helped my pinched nerve!” “The therapy really helped my pinched nerve and I feel so much better.” - Cynthia B. Broadway, VA “They always cure me!” “They always cure me and they are so kind, fun, knowledgeable, and professional.” - Johnny R. New Market, VA “Their treatment of you leads to good results and lessening of your pain!” “The physical therapists have an intimate knowledge of the muscles of the body and how they are responsible for the pain that you are experiencing. They listen carefully to the description of your physical ailments. Most importantly, their treatment of you leads to good results and lessening of your pain.” - John H. Jackson Springs, NC

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