Tag Archives: Physical Therapy Specialist

Injuries Around Shoulder Joint

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3d render of a male figure with close up of shoulder joint Free Photo

Physical Therapy for Shoulder injury

The mechanism of injury can be interpreted by asking about the mode of injury such as fall by asking about the mode of injury ,such as fall from height, road traffic accident, position of the limb or body at the time of injury, any rotational force acting on the body and the type of activity done by the time of  injury.

The mechanism of injury, site of injury, pain and disabilities should be interpreted from the history.

Examination

Inspection: The patient should be examined in sitting position with his upper torso and upper limbs exposed upto the waist.

Attitude: The position of the limb on inspection should be noted. In fractures of clavicle and anterior dislocation of shoulder, the patient often supports the injured limbs with the other hand. The arm segment may appear short or long depending on in fracture neck of scapula, there will be lengthing of the arm.

Swelling or deformity: In anterior dislocation of shoulder, the anterior axillary fold may be abnormally prominent due to the presence of head of humerus. A swelling along the line of clavicle, diffuse swelling surrounding the proximal humerus may be seen in fractures of the underlying bones. The lateral end of clavicle may appear to be prominent in acromioclavicular joint injuries. The medial end of clavicle may be seen prominently in sternoclavicular injuries.

Shoulder contour: Normally, the shoulder has a round contour due to prominence of the greater tuberosity beneath the deltoid muscle. The greater tuberosity projects beyond the edge of acromion process giving the normal contour. In dislocation of the shoulder joint, due to loss of projection of greater tuberosity, the normal contour will be lost. This is a valuable sign of dislocation. In deltoid paralysis due to axillary nerve injuries, there may be wasting of the muscle causing apparent loss of contour of the shoulder. The shoulder contour may be masked by diffuse swelling associated with fractures of the proximal humerus.

Bony arch: The bony arch is formed by the clavicle, acromion process and spine of scapula. Any deformity in the bony arch should be noted for.

Palpation

The bony points to be palpated are: clavicle, proximal humerus, acromion process, spine and borders of scapula for signs of fracture.

Clavicle: By standing behind the sitting patient, the examiner places both his hands on the medial end of clavicle and runs his fingers along the shaft of both the clavicles. Any irregularity, gap or crepitus should be looked for. In acromioclavicular joint dislocation, the lateral end of clavicle may be displaced upward. On pressing the lateral end of clavicle, it depresses and bounces back like a piano key.

Proximal humerus: By standing on the side of the patient, the elbow is flexed and the proximal humerus is palpated bimanually by keeping one hand and the medial surface of arm and other on the outer surface of the arm. By standing behind the patient, the examiner slides his fingers down from the acromion process to the arm to palpate the greater tuberosity and proximal humerus. If the head of humerus is in normal position, then there will be a bony resistance to palpation. In dislocations, there will be an empty feeling in the shoulder region. The head may be palpable in either of axillary folds. Diffuse tenderness may be present in fractures of proximal humerus. In an intact humerus, the medial epicondyle will be in the same direction as that of the head of humerus.

Scapula: The acromion process and spine of scapula are palpated for irregularity, bony tenderness and crepitus. The axillary and vertebral borders are palpated for signs of fracture. The coracoids process is situated half an inch below the clavicle at its junction with medial two third and lateral one third. Fracture neck of scapula is diagnosed by axial pressure applied through the arm with the elbow flexed.

Movements

Both active and passive movements of the shoulder should be tested. In anterior dislocation of the shoulder, the patient will not be able to touch the opposite shoulder with his hand of affected extremity. This is called Dugas test.

Tests for detecting anterior dislocation of shoulder:

Hamilton ruler’s test: In normal persons, a straight ruler cannot be placed between the acromion process and lateral epicondyle because of the presence of greater tuberosity in its normal position. In dislocation of the shoulder, a ruler can be placed.

Callaway’s test: The vertical circumference of the axillary is increased in dislocation of shoulder due to the presence of head in the anterior axillary fold.

Measurements

The length of the arm is measured from the angle of acromion process to the lateral epicondyle.

Neurological examination: In fracture of the clavicle, brachial plexus may be injured. In fractures and dislocations of humorous, axillary nerve may get damaged. Axillary nerve damage may manifest as paralysis of deltoid muscle and anesthesia in skin over the lower part of deltoid muscle.

Active physical Therapy providing state-of-the-art physical therapy throughout the state of Maryland having multiple locations located in (Aspen Hill/ Layhill Road, Clinton, Clinton WHC, College Park/ Berwyn Heights, Columbia/ Elkridge, Columbia Aquatic, Gaithersburg/ Germantown, Hyattsville/ Langley Park, Landover, Laurel, Oxon Hill/ Temple Hills, Rockville), Washington, D.C (Washington D.C. N.W./ Near GWU , Washington D.C. N.E./ Brookland CUA, Washington D.C. S.E./ Capitol Hill), Western Maryland (Frederick, Hagerstown), Southern Maryland (California/ Lexington Park, Fort Washington La Plata, Prince Frederick, Waldorf), and Baltimore Metro area (Baltimore/ Mt. Vernon, Dundalk, Glen Burnie, Rosedale/ Near Franklin Sq. Med. Ctr.). We specialize in evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic conditions of the Upper Extremity. Experienced, Qualified and Skilled Certified therapists and our dynamic clinical staff focus on providing personalized attention, individual care, and a positive friendly environment during your treatment session. You can also make your appointment online to start your treatment within 24 to 48 hours at Active Physical Therapy, For more information just visit our Website:-http://active-physicaltherapy.com/

Biceps Tendinitis

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Biceps Tendinitis is a common shoulder pathology which usually develops in younger athletic population due to repetitive overhead injuries. The patients suffering from this condition usually have to suffer pain, lesser range of motion & strength and impaired functional mobility. This pathology develops over the time with pain located at the front of the shoulder.

What do we mean by Biceps Tendinitis?

There are two parts of biceps muscles: the long head and the short head. The long head is usually affected with tendinitis. Biceps tendinitis is known as the inflammation of the tendon around the long head of biceps muscles. The most commonly irritated tendon is the one that attaches the top of the biceps muscles to the shoulder. Biceps tendinitis results due to the repetitive stress which in turn results into irritated, swollen and painful tendon.

What causes Biceps Tendinitis?

Excessive and abnormal forces applied across the tendon results into biceps tendinitis. Apart from this, several other conditions also contribute towards developing the condition including:

  • Tension and pulling of a tendon or muscle
  • Compression i.e. pushing, pinching or shearing
  • Weak rotator cuff and upper back muscles
  • Tight shoulder joints or muscles
  • Poor body mechanics
  • Overuse from certain types of work or sports
  • Gradual wear and tear
  • Continuous or repetitive shoulder actions
  • Abrupt increase in exercise routine
  • Age- relate bodily changes
  • Degeneration in a tendon
  • A direct injury to the shoulder.

What are the potential signs and symptoms of Biceps Tendinitis?

Biceps tendinitis is common amongst the athletes involved in swimming, throwing, gymnastics and other contact sports. Workers who are involved in overhead shoulder work or heavy lifting are at greater risk. The sufferers commonly report symptoms including:

  • Sharp pain in the front of shoulder
  • Tenderness in the front of the shoulder
  • Pain radiating towards neck down the arm
  • Feeling pain after every activity
  • Weakness around the shoulder joint
  • Catching or clicking sensation near top of the biceps
  • Pain aggravating with flexion, forearm supination or elbow flexion.

What are the Physical Treatments to treat Biceps Tendinitis?

Once you are diagnosed with Biceps Tendinitis your physical therapy will develop a customized treatment program while keeping your specific goals and condition in mind.  Your physical therapy may suggest:

  • Initially RICE; rest, ice, compression and evaluation may be suggested. He may also advice to avoid the activity aggravating the condition
  • Soft-tissue therapy, electrical stimulation or ultrasound therapy may be suggested
  • Series of stretching or strengthening exercises may be suggested to regain lost range of motion
  • Postural corrections may be suggested to correct the sitting and standing posture.
  • Physical therapists may also employ hands-on therapy to gently move or mobilize your shoulder
  • Functional training would be provided to prevent future injuries. He would point out and correct your faulty movement.

Contact Active Physical Therapy for the state-of-art treatment of any of your musculoskeletal disease. Our treatment modules are planned and coordinated according to the needs, requirements and urgencies of our patients. The treatment modules co-ordinated by us will not only cure your current ailment but also pose a check on the further ones.

Do You Want To Get Relief Of Your Pain?

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Have you visited doctors, tried everything, and the pain still persists?

Now days pain has turn out to be the widespread disorder, a severe and costly public health problem. Most of us suffer from severe pain in our everyday life and many people try to get relief with painkillers. It warns us that something isn’t quite right, that we should take medicine or see a doctor. Pain is often experienced by everyone and is accompanied with strain, to a certain part of the body. It is the transmission of the nerves, communicating and passing nerve messages through the neurons.

Pain is basically of two types:

Acute pain mainly results from ailment, irritation, infection or injury to tissues. This type of pain normally comes all of a sudden. The source of acute pain can usually be diagnosed and treated and the ache is limited to a given period of time and severity. Rarely it can become chronic.

Chronic pain is extensively supposed to represent disease itself. Ecological and psychological factors can make it much worse. Chronic pain persists over a longer period of time as compared to acute pain and is resistant to most medical treatments.

Pain Relief and Physical Therapy

Sometimes pain treatment can be accomplished through physical therapy. Physical therapy involves the healing and avoidance of injuries. Physical Therapy helps to lighten pain, promote healing and restore function and movement. Physical Therapy is accomplished by a professionally skilled physiotherapist under the recommendation of a doctor.

Back Pain Relief

Back pain comes in many forms such as lower back pain, upper back pain, middle back pain or neuropathic pain. Frequent back pain causes comprises of nerve and muscular troubles, arthritis and degenerative disc infection. It is reasonable to consider back pain exercises and physical therapy for back treatment. The goal of physical therapy is to reduce back pain, enlarge function, and provide knowledge on a maintenance program to avoid further recurrences.

Knee Pain Relief

The Knee Joint is the major and most complex and therefore the most strained joint in the body. Physical therapy is essential to the treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of many of the conditions that affect the knee joint and its surrounding supporting structures. Physical therapy for knee pain often includes ice, elevation, and muscle-toning exercises.

Neck Pain Relief

Physiotherapy for neck pain focuses on growth and improving the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the spine. The major goals of neck therapy are to stretch and strengthen muscles in the affected areas, accelerating the healing process by dropping neck pain and inflammation and making muscles more flexible and physically powerful.

Sciatica Pain Relief

Physical therapy for sciatica pain is one of the most frequent and popular conservative medicinal cure options. Physiotherapy consists of exercises and stretches which help to re-establish function and enlarge mobility and potency. The goal of physiotherapy is to find exercise activities that reduce sciatica pain by dropping stress on the nerve.

Physiotherapists play significant role in pain management through the different types of therapies and techniques. Physical therapy can help out patients with headache, back and neck pain, chronic circumstances connected to spinal injuries and various nerve injuries that generate constant pain. Physical therapy can also help patients to be aware of what they can and can’t do so they don’t keep creating situations that are contributing to their pain.