Shoulder injuries are very common and at Doroski Chiropractic Neurology in the Woodbridge, Lake Ridge Dale City VA area we see our fair share.   Most of the injuries I see in my chiropractic office are activity related or over use but we also see a significant amount of injuries from things as little as sleeping.  In researching this type of injury it lead me to develop shoulder brace to be worn at night.  I just recently had the sling developed and we were awarded a patent on it a few years ago.  I recommend it for all my patients with pain.  Along with supporting it there are several basic things you can do to also help with pain.  Here are some low tech but effective exercises.

Before attempting any specific shoulder exercises a full and accurate diagnosis of your injury is required. Below we outline the general exercises which should be done in the early, middle and late stages of shoulder rehabilitation as well as shoulder exercises for specific injuries.

The aim of rehabilitation is to reduce initial pain and allow the tissues to heal before regaining range of motion, muscle strength and finally functional or sports specific exercises and co-ordination.

Early stage shoulder exercises

Early stage shoulder rehabilitation begins as soon as the injury has occurred. This is known as the acute stage where the injury is fresh and most likely painful. The aim of shoulder rehabilitation in the acute stage is to allow the tissues to heal, reduce pain and inflammation, begin to regain pain free range of movement, prevent muscle wasting and begin shoulder blade or scapula exercises.

Rest is important for allowing tissues to heal and applying ice, heat or both may be indicated depending on your injury and how old it is. A professional practitioner may apply other techniques such as electrotherapy or massage to aid healing.

Range of motion is re-established with pendulum exercises staying within the pain free range. Pole exercises and manual therapist stretching and mobility can also be done to increase the normal range of motion in the shoulder joint.

Isometric or static exercises should be done to prevent muscle wasting. These are exercises where the muscle is contracted against an immovable resistance such as a wall, held for a short time then relaxed. This type of exercise works the muscles without having to move the joint. Scapular stabilizing exercises should also be done if they can be performed without pain.

Mid stage shoulder exercises

Mid stage shoulder exercises aim to regain full, normal range of movement, improve shoulder blade control and regain normal upper body strength in both sides.

Mid stage exercises can be progressed to once the early stage exercises are comfortable. The patient is ready to move out of the acute stage exercises when active exercises involving movement can be done pain free and range of motion is at least three quarters that of the uninjured shoulder. There is no hard and fast rule that any particular exercises should be early, mid or late. If in doubt consult professional advice.

 

Flexibility is improved by progressing pole or wand exercises, using the pole to increase range of motion in a stretch or exercise. More advanced scapula exercises are performed and strengthening exercises involving movement with resistance bands are used to increase strength.

Late stage shoulder exercises

Late stage shoulder exercises aim to restore full strength to the injured shoulder and begin functional or sports specific exercises that bridge the gap between basic shoulder rehabilitation exercises and normal sports specific training. Medicine balls are used and more rotational, explosive exercise are included which use the combined muscle groups. This will increase the muscle power which is more relevant to sport. Often late stage exercises will become more sports specific and will depend on the requirements of the sport. For example footballers will kick balls, racket sports will involving using rackets but building up gradually in a controlled

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Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge, VA 22192

703 730 9588

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