CanyonPT.Torn Shoulders Can Be Such A Pain In The Neck

TORN SHOULDERS CAN BE SUCH A PAIN IN THE NECK! IS IT A ROTATOR CUFF INJURY? Have you recently been experiencing an achy sensation in your arm, had issues getting to sleep at night, problems lifting things, or numbness in your neck? If these symptoms sound familiar, you might have received a rotator cuff injury, also known as a torn shoulder. The rotator cuff is made up of muscles and tendons that help keep the shoulder in place and moving properly. People experiencing these kinds of injuries typically report feeling a painful, dull ache deep in their shoulder,difficulty reaching behind their backs, weakness in their arms, or trouble getting a good night’s sleep due to pain. It is true that some rotator cuff injuries require surgery if they are severe enough. However, oftentimes, physical therapy treatments can provide the same amount of relief (if not more) than surgery will. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, “...When it comes to treatment of nontraumatic rotator cuff tears, physical therapy alone produces results equal to those produced by arthroscopic surgery and open surgical repair.” At Canyon Sports Therapy, we offer natural and non-invasive methods of therapy that can help relieve your shoulder pain and heal your rotator cuff injury. Our physical therapists are professionally trained to know how to treat conditions like these, and assess your body for underlying conditions as well!

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COULD MY SHOULDER PAIN BE CAUSED BY SOMETHING ELSE? Yes! Our clinic sees tons of patients who arrive at their initial consultation thinking that if their shoulder is bothering them, the source of their pain also lies within their shoulder. All too often, we see that the true problem lies in their neck, and can be the result of a pinched nerve in the upper spine. This condition is referred to as “cervical radiculopathy,” and its symptoms can be similar to those experienced by someone with a torn shoulder/ rotator cuff injury. Symptoms also include pain, weakness, and the feeling of “pins and needles” (numbness) in the neck and down the arms. IS IT A TORN SHOULDER, OR A PINCHED NERVE? Although the symptoms of these conditions are similar to each other, there are ways to differentiate between them. Typically, a pinched nerve will cause pain in just one shoulder, not both. Sharp pain is also more common versus feeling a dull ache as a result of muscle overuse. Turning your head can cause the pain to be more intense as well. Tension headaches in the back of your head and severe neck pain are also signs that the cause of your shoulder pain is a pinched nerve instead of a torn rotator cuff. With cervical radiculopathy, you may find that your shoulder joint feels extremely weak and useless as you attempt to lift something. In some cases, these symptoms extend from your shoulder down through your arm and hand, so it might even be difficult for you to grasp items as you normally would. Understanding ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES

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Contact us today by calling (801) 944-1 JOHN PT, CEO DANNY DPT, CS

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TREATMENT AND PREVENTION FOR SHOULDER PAIN Regardless of whether your pain is caused by a torn rotator cuff or a pinched nerve, physical therapy is a great option to restore and improve your strength and flexibility in your shoulders and neck. Your physical therapist will assess your pain condition, create a customized treatment plan for your needs, and teach you exercises and stretches to improve your range of motion and strengthen the injured shoulder. He or she will also inform you of things you should avoid doing to keep from reinjuring yourself and experiencing shoulder pain again down the road. For example, if you play sports, they may advise you to take frequent breaks to reduce the amount you’re using your shoulder. Shoulder pain is a common condition that can easily be diagnosed and treated, so don’t hold out on seeing a physical therapist because you’re hoping the pain will go away on its own! It’s important to have your condition evaluated, that way you will know for sure if the problem is a torn rotator cuff, a pinched nerve, or something else entirely. DITCH THE PAIN IN YOUR NECK (OR SHOULDER!) & COME SEE US TODAY! Put an end to your problems today. Call our office and get scheduled for your very own consultation with one of our skilled physical therapists. They will be able to assess your condition, find the root of your pain problem, and set you on the right track to ditching your pain once and for all! Contact your physical therapist today by calling (801) 944-1209 or schedule your consult by visiting canyonsportstherapy.com !

1209 or schedule your consult by visiting canyonsportstherapy.com ! SCS ASHLEY DPT RYAN DPT, CSCS

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THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF PET OWNERSHIP For some people, the idea of welcoming a dog or cat into their home seems like an influx of responsibility and obligation they would rather avoid. But for devoted pet owners, their furry friends are beloved members of the family with whom they share a mutually beneficial relationship. Whichever camp you fall into, it can’t hurt to brush up on the many benefits of owning a pet. If you’re reluctant to take the plunge, these facts may convince you. And if you’re a longtime pet parent, they’ll serve as a welcome reminder as to how your little furball has improved your life. 1. Fitness. Pets need regular activity and, if a dog becomes your pet of choice, you’ll also be signing up for brisk daily walks to help your furry friend keep in shape. In turn, you’ll also feel the benefit of regular, low-impact exercise. According to a recent survey, 36 percent of pet owners said that having a pet has helped them lose weight. Who needs a personal trainer? 2. Social. Believe it or not, having an animal can even have an impact on your social life… in a good way. Walking the dog around the local park or taking it to obedience lessons are just two settings where you’ll have the opportunity to meet new faces and interact with people you might not otherwise have come into contact with. And don’t be surprised if you’re stopped by strangers in the street who are eager to pat your furry friend and find out more about her. 3. Companionship. The sheer presence of a pet in the home can boost your mood, especially after a hectic day at the office or even following a difficult conversation. The stresses of life can melt away as soon as you walk through the front door and see your beloved pet, desperate for your affection. Said animal will also be your go-to companion of choice to watch a movie with or cuddle up to read a book with on a cold winter’s day. 4. Mental health. Not only do pets provide companionship and help improve your physical health, they can also provide therapeutic and emotional benefits.

See what results await you! Call us today at (801) 944-1209 or visit our website at canyonsportstherapy.com

EXERCISE ESSENTIALS A N E X E R C I S E T O S T R E N G T H E N S HOU L D E R MU S C L E S

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Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing. REVERSE FLY | SINGLE ARM WITH DUMBBELL Start with one knee on a bench, dumbbell in hand as shown. Bring weight out to the side, even with your shoulder. Return to the start position with control. Repeat for 8-10 reps on each arm.

HEALTHY RECIPE MINTED COUSCOUS SALAD

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup dry couscous • 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers • 2 tbsp olive oil • Juice from 1/2 lemon

• 1 tomato, seeded and diced • 1 English cucumber, diced • 1/2 cup mint (or flat-leaf parsley) • Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS Cook the couscous according to package directions. Fluff with fork. Meanwhile, dice roasted red peppers and add diced tomato and cucumber to a bowl. Add lemon juice and olive oil and stir to combine. Finely chop mint (or parsley) and add to bowl, along with the cooked couscous, and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy! FOLLOW US TODAY! Follow us on social media to stay up to date with Canyon Sports Therapy! @canyonsportstherapyut @canyonsportstherapyut @canyons