Understanding Shoulder, Elbow & Wrist Pain

Understanding Shoulder, Elbow & Wrist Pain

Health & Fitness

The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

“I WAS SUFFERING FROM JOINT PAIN UNTIL I DECIDED TO SEEK TREATMENT! ” Understanding 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! It is common habit to focus on the body part that hurts. It is thought that because it hurts there, that is where the problem is coming from. However, this is often not the case as the cause of the problem stems from another area. The body part that is painful is usually the one that is excessively 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 a 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 “tendonitis”. 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. “ A study published in the Journal of Pain estimated the national cost of pain to be in the range of $560-$635 billion dollars.” - Journal of Pain

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“DISCOVER METHODS NECESSARY TO GAIN JOINT PAIN RELIEF! ” Understanding Shoulder, Elbow & Wrist Pain

Proper movement relies on your posture to be in good order. When you slouch or 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 the 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 Worcester 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.

Think Worcester PT FIRST

Why You Need To Go Back For A Check-Up:

• Move without pain • Bend and move freely

TAKE CARE OF YOUR ACHES & PAINS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! • Balance confidently and securely • Sit for long periods comfortably • Walk for long distances • Live an active and healthy lifestyle

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DIRECT ACCESS

• Move Freely • Alleviate Pain Naturally • Have More Energy • Enjoy Activities Pain Free • Be Stronger 4 Pain when trying to sleep 4 Pain when driving > 30 mins 4 Trouble bending and reaching Do you suffer with any of the following symptoms? Don’t let joint pain become a way of life Pinpoint the exact cause of your joint pain! Worcester Physical Therapy offers Direct Access for physical therapy and rehab programs. In accordance with Massachusetts State Law, Direct Access means an individual can be seen directly by a Physical Therapist, without a prescription or referral from their doctor. Why wait to be seen by your doctor for an injury or pain point? If you are suffering from chronic or acute pain, or even if “something doesn’t feel right” but you’re not sure what it is, come to Worcester Physical Therapy first and get treated immediately. Our licensed Physical Therapists will provide you with a free injury assessment and screening to determine a physical therapy treatment plan that best fits your needs. Contact Us Today to Ask How Direct Access At Worcester Physical Therapy Can Help You! 4 Stiffness or swelling 4 Aches at the end of the day 4 Pain from an old injury

FREE JOINT PAIN ANALYSIS

Call Today! 508-791-8740

Offer valid for the first 25 people to schedule. Expires 04-28-17.

Wondering About Your Ache or Pain? ASK YOUR QUESTION! Call and ask your question today and we will get right back to you, answering your question and giving you advice.

Call Today! 508-791-8740

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Wellness Tips

When You’re Numb, You’re Done “The Art Of Icing Joint Pain! ”

Slide the ice over the inflamed area in a slow but steady pattern. It’s important to keep moving. Continue ice massaging for 1–3 minutes, or until it is numb, whichever comes first — no more. “When you’re numb, you’re done,” is the rule of thumb for safety. Areas with thick tissue, like your shoulder, will take longer to get numb. Thin areas, like the side of the elbow, will usually go numb quickly. What does numb feel like? Just close your eyes and lightly touch the skin. If you can’t feel it at all, or if you can feel only pressure, that’s numb enough. Stop icing and let the tissue warm up.

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Exercise Essentials Try this simple exercise to keep you moving...

WAND SHOULDER FLEXION Lying on your back and holding a wand, palm face down on both sides, slowly raise the wand towards overhead. Repeat 3 sets of 8 reps.

Helps Shoulder Pain

Exercises copyright of

www.simpleset.net

The above exercise is designed to be performed under the instruction of a licensed physical therapist

PATIENT RESULTS

Back on the field quickly and safely! “Worcester Physical Therapy was crucial for us this baseball season in a variety of ways. Throughout a 55+ game season our guys were bound to get some minor and potential major injuries. Worcester PT got our guys in to see themASAP and back on the field quickly and safely, all while giving our staff and players invaluable advice on

time frames of rest, rehab, and availability. Without these guys, some minor injuries could have turned into something more serious. I can’t say thank you enough to the Fusionetics program, implemented by Worcester PT, for helping our guys understand some of the warning signs of injury before they actually happened as well. Without Worcester PT, we wouldn’t have the success we have had in the last two seasons.” – Justin E.