The rotator cuff is a very commonly injured group of muscles in the shoulder. It is made up of a group of four small muscles at each side of the scapula, or shoulder blade, and it functions as a dynamic stabilizer for the shoulder. Since the shoulder is a "ball in socket" joint, it can be very unstable, and this is where the rotator cuff comes in to play. The purpose of the rotator cuff muscles is to keep the "ball" in the "socket" when the arm is moved (i.e. stabilize the joint during a dynamic activity). The four muscles are the supraspinatus, the infraspinatus, the teres minor, and the subscapularis muscles. Each muscle provides a slightly different force to the mechanics of the shoulder movement, but the muscles work together to make the movement fluid and painfree. Therefore, given the function of the rotator cuff, it is extremely important to keep each of the muscles in a healthy condition to ensure the most optimal stabilization of the upper body. And this is where your health care professionals can guide you...don't hesitate to ask your physical therapist for assistance on the proper stretching and strengthening routine for your rotator cuff!
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Joint Ventures' Blog
What is a Rotator Cuff?
Am I having a Migraine Headache?
Believe it or not, there are over 150 different documented types of headaches! The most common categories include: Tension, Cluster, Migraine, Sinus, Cervicogenic, Mixed, Rebound and Hormone Headaches. How do you know what category your headaches fall into? Using the information below and on the linked website, you can help get the best care for your headaches.
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What is a Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder (also known as adhesive capsulitis) is a condition characterized by shoulder pain and limited range of motion. This condition is the result of inflammation, scarring, thickening, and contracting of the capsule that surrounds the shoulder joint. Over a period of time the pain subsides and the individual is left with a stiff shoulder that limits functional activities. About 2% of the general population are affected by this condition.
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Keeping Hydrated
It's hot out there!!! And most of us don't keep ourselves properly hydrated during our daily activities or exercise. Here are some pointers on how to keep your body happy, healthy and properly hydrated.
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Heat Vs. Ice
A frequently asked question in physical therapy is "When is heat better than ice or vice versa?" First you must know what heat and ice can accomplish for the body. Any form of heat causes as increase in circulation at that particular area of the body where the heat source is applied. In other words, blood vessels dilate and allow more blood to travel to that area. One reason that heat may benefit would be if nutrients in the blood are needed at that area of the body for healing purposes. Another benefit may be to get blood distributed throughout a muscle which can contribute to healthier working parts of the muscle.
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Therapy on Horseback?
Each Saturday morning, I drive out to Lovelane Therapeutic Horseback Riding Stable in Lincoln, MA. The 4-5 hours I spend there each week are a great way for me to combine a few things that I love: kids, horses and therapy. I volunteer my time to help teach children with special needs how to ride and care for horses, as well as interact with others (verbally and non-verbally). My background as a physical therapist gives me added insight into how to get the most physical benefit from the 30 minute riding lesson, but the children benefit from all the interaction that goes on during this time. It is amazing to see them accomplish something for the first time, whether it is trotting ("going fast" to the non-horsepeople), steering the horse independently, or using a new sign correctly. If you would like to learn more about how physical therapy is accomplished on horseback, please visit their website, www.lovelane.org
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Core Stabilization
"Core" is a term used with reference to the lumbar spine to describe a point from which the center of gravity for all mobility is initiated. The core functions to maintain stability during movement and everyday activities. If the core is not properly engaged there is instability of the spine and pelvis. Imbalances and instablity in the core can eventually lead to problems in the extremities. Common injuries resulting from delayed activation of the core include ankle sprains, knee sprains, as well as hip and back injuries. If the spine is not stable, excessive rotation and motion is present. This can make an individual prone to disc injuries of the lumbar spine.
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Tennis Elbow/Lateral Epicondylitis
Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is an injury that can typically result from microtrauma (repeated continual small stress over a period of time) or macrotrauma (a large stress applied at one time) to the elbow. Tennis elbow is an extremely common injury that appears on the outside (lateral) aspect of the forearm. This injury is not to be confused with pain on the inside (medial) aspect of the forearm (Golfer's elbow). Tennis elbow commonly appears within the tennis playing population, but is an injury that presents in a population of people who do not play tennis at all. Tennis elbow occurs most commonly in the tendon of the Extensor Carpi Brevis muscle, which is located approximately two centimeters below the outer edge of the elbow joint or lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
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What are Shin Splints?
The term 'shin splint' is a general symptom of a number of things that may be affecting the muscles, bones and other tissue of the front of the lower leg. What some describe as a "burning" in the shin with walking, running, or playing sport is most commonly an overuse of the largest muscle, the anterior tibialis muscle.
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Throwing a Curveball
Your son/daughter is a great athlete, the best pitcher on the team. At 12 years old, he/she is striking out 13-14 year olds with ease. He is dying to learn how to throw a curveball. She wants to pitch every day. Should you let him/her? Maybe these facts will help!
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