Quick Tip for Shoulder Rehabilitation

People possess different learning styles when it comes to learning exercises.  Some are adept at putting verbal instructions into proper use.  Others are visual learners and are good at mimicking what is demonstrated to them.  Still others require manual cuing in order to learn how to perform certain movements.

The above learning styles are auditory, visual and tactile, respectively.

One particular area of motor learning where I find that folks require tactile cuing is scapular mobility and stability training.

What are the scapulae?  They are the shoulder blades that articulate with the back of your thorax (rib cage).  I like to describe the scapulothoracic joint as the "core" of the shoulder.  In a healthy shoulder, it ought to be able to move in multiple planes and directions.  It also needs to be stable through it's given ranges.  Training the movements of the scapulothoracic joint is an integral part of shoulder rehabilitation.  What I find with most folks though is that they have a very difficult time learning how to isolate and control these movements.

Here is a quick video in which I demonstrate how to use a common rehabilitative device, a foam roller, to help manually cue one of the important movements of the scapula, which is retraction.

Give this a try yourself, or if you're a rehabilitation specialist, use it with your client who has a difficult time with this movement.  I have found it to be a very helpful first step towards improving scapular movement and control.

It's YOUR Choice

Yesterday I emailed a number of patients whom I haven't seen in a while to check on how they are feeling and to wish them a happy and healthy holiday season.

One of my patients responded that he was feeling great from his original foot injury, but that he had injured his shoulder a while ago in the gym.  Regarding the doctor who evaluatied him, he wrote the following:  "Unfortunately, I ended up getting sucked into their insurance and health care system and could not easily go outside for PT, even though I'd have preferred to come to you."

I am certainly not writing this to pat myself on the back because he wanted to come back to work with me.  Rather, I want to remind you that it is YOUR choice when it comes to picking a health care provider!  I have heard this same story many times in the past, and I find it very frustrating.  I fully recognize that insurance companies play a big role in steering you towards in-network providers.  But your doctor ought to provide you with referrals without leaving you thinking you have no other choice.   Ideally, you have a good enough relationship with your primary care doctor that you trust his/her recommendations.  

If you ever find yourself in a position where you feel corned to go see a specific referral, please ask questions.  Let your doctor know that you know better, and that it's ultimately up to YOU to decide from whom you seek care.