The Benefits of Physiotherapy Post Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation

If you have had to have the surgeon open up your shoulder then you will need some post shoulder surgery rehabilitation. 

Let me talk to you about this amazing joint!

• The shoulder is the most flexible joint in your body. It can move in every direction and plane. Before we get into the benefits of physiotherapy after shoulder surgery, let’s take a look at some of the problems that can lead to shoulder surgery.

The most common shoulder issues in younger populations are anterior shoulder pain, shoulder instability, recurrent shoulder dislocations. Whereas, in the elderly population shoulder pain related to rotator cuff tears or osteoarthritis are more common. 

The benefits of PHYSIOTHERAPY:

Physiotherapists offer a supportive environment and are focused on helping patients regain their highest functional level through the following methods.

Particular areas of treatment include the following:

1. Pain Management

2. Avoiding Muscle Wastage

3. Reducing Scar Tissue Formation

4. Improving Functional Ability

5. Increase Joint Stability

6. Education 

4 Myths About Your Back!

                                

#1. Myth: If you have bulging disks, you have a major medical problem.

Fact: Bulging disks are a normal part of aging. This is why we may become shorter as we age.

#2. Myth: Herniated disks need to be surgically repaired.

Fact: More than 90% of herniated disks get better on their own with short rest or with treatment, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications or spine injections.

#3. Myth: MRI scans always show the source of back pain.

Fact: MRI scans do not show weak muscles or many other disorders that contribute to back pain. This is why a thorough physical exam is the most important source of information about the causes of your back pain.

#4. Myth: The best thing for a sore back is bed rest.

Fact: The best thing for your back is gentle exercise. Walking, for example, gets you out of a sitting posture. Your physical therapist can best supervise this endeavor and can tailor a personalized strengthening and stretching routine for you!

Different Types of Neurological Pathologies!

When I talk with friends, family, people not from the field about different neurological diseases, one of the top questions is always how different the brain looks in these patients. Here on the graphic you see different types of neurological pathologies!

1. Upper Left is the Brain of Huntington patients.

➡️ Patients suffering from this disease show a spectrum of movement, cognitive and psychiatric disorders. You can see very nicely how the degeneration of the basal ganglia leads to the atrophy of the cerebral nerve tissue and enlarged ventricles.

2. Upper Right is a Brain presenting a tumor in the left hemisphere.

➡️ Depending on the exact localisation of the cancerous or non-cancerous tissue, patients demonstrate various symptoms.

3. Lower Left is a comparison between a healthy brain (left) and atrophic brain (right).

➡️ Atrophies of the brain are a higher classification of any pathology that alter the structure of the brain.

4. Lower Right is a mouse brain presenting TBI (Traumatic brain injury) which is damage caused by for example motorcycle or car crashes.

➡️ Patients with TBI range from mild symptoms (rarely) to severe long lasting brain damage.

Grow New Adult Brain Cells By doing these 6 Things!

As you age, you naturally start to lose brain cells. So, basically, that means that after you hit twenty-five, it all goes downhill in terms of brain function.

The good news is that scientists have now shown that growing new brain cells, or neurogenesis, is possible for adults.

In this process, new brain cells or neurons are created in the hippocampus. This region of the brain is responsible for storing long-term information, learning, and regulating emotions. 

Here are six things you can do to encourage neurogenesis and help grow new adult brain cells:

1. Get plenty of sleep
2. Try intermittent fasting
3. Follow a healthy diet
4. Indulge in dark chocolate
5. Get moving
6. Exercise your brain

Keep Your Brain Sharp and Healthy!

Sitting is the new smoking: Sitting disease.

How often are you sitting? 

Think about your day... You drive to work, you sit in your office, then sitting for lunch, and then back to work. When the day is done you drive home, sit for dinner and watch TV or sit at the computer and then you sleep!

We are too sedentary! we are meant for MOVEMENT... 

So, what can you do?

1- Around the house: If watching TV, get up in every ad break or stand/walk around while talking on the phone.

2- At work: Take the stairs at every opportunity, deliver messages by walking instead of email, stand up to read or use a standing desk, or take mini breaks and perform some sit-to-stand transitions.

3- Getting places: Break up long car trips with rest breaks, or when taking public transport get off a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way.

WE ARE MEANT FOR MOVEMENT !!

Do I apply ICE or HEAT for pain?

Ice packs and heating pads are among the most commonly used treatments in orthopedics. 

In general, "Ice is a great choice for the first 72 hours after an injury because it helps reduce swelling, which causes pain. Heat, on the other hand, helps soothe stiff joints and relax muscles."

When to use ICE? 

--> Ice helps minimize swelling. By applying an ice pack at the onset of an injury, swelling can be controlled, which minimizes pain.

When to use HEAT ?

--> Heat treatments should be used for chronic conditions to help relax and loosen tissues, and to stimulate blood flow to the area. It causes small blood vessels to open which can stimulate inflammation rather than relieve it. 

However, neither option should be used for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

Best Sleeping Position for Better Sleep and Health.

A good sleeping position is an important factor for a healthy night’s sleep, as an incorrect sleeping position may cause back pain, neck problems and even headaches.

So what are the best sleeping positions?

Side sleeping and sleeping on your back are typically the two best positions for your neck because they maintain a good spinal alignment!

Stomach sleeping is not recommended due to the stress placed on your cervical spine!

However, if you can't fall asleep but on your stomach, use pillows properly as shown in the picture to keep your spine healthy! 

 To note that, your pillow should not be too thin or too thick and/or high, this can result in morning pain or stiffness.

Have a good night and sleep WELL !