Arm and Shoulder

Supporting the Shoulder

What are the functions of the shoulder?

The shoulder is one of the most flexible joints in the body. It is made up of three bones, the upper arm, the shoulder blade, and the collar bone. It helps in lifting the arm, rotating it, and providing force. It can be rotated in a 360 degree radius vertically as well as horizontally. It is strong as well as flexible and can withstand a good amount of force and strain. The shoulder blade has a socket that is fitted with the upper arm. The cartilage in between provides the lubrication and thus ensures smooth movement.

What are the problems associated with the shoulder?

Joint and muscle injuries – Partial dislocation of the shoulder is one of the major problems. Since it is so flexible and moveable, it is easier to dislocate the shoulder. When the shoulder gets dislocated on a regular basis, the condition is referred to as chronic shoulder instability. Muscle tears are also very common with the shoulder. For example the shoulder joint tear is an injury where the labrum tissue that provides stability to the shoulder is torn due to an injury.

Shoulder conditions – Rotator cuff tendinitis is a common condition where the rotator cuff that keeps the arm in the socket gets inflamed. The tendons and the bursae are vulnerable to swelling and thus can be source of great discomfort in the shoulder. Frozen shoulder is a condition where the muscles in the shoulder stiffen due the reduction in synovial fluid. There are several stages an as time progresses the condition worsens. Arthritis is another problem that affects the shoulder.

Who is affected?

Dislocation can occur due to an accident or due to a sports injury. Excessive strain on the opposite side of the arm can result in dislocation. Repetitive strain on the shoulder can result in chronic shoulder instability. Muscle tears are a result of over exertion and also sometimes due to malnutrition. Rotator cuff tendinitis affects those who go through a lot of physical work that uses the shoulder like sports persons, construction workers, drivers, etc. Frozen shoulder is common problem among diabetes patients and can also be a result of immobilization of the shoulder.

What are the treatment options?

Muscles tears and fractures can be healed using medications and basic regular exercises including the use of a cast. Problems like rotator cuff tendinitis might sometimes require surgery but are mostly healed by rest and rehabilitation activities. Supports, braces, and slings, help in the rehabilitation process by enhancing the healing and reducing the pain.

What are my options?

 

Saunders Sully Shoulder Support can be worn while participating in sports. It performs multiple applications such as posterior instabilities, muscle strains, rotator cuff deceleration, anterior instabilities, inferior instabilities and multi-directional instabilities. One can functionally stabilize, assist or restrict movement according to the specific needs of athlete.

Donjoy Sully Shoulder Stabilizer provides shoulder immobilization and controlled range of motion for anterior, multi-directional, inferior and posterior instabilities, rotator cuff deceleration, shoulder AC separations and muscle strains. The shoulder brace is designed to stabilize, assist or restrict movement of the shoulder post-injury and post operatively.

Rolyan Neoprene Shoulder Support is a heat-insulating, shock-absorbing support. It is ideal for inflammation, acute or chronic pain, post-surgery rehabilitation of the shoulder, or mild subluxation. It is universal, fits right or left shoulder and is latex free. It is available in black colour only.

FLA Orthopedics Safe-T-Sport Neoprene Shoulder Support stabilizes supports and protects the shoulder to prevent re-injury, while still allowing for flexibility. The sports neoprene material gives comfortable compression and four-way stretch for a proper fit and comfort. Neoprene retains the natural heat of the body for therapeutic and soothing warmth to the shoulder joints and surrounding muscles.

 

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