Shrug Off Shoulder Pain This Fall
Brushing it off as a muscle strain, he expected it to pass with a little rest. But as days turned into a week, the pain persisted, disrupting his sleep and making simple tasks like lifting objects overhead challenging and sometimes impossible.
The Physical Therapy Program
The program began with a thorough evaluation of John’s shoulder, including range of motion, strength, and functional movement tests. The physical therapist also focused on John’s pain levels, understanding that pain management was a priority, especially to improve his sleep quality.
Manual Therapy Techniques
The initial phase of treatment involved manual therapy. This included gentle joint mobilizations and soft tissue massages around the shoulder to reduce stiffness and alleviate pain. These sessions not only provided immediate relief but also prepared John’s shoulder for more intensive exercises.
Mobility Exercises
Once the pain was manageable, John was introduced to mobility exercises. These exercises were aimed at improving the range of motion in his shoulder. John was taught targeted exercises based on his specific limitations, which he performed both during therapy sessions and at home and helped restore shoulder movement.
Strengthening Exercises
As mobility improved, the focus shifted to strengthening exercises. These exercises targeted the muscles around the shoulder, especially the rotator cuff muscles. John learned that strengthening these muscles was crucial for shoulder stability and to prevent future injuries. With resistance bands and weights, John worked on building strength, always under the watchful eye of his therapist.
Functional Training
Understanding John’s eagerness to return to his yard work, his therapist incorporated functional training into the program. This included specific movements and tasks that simulated his typical activities, ensuring John’s shoulder could handle the demands of his hobby.
Restoring Function and Confidence
Over the weeks, John noticed a remarkable improvement. His pain levels decreased, sleep quality improved, and lifting objects became easier. The most rewarding moment came when he could return to his yard work, doing what he loved without the nagging fear of shoulder pain.
Take Control of Your Shoulder Pain and Book Your Appointment Today
If you’re struggling with shoulder pain like John, remember that relief and recovery are within your reach.
Contact Atrium Physical Therapy today to start your own path to healing and rediscover the joy of pain-free movement!
Haunted by Joint Pain? Call Your Local Physical Therapist!
October 1st might mark the start of spooky season, but it also ushers in a less frightening holiday: National Physical Therapy Month! If you notice some mysterious aches and pains as you’re hanging up your decorations or designing the perfect Halloween costumes, don’t get scared. Call the physical therapists at Atrium Physical Therapy instead.
Physical therapy focuses on helping you find relief through movement. As physical therapists, we’re experts in your body’s musculoskeletal system and understand how a seemingly minor issue can cause significant pain.
Through a blend of different techniques, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, patient education, and more, we’ll help you find relief from joint pain so you can live an active, healthy lifestyle all year long.
This October, don’t just celebrate Halloween. Set aside some time to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month, too.
Three Ways to Celebrate the Spooky Season… PT-Style
- Do the Monster Mash. Dancing is a great way to get more movement in, and “The Monster Mash” is a classic of the season. Regular exercise has a host of benefits, from reducing your risk of chronic diseases to improving your mood. Not sure how to get started? Our team can help you find an exercise program that suits your needs and abilities.
- Call the Exercist. If persistent pain has you feeling like someone else, our “exercists” can help exorcize your pain with a customized treatment program. Hands-on manual therapy techniques offer acute pain relief and improved mobility, and a therapeutic exercise program will help restore strength and functionality in the impacted areas.
- Prepare for the Zombie Apocalypse: When the dead rise, the last thing you want is to injure yourself as you make your escape. Our physical therapists can perform a comprehensive evaluation to alert you to any muscular weakness or imbalances that might lead to injury. Then, we’ll walk you through a plan to correct them so you can fight zombies (and face other daily challenges) without fear.
Get Spooky and Healthy This October with Physical Therapy!
The team at Atrium Physical Therapy wants to help you live an active, independent lifestyle free of pain and other physical impairments. To learn more about the role physical therapy plays in managing pain, reducing injury, and keeping you healthy, schedule an appointment with us today!
Healthy Recipe: Roasted Harvest Quinoa Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 bunch Lacinato (dinosaur) kale, de-stemmed and chopped
- 1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
- 1 cup dry quinoa (yields about 3 cups cooked)
- 1/3 cup pecans or pumpkin seeds (toasted)
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a dash of cinnamon. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until fork-tender and caramelized at the edges.
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the tahini, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Whisk thoroughly.
- Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Add a tiny drop of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Use your hands to actively massage and scrunch the leaves for 1 to 2 minutes until they become dark green, glossy, and reduced in volume by about half.
- Divide the massaged kale and cooked quinoa into serving bowls. Top with the roasted sweet potatoes, apple slices, toasted pecans, and pomegranate seeds. Drizzle generously with the maple-tahini dressing just before serving.
Disclaimer: Recipes featured in this newsletter are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not intended as nutritional, dietary, or medical guidance.
Exercise of the Month
SHOULDER SHRUGS
Stand tall with your arms at your sides, holding a dumbbell in each hand (optional). Slowly lift your shoulders up toward your ears in a shrugging motion. Hold briefly at the top, then lower your shoulders back down with control.
3 Sets, 10 Reps
(Materials needed: optional dumbbells)
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Meet Our Team
Dennis L. Prickett
PT, Owner, Chief of Operations
Anthony Apodaca
PTA, Clinic Lead
Jacob Robles
PT Tech
Anna Marie Robles
Customer Service Representative
Monique Montoya
Customer Service Representative
Leticia Guaderrama
Patient Account Specialist
Philip Montoya
Office Assistant
TJ Mallari
PT, DPT
Anastasia Olivares
Customer Service Representative
