Rotator Cuff Tears and/or Tendinopathy

Impingement is a common cause of shoulder pain, where a tendon rubs or catches on nearby tissue and/or bone as you move (lift) your arm. This problem is usually due to overuse and repetitive traumas. 

The long head of the biceps tendon is particularly susceptible to impingement as it runs along the shoulder’s front (anterior) aspect through the area between the shoulder blade and arm bone (i.e., subacromial space).

Shoulder Impingement

The meniscus serves as a shock absorber and helps maintain stability in the knee. A meniscus tear can be caused by contact or non-contact activity when the knee twists suddenly. Some tears are the result of wear and tear.

Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Pain

The AC joint is on the very top of the shoulder. Research suggests that the AC joint is most stressed at the top of the backswing when the lead shoulder is in maximal horizontal abduction (reaching across the body). Degeneration and faulty shoulder blade movements can influence the AC joint and lead to pain or injury.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative type of arthritis where the cartilage in the shoulder joints gradually wears away. As the cartilage wears away, the joint space decreases, resulting in pain and loss of motion.

Shoulder Joint Instability

Instability is defined as the excess movement of the humeral head (ball) in relation to the socket. Essentially, the ball slides forward or backward in the socket and loses congruence with the socket. The rotator cuff’s primary function is to maintain the ball in the center of the socket, preventing excessive movement of the humeral head in any direction.

At Elliott Physical Therapy, our physical therapist will help identify the most likely cause of your shoulder pain and how to resolve it.

Debunking the Myth That Running Causes Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and impaired mobility. While there is a common misconception that running contributes to the development of OA, numerous studies have shown this to be a myth.

Running has various health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness and weight management, which support joint health. In addition, movement, including running, helps keep the cartilage in the knee healthy. 

Research has highlighted other factors that are contributors to the development of knee OA:

• Age: Aging is the most significant risk factor for OA. As individuals age, the cartilage in their joints naturally undergoes wear and tear, making them more susceptible to degeneration.
• Genetics: Genetic factors play a crucial role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to OA. Certain genetic variations have been associated with an increased risk of developing OA in various joints, including the knee.
• Previous joint injuries: Previous knee injuries, such as ligament or meniscus tears, can predispose individuals to OA later in life. The trauma from these injuries can accelerate the degenerative process in the affected joint.
• Obesity: Excess body weight places additional stress on the knee joints, leading to accelerated cartilage breakdown and an increased risk of developing OA. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of OA.
• Joint misalignment or instability: Abnormalities in joint structure or function, such as malalignment or instability, can lead to uneven distribution of forces within the knee joint, contributing to cartilage degeneration and OA development.

The bottom line is that running does not cause knee OA. At Elliott Physical Therapy, our therapists understand the risk factors associated with knee arthritis and will provide programs to preserve your joint health and reduce the burden of OA so you can keep running!