Shoulder Doc explains the most common CrossFit Problem

                  

The Shoulder joint is in fact 4 different joints.

The Ball & Socket joint of the shoulder is called the Gleno-humeral joint.

When you lift your arm, the rotator cuff tendon passes through a narrow space at the top of your shoulder, known as the subacromial space.

Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendon rubs or catches on the bone at the top of this space, called the acromion.

You are likely to get away with CrossFit in your twenties, but shoulder impingement is more likely to develop in the over thirties.

What are the Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement?

Commonly rotator cuff impingement has the following symptoms:

·        An arc of shoulder pain approximately when your arm is at shoulder height and/or when your arm is overhead.

·        Shoulder pain that can extend from the top of the shoulder to the elbow.

·        Pain when lying on the sore shoulder.

·        Shoulder pain at rest as your condition deteriorates.

·        Muscle weakness or pain when attempting to reach or lift.

·        Pain when putting your hand behind your back or head.

·        Pain reaching for the seat-belt.

This can happen if:

the tendon becomes swollen, thickened or torn – this can be due to an injury, overuse of the shoulder (for example, from sports such as swimming or tennis) or "wear and tear" with age.

the fluid-filled sac (bursa) found between the tendon and acromion becomes irritated and inflamed (bursitis) – this can also be caused by an injury or overuse of the shoulder.

the acromion is curved or hooked, rather than flat – this tends to be something you're born with there are bony growths (spurs) on the acromion – these can develop as you get older

It is repeated movement of your arm into the impingement zone overhead that most frequently causes the rotator cuff to contact the outer end of the shoulder blade (acromion). When this repeatedly occurs, the swollen rotator cuff is trapped and pinched under the acromion.

Injuries vary from mild tendon inflammation (tendonitis), bursitis (inflammed bursa), calcific tendonitis (bone forming within the tendon) through to partial and full thickness rotator cuff tendon tears, which may require surgery.

The shoulders rotator cuff tendons are protected from simple knocks and bumps by bones (mainly the acromion) and ligaments that form a protective arch over the top of your shoulder. In between the rotator cuff tendons and the bony arch is the subacromial bursa (a lubricating sack), which helps to protect the tendons from touching the bone and provide a smooth surface for the tendons to glide over.

Impingement Syndrome in itself is not a diagnosis, it is a clinical sign. 

There are at least six different diagnoses which can cause impingement syndrome which include:

1. bone spurs 

2. rotator cuff injury

3. labral injury

4. shoulder instability

5. biceps tendinopathy

6. scapula dysfunction.

 If left untreated, shoulder impingement can develop into a rotator cuff tear.

Researchers have concluded that there are essentially 7 stages that need to be covered to effectively rehabilitate these injuries and prevent recurrence.

These are:

1. Early Injury: Protection, Pain Relief & Anti-inflammatory Treatment

2. Regain Full Shoulder Range of Motion

3. Restore Scapular Control and Scapulohumeral Rhythm

4. Restore Normal Neck-Scapulo-Thoracic-Shoulder Function

5. Restore Rotator Cuff Strength

6. Restore High Speed, Power, Proprioception and Agility Exercises

7. Return to CrossFit, Sport or Work

This week we will focus on Shoulder injuries and Rotator Cuff related shoulder pain.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/user/lenfunk