NEWS AND NOTES
Blue Water Sailing
FEBRUARY 23, 2010
Health Tips for Sailors
This week, we begin with Sailors and Shoulder Problems.
"Having recently retired from the McGuire VA Hospital," writes Richard Brisner, an Occupational Therapist/Shoulder Specialist, "and being a sailor, I thought it might be helpful to offer some of my expertise regarding common shoulder problems and their treatment.
The primary reason for most shoulder pain is a muscle imbalance. This often occurs as we age, regardless of whether there is a known trauma or not. As the rotator cuff and scapula stabilizer muscles weaken, the stronger deltoid muscle creates a problem called “impingement” as we take the arm above 90 degrees and/or lie on it in a certain way at night.
Normal Shoulder Diagram, Shoulder Impingement Diagram courtesy of safepitching4youth.com
This pain is often “acute” and can feel like a burning sensation, radiating down the side of the upper arm. Sometimes it can be felt in the forearm and hand. Sailors are particularly susceptible to “impingement” as repetitive overhead activity can be required on a frequent basis.
Initial treatment should consist of:
1) NSAIDS such as ibuprofen
2) Restricted, repetitive overhead movements, if possible
3) Moist heat for 20 minutes
4) Specific stretching, especially the posterior shoulder
5) Strengthening of the Rotator Cuff and Scapula Stabilizer muscles
6) Eliminating a “protective posture”
7) Re-establishing a good scapula-humeral rhythm."
Richard Brinser is a retired Occupational Therapist/Shoulder Specialist after 30 years at the McGuire Veterans Administration Hospital in Richmond, Virginia where he established and managed the Shoulder Rehabilitation Program.
If you have any questions regarding shoulder problems you may contact Richard at rbrinser@cuflinc.com .
