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The rotator cuff is a series of four muscles and tendons around the shoulder and tears of the rotator cuff is the most common tendon injury in adults. Rotator cuff tears usually cause pain and weakness around the shoulder and can even cause pain at night. Rotator cuff tears can go partway through the thickness of the tendon (partial-thickness tears) or go all of the ways through the tendon, thus creating an actual hole in the tendon (full-thickness tears).By doing an analysis of previously performed research studies on full-thickness rotator cuff tears (a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials), this <a href="http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0363546518780694">study</a> concluded that patients can achieve good improvement in their shoulders with full-thickness rotator cuff tears either with or without surgery when assessed up to 1 year after treatment. However, while patients improved with or without surgery, the greatest improvements were seen in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair.Regrettably, only a handful of the non-operative treatment groups in the study were followed for more than a year. This is unfortunate because one of the risks of full-thickness rotator cuff tears is that they are known to enlarge over time if not repaired. If the tears become big enough, they become irreparable and the affected shoulder will typically deteriorate.However, this study was not designed to include this type of outcome in its analysis, so these problematic outcomes from non-operative care would not be reflected in the study’s results.While there is much for the scientific community to still learn about the treatment of rotator cuff tears, this study helped outline how patients can do well either with or without surgery for the first year after getting treatment for a full-thickness rotator cuff tear.<blockquote>SimpleTakeaway™Persisting shoulder pain warrants an evaluation by a physician as a rotator cuff tearcould be present. If present, both operative and non-operative treatments will bediscussed. An individual patient’s characteristics and the precise nature of anygiven tear will help the doctor determine whether to recommend operative or non-operative care for that patient and their rotator cuff tear.</blockquote>--<a href="/uploads/2018/07/unnamed-1.webp"><img class="alignnone wp-image-2330" src="/uploads/2018/07/unnamed-1.webp" alt="" width="151" height="151" /></a>Commentary by Dr. Russell Nord, M.D.<a href="https://www.mywtmf.com/Find-a-Doctor/N/Russell-M-Nord-M-D-.aspx">Dr. Russell Nord, M.D.</a>, is on the SimpleTherapy Clinical Advisory Board, the&nbsp;<a href="http://orthodoc.aaos.org/RussellNordMD/index.cfm">Orthopaedic Surgeon and Medical Director</a>&nbsp;of Washington Hospital’s Sports Medicine Program and Orthopaedic Surgery Section Chair at Washington Hospital.

Natural History of Rotator Cuff Tears

Low back pain affects millions of Americans each year leading to significant morbidity and loss of productivity.&nbsp; There are many causes of low back pain including disc herniations, lumbar spine arthritis, and spinal stenosis.<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/06/us-lumbar-stenosis-idUSKBN0MX1FU20150406">Spinal stenosis</a> is a specific condition where the spinal cord and its nerve roots are compressed causing pain that radiates down to the legs and a feeling and sensation of tiredness leading to decreased ambulation (pseudo claudication).&nbsp; Treatment options for this condition have included rest, anti-inflammatory medications, exercise therapy, and surgical decompression of the spine.Surgery, while it can be successful, also poses significant risks to patients.&nbsp; Therefore, it is best left as the last resort.&nbsp; Fortunately, it turns out that the majority of patients with spinal stenosis.&nbsp; In a recent study published in the <a href="http://annals.org/">Annals of Internal Medicine</a>, researchers showed that in a group of patients randomized to either surgery or twice-weekly therapy for spinal stenosis that clinical outcomes at the latest follow-up were similar between the 2 groups.&nbsp; A major flaw in this study was that a large number of patients refuse to participate in this randomized controlled trial.While this study does not fully prove that therapy is all you need for your low back pain, it suggests that therapy is a reasonable starting point for patients with low back problems.&nbsp; Of course, not all back conditions have the same prognosis or treatment pathways, so please consult your doctor.

How to Navigate Spinal Stenosis

<a href="https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/">Ergonomics</a> literally means the study of people’s efficiency in their work environment.&nbsp; Musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive work or work-related activities can lead to significant pain and loss of wages and productivity.&nbsp; Neck and back pain are among the most common complaints of musculoskeletal complaints in the workplace.Emphasis on an optimized, comfortable work environment and proper education on proper lifting and handling techniques have been shown to decrease work-related musculoskeletal complaints and increase worker satisfaction.&nbsp; Additionally, a regular stretching and strengthening program of at-risk joints and muscle groups can also help minimize the risk of pain and injury.<a href="http://www.simpletherapy.com">SimpleTherapy</a> has a variety of stretching and strengthening programs designed to build strength and flexibility to joints, spine, and muscle groups to minimize the risk of strain or injury in the workplace.<div class="two-columns"><div class="main-column"></div></div><div data-bind="component:{name:'blog.relieve-pain',params:{element:$element}}"><div class="blog-relieve-your-pain"></div></div>&nbsp;&nbsp;

What Is Ergonomics?

<div dir="ltr">No one likes to get hurt. An injury can derail your fitness progress, cost you money in medical bills and lost wages, and take up a whole bunch of time to heal. And it hurts, too! Most people would agree that avoiding injury is always a good thing.While there are many things that you can do to keep from getting hurt, like being careful, paying attention to where you are going and your environment, and making smart choices, one way of avoiding injury may surprise you. Did you know that you can lower your chances of being injured simply by getting plenty of rest? It’s true.<h2 dir="ltr">Avoid Injury at Work</h2><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1087079213000087" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1087079213000087&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1530897629319000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFl0MAKZQb8tkbk3BMY3yas7q7cgQ">Work injuries</a> are more likely to happen to people who are having sleep problems. Researchers reviewed several studies to come to this conclusion. In fact, 13% of injuries that happen on the job can be attributed to sleep problems.Of course, work injuries are more prevalent in some fields than in others. If you work a job where you operate heavy machinery or other complex equipment, you’re more likely to be injured than someone who works at a desk. However, injuries still occur there, and being sleep-deprived makes them all the more likely.<h2 dir="ltr">Avoid Injury on the Field</h2>Athletes are less likely to be injured on the field when they are well-rested, too. In fact, <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121021102814.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121021102814.htm&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1530897629319000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH7i5uGG85rruUrz0-5rxpV8OY_XQ">adolescent athletes</a> who got at least 8 hours of sleep at night were 68% less likely to suffer an injury.Researchers are not entirely sure why sleep and injury rate correlate here. It’s possible that the extra sleep allows the body to better recover from previous physical activity. With enough sleep, tissues should be at peak form every time an athlete is on the field. Rest may also be tied to coordination and judgment skills, both of which are better when a person is well-rested. These skills may keep an athlete from situations where he would be injured.<h2 dir="ltr">Avoid Injury in Your Car</h2><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/features/dsdrowsydriving/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.cdc.gov/features/dsdrowsydriving/index.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1530897629319000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFx4lhACCREQWKGxC9Qft0gcam7ig">Drowsy driving</a> causes up to 6,000 fatal car accidents every year. This number doesn’t include accidents where a drowsy driver caused injuries or other trauma. Clearly, sleeping well can help you avoid auto accidents, too.Driving while tired may seem like a limited problem, but it’s actually huge. 1 in 25 drivers has fallen asleep behind the wheel in the last 30 days. When you think about how many people drive and how much time they spend on the road, this is a problem! Ensure that you don’t contribute to it by doing everything you can to only drive when rested. If you’re tired, stay off the road!Protect yourself and those you love from injury by getting enough sleep. Make sure your mattress and <a href="https://www.tuck.com/tempurpedic-pillow-reviews/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.tuck.com/tempurpedic-pillow-reviews/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1530897629319000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFlKlvADr3KcXJcxtviI6klBeC0kg">pillows</a> are comfortable and that you are resting in an environment well-suited to sleep. It can take some work and intention to find ways to sleep long and well every night, but it’s worth it when you know that you aren’t endangering yourself or those around you.</div><div class="yj6qo ajU"></div>

Sleeping Well Helps You Avoid Injury

<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm">Carpal tunnel syndrome</a> is a condition where a major sensory nerve (median nerve) to the hand is compressed or affected.&nbsp; This condition can commonly affect people with jobs requiring repetitive movements of the wrist and hand and also that typing in front of a computer screen for hours on end.The median nerve can be affected at various points ranging from the wrist to the cervical spine.&nbsp; Some experts have postulated that cases of recurrent and refractory symptoms even after surgical decompression of the nerve at the wrist are due to compression at these other sites causing a “double crush” phenomenon.For those affected with carpal tunnel syndrome, optimizing the work or home environment (ergonomics) can go a long way to minimize nerve irritation and inflammation.&nbsp; Additionally, strengthening the neck muscles to optimize posture can also relieve pressure on the median nerve.

Fighting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Neck pain commonly affects millions of patients leading to significant pain and loss of productivity.&nbsp; Traditional treatment modalities have included rest, activity modifications, and a supervised physical therapy program to strengthen and stabilize the cervical spine.While these programs have been proven effective, they have significant associated costs and inconveniences to the patient.&nbsp; The question is whether a home exercise program would be effective to alleviate symptoms of chronic neck pain?&nbsp; <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24400934">Researchers</a> recently compared the effectiveness of 2 home exercise interventions in their ability to relieve chronic neck pain.&nbsp; They randomized patients into a pure <a href="http://www.simpletherapy.com/programs/neck-pain">stretching program or a strengthening program</a>.Interestingly, they found that there were no significant differences between the 2 groups and nearly one half of the patients (those that completed the program) reported significant pain relief.&nbsp; A conclusion from these findings maybe that a home therapy program for neck pain is a reasonable first step in the management of neck pain.<a href="http://www.simpletherapy.com">SimpleTherapy</a> offers a variety of neck stretching and strengthening exercises designed for you to improve flexibility and movement.

Home Exercise Programs Effective For Chronic Neck Pain

Traditional medical care for low back pain gets a boost from chiropractic therapy. A <a href="https://www.healio.com/orthopedics/spine/news/online/%7Bba391788-8cd1-41c3-89d8-e7d577146f37%7D/improvements-seen-in-military-personnel-with-low-back-pain-after-usual-medical-care-with-chiropractic-care?utm_source=selligent&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=orthopedics%20news&amp;m_bt=3467164728230">recent trial</a> on active duty service members showed that low back pain can be greatly reduced with the addition of chiropractic therapy to standard medical care when compared to just standard medical care alone. All service members were given standard medical care, which included medications, physical therapy and pain clinic visits.A portion of the service members were given chiropractic treatments along with the standard medical treatments. After six weeks of care both groups showed improvement in their low back pain, but the group receiving chiropractic therapy along with the standard medical care had significant decrease in low back pain and a higher satisfaction rating when compared to those only receiving standard medical care.<blockquote>SimpleTakeaway™Chiropractic therapy along with standard medical care appears to be a powerful combination totreating and alleviating low back pain.</blockquote>--<a href="https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3.simpletherapy.com.worpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06202625/randy-300x300-bg.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-2288" src="https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3.simpletherapy.com.worpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06202625/randy-300x300-bg.png" alt="" width="145" height="145" /></a>Commentary by Randall RudeenRandy is a SimpleTherapist and Health and Wellness Coach at SimpleTherapy. He is also a doctor of Chiropractic and a college biology professor. Randy has managed multiple fitness centers, attained a 4th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and participates in mud runs with his daughter.Are you or someone you know experiencing pain?&nbsp;<a href="http://www.simpletherapy.com/">SimpleTherapy</a>&nbsp;has a wide range of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arthritis-health.com/types/osteoarthritis/what-knee-osteoarthritis">pain programs</a>&nbsp;to help relieve your discomfort at home. We are a progressive, adapting program personal to your needs that will start easy and build up gradually over time, as you advance in readiness. We also offer friendly coaching and 24/7 support whenever you need it. Try your first session free today!

How Greatly Does Chiropractic Benefit Low Back Pain?

<a href="https://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/conditions/ailments-of-the-ankle/Pages/Ankle-Sprain-.aspx">Ankle sprains</a> are among the most common injuries in athletics.&nbsp; It is estimated that over 25,000 ankle injuries occur in the U.S. each day!&nbsp; While not life threatening, these injuries can cause significant pain, morbidity, and delay return to activities or sport.Treatment of ankle sprains initially consists of rest, elevation, ice, compression, and activity modifications.&nbsp; Anti-inflammatory medications and a splint or brace immobilization can help minimize pain, swelling, and inflammation.&nbsp; Following improvement of symptoms, an ankle stabilization program designed to <a href="http://www.simpletherapy.com/programs/ankle-pain">stretch and strengthen</a> the surrounding muscles is instituted prior to return to activities.&nbsp; It is not uncommon for soreness, stiffness, and residual swelling to persist for up to 3 months.<a href="http://www.simpletherapy.com">SimpleTherapy</a> offers a customizable exercise therapy program to strengthen and stabilize weak ankles following injuries to allow for recovery and lower risk for subsequent re-injury.

All About Ankle Sprains

<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/25/health/25consumer.html?_r=0">Low back pain</a> is among one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal complaints in the United States.&nbsp; Up to 15 percent of Americans seek medical treatment for low back pain, and countless more suffer leading to millions in loss of productivity.Mechanical low back pain refers to non-neurogenic causes of back pain such as degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.&nbsp; Patients typically complain of stiffness and tightness in their low back with the pain occasionally radiating to the buttocks and the back of their legs.&nbsp; It is uncommon for mechanical low back pain to be associated with pain radiating below the knees or numbness, tingling or weakness.&nbsp; In those instances, pinching of one of the nerves to the lower leg (i.e. sciatica) should be suspected.According to <a href="https://www.cure-back-pain.org/back-pain-after-epidural.html">The Back Pain Authority</a>, suffering lingering back pain after an epidural injection is one of the many possible complications of these common needle-based procedures.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cure-back-pain.org/epidural-injections.html">Epidural injections</a>&nbsp;are used for many purposes, including anesthetic introduction, diagnostic processing, spinal fluid sampling, and various intervertebral disc-related procedures. By nature, all of these injections penetrate the epidural space, which contains the dura mater, spinal fluid, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cure-back-pain.org/nerve-roots.html">spinal nerves</a>,&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cure-back-pain.org/spinal-cord.html">spinal cord</a>&nbsp;within the central vertebral canal.There have been many treatments proposed to relieve low back pain, but few have withstood the test of science.&nbsp; However, proper ergonomics and a <a href="http://www.simpletherapy.com/programs/lower-back-pain/">stretching and strengthening program</a> designed to condition the stabilizing core muscles and muscles of the spine have been proven and recommended to minimize the symptoms of low back pain.At <a href="http://www.simpletherapy.com">SimpleTherapy</a>&nbsp;we take your pain seriously. That's why we have a variety of pain programs to alleviate your discomfort from the comfort of your own home. In seconds, you can easily design and create an exercise therapy program for your aching back or other joints.

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